Geothermal Energy Systems: Good for the Earth, Good for your Home

Use clean, renewable energy to heat and cool your home naturally

Geothermal systems can help to warm and cool your home without using the traditional HVAC systems.  Before choosing to install a Geothermal System, find out which system is best for you and your home.  Look for systems with the “ENERGY STAR” label meaning it has qualified for the rating by the U.S. Department of Energy.  Select a system that will meet the needs of your home’s capacity. Contact an HVAC company to learn more and choose the best system for you.

How do Geothermal Systems work?  The two components of Geothermal Systems are underground loops and indoor heating pumps that circulate water to be transferred as heat or air conditioning inside the home.  Due to the fact that underground temperatures are consistent, the system works year-round, reversing the system to generate the desired warm or cool air.

Advantages of Geothermal Systems:

1. Environmentally friendly
2. Does not cause significant amounts of pollution
3. Reservoirs are naturally replenished and renewable
4. Meets the energy demands better than other renewable systems
5. Runs quietly
6. Lower maintenance than traditional HVAC systems
7. Heats and cools your home
8. Stable costs since the system is not dependent on fuel or energy prices
9. A small footprint with partially underground installation
10. Geothermal energy is available everywhere
11. Systems are available in new builds and can be retrofitted into existing homes

Disadvantages of Geothermal Systems:

1. The initial investment can be expensive
2. Depending on your location, the resource availability and cost can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of the investment
3. Geothermal power is only sustainable (renewable) if the reservoirs are properly managed
4. Highly recommended to have a professional HVAC company install the system to avoid mistakes or future issues

Options for Geothermal Systems:

Ultra High Efficient Heat Pump Built for Total Home Comfort
Carrier’s exclusive Infinity™ heat pump has two stages, operating with less power longer. And we engineered it to team with an Infinity furnace to create the most economical HybridHeat System, which saves you money year-round. With rising costs of fuel it is safe to say this is a good way to save money. The secret behind a Hybrid Heat system is Carrier’s state-of-the-art heat pump. A heat pump works as an air conditioner in hot weather, but can also reverse the process and heat the home when cold weather arrives. Rather than burning fuel to generate heat, the heat pump moves heat without a flame, making it a more efficient method of heating a home. Additionally, some Carrier heat pumps feature Puron(R) non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, making them an environmentally sound option.  Contact us today and we can even calculate your savings you will see using the Infinity Heat Pump with the Infinity Furnace.

Hydronic Heating Systems
Hydronic under floor heating is the most popular form of radiant heat, mainly because it has been around the longest. This form of heating was first used by the Romans, but there have been significant developments since. In the most recent hydronic systems, PEX radiant tubing has been installed in a concrete mass called Gypsum Concrete or “Gypcrete.” This method works very well in most applications, but there have been developments in the installation process of hydronic under floor heating that make it easier to install for certain situations. This new development is known as a low-mass or modular board underlayment system. Rather than embedding the hot water tubing in concrete, the PEX tubing is laid in the grooves of pre-cut wood panels. This new method is ideal for remodeling and most new construction projects.

However, in-floor heating is not your only option for boiler hydronic heating systems.

Another option is hydronic forced air which would incorporate the following pieces:  a boiler, and air handler, and a hot water coil.  The advantages to doing it this way are that you’ll be saving energy over what even a very efficient furnace would save you, as well as heating your home with a safer, more compact unit. Such a unit is known for delivering even warming to the various rooms of your house.  There is of course the hydronic baseboard heat that is still available to install in homes as well.

IBC Boilers
IBC boilers feature a stainless steel heat exchanger!  The designed “Super Coil VFC Heat Exchanger” utilizes the latest advances in burner, gas air mixing and control technology the “Super Coil” delivers the lowest flue gas exhaust temperature/ return water temperature differential.  In addition, the stainless steel heat exchanger provides protection against corrosion, which means you will have your unit last longer.

IBC boilers also have many sizes to ensure you have the right boiler for your application.

Weil-McLain Boilers
Weil-McLain boilers have been making boilers for almost 100 years.  They also have wide range of energy-efficient, high quality gas and oil-fired boilers for residential heating and gas-fired, oil-fired and combination oil/gas boilers for commercial use, including in restaurants, hotels, casinos and other commercial and institutional facilities.

Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning is the leader in heating, cooling, ventilation, and air quality products and services in the La Crosse area. We have been serving the Coulee Region for more than 80 years. Our technicians are highly and continually trained utilizing the most sophisticated HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technologies and equipment. All of our service technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified—the largest non-profit certification organization that is governed, owned, operated, developed, and supported by the HVAC industry. At Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on amazing customer service. Contact us today.