Ross and Witmer When you’re building a home, it’s easy to get carried away with the design and finishing decisions. But even more important are the decisions regarding your home-comfort systems. The heating and cooling system you choose will profoundly affect your comfort for years to come. If you’ve already been giving this some thought, you’re probably aware that geothermal is ideal for new home construction. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that this system is one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home, regardless of climate. Consider these benefits:
- Installation is relatively easy: Geothermal heat pumps use the energy stored underground to heat and cool your home. The excavation involved in laying the loop field contributes to its cost significantly. But when you’re building new, equipment operators are less likely to encounter utility lines and other obstacles that complicate and slow installation.
- Tax credits are available: Federal tax credits are available through 2016 for homeowners who install qualifying geothermal systems. You can deduct 30 percent of the cost of the equipment and its installation, and the tax credit has no upward limit on the amount.
- Maintain home value: Geothermal is perfect for new home construction, because homes with high energy efficiency maintain value and generally appreciate faster. Today’s buyers want efficient homes, and a geothermal system lowers energy expenses significantly.
- Increase safety: Geothermal systems use no combustion gases, lowering the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
- Achieve durability and dependability: The underground loop field can last 50 years or more, and with proper maintenance, the indoor air handle can last 25 years. Geothermal systems don’t require an outdoor condenser, making maintenance simpler and reducing the noise outside.
Thinking about going with a geothermal system in your home? Contact the experts at Ross & Witmer. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services to Charlotte-area homeowners since 1945.