Homeowners across Charlottesville, VA, have discovered the advantages of using the energy source in their own backyards to provide heating, cooling and hot water. Charlottesville geothermal heating and cooling systems tap into the constant temperature found a few feet below the surface of the earth, to deliver a consistent, even flow of conditioned air throughout the home, eliminating hot and cold spots.
One advantage, according to studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of geothermal heating and cooling is that it's the most energy-efficient option available. The experts at WaterFurnace International, Inc., the leading manufacturer of geothermal heating and cooling products, add that a Charlottesville geothermal system depends on the most ample source of renewable energy and a source that is available virtually anywhere in the Charlottesville, VA, area.
The result is a system that achieves green status in more ways than one: homeowners can decrease both their carbon footprint and their utility bills. In fact, the geothermal energy savings provided by a WaterFurnace geothermal system can be as much as 70 percent compared with a conventional system (natural gas, oil, electricity, or propane fuel). Additionally, the system eliminates noise pollution, with a sound level resembling a refrigerator.
A Charlottesville geothermal system captures the free energy from the earth by using a series of pipes, called an earth loop, buried in the ground. During the heating mode, a special fluid circulates through the pipe where heat energy is transferred from the ground (the heat source) to the fluid and then to the geothermal unit located in your home, supplying warm comfort. Inside the home, the heat is distributed through either a conventional duct system or a hydronic radiant heat system.
A Charlottesville geothermal system also addresses pollutants in the air. According to EPA tests, levels of pollutants are 2-5 times higher indoors than outside. Research also shows that exposure to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause health problems including, asthma, dizziness, fatigue and respiratory diseases, among many others.
A variety of devices can be used to reduce the health risks associated with poor IAQ and improve the air in your home. The WaterFurnace product offering includes HEPA filter technology, heat recovery ventilators, electronic air cleaners and a selection of filters, all designed to work with a Charlottesville geothermal system and contribute to good IAQ throughout the home. Visit the WaterFurnace website for a listing of products to help improve your home’s air quality.
To find a Charlottesville geothermal system that fits your needs, please contact Shelton Air or talk to a WaterFurnace expert at 260 446-9280.