If you were the kid at the science fair who literally dug the earth—or even someone who identified with this type of earth-loving scientist—you may have grown up to become an advocate for geothermal heating and cooling systems. If you’re about to make the switch, ponder these enticing possibilities.

The earth makes a hospitable home to geothermal heating and cooling systems. A series of pipes, called a loop, is buried underground, where temperatures usually remain a steady 45 to 75 degrees. Liquid is warmed or cooled through these pipes before being circulated as conditioned air through a home.

In the winter, geothermal systems bypass a step most conventional heating systems rely upon: The burning of fossil fuel. This is one reason why more people are turning to geothermal systems. The other? The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you could save between 25 and 50 percent on your energy bills, depending on your climate, soil conditions and the system features you choose.

The experts at JonLe Heating & Cooling are uniquely qualified to help you with this project. The following three factors are a priority when deciding whether a geothermal system will work for your home:

• The amount and the integrity of the soil around your home. Soil with good heat transfer properties is obviously more conducive to geothermal systems.
• Ground or surface water near your home. Three of the four types of ground-loop systems—horizontal, vertical and pond/lake—are closed-loop systems. The fourth type of system is the open-loop option, which uses well or surface water.
• How much land you have to accommodate the system, as well as any nearby amenities, utilities or obstructions.

As you might guess, geothermal heat-pump systems are not inexpensive: The digging of trenches for the pipes is often the most costly part of the job. But taking the long-term view might be worthwhile, as geothermal heat-pumps are generally more efficient and less expensive to operate and maintain than traditional heating and cooling systems.

To discuss a geothermal heating and cooling system for your home, call the pros at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We were the science fair geeks, too, and we can literally help you dig into this exciting innovation.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.