Some homes manage to be comfortable in any season without the energy bill to show for it. How is that done? And what is there to this method of heating and cooling that draws from underfoot? For those in Northwest Florida, geothermal is all the rage; you may want to know why.
We at Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical have made geothermal one of our specialties in Panama City and Bay County for some time now, having been in business since 1982. Should you have any queries after perusing this, a call to (850) 929-8858 will put you in touch with us and we will be glad to set the record straight on how it works.
To some ears geothermal may have a science fiction ring to it. In reality it is more straightforward and far more interesting. We would like to put forward a few fun facts to put home comfort in a new light.
Think of the Ground as a Battery
Put down a couple of feet from the surface and the earth maintains a constant temperature come what may. There are no seasonal swings as you see in the air. That is the whole point of a geothermal system.
With its loop of pipes the system transfers heat to and from your home. Winter calls for drawing warmth up from the ground, in summer you are putting the excess heat of the house back into the cooler earth. The ground is in effect a large natural battery that does not deplete.
Older Than One Might Suppose
You would be hard pressed to find a homeowner who has not made the mistake of thinking geothermal is something of a novelty. It is an assumption we regret seeing so often. Yet using the earth’s unvarying temperature is nothing new. The modern heat pump has been well tested and refined over the years.
Our team has seen geothermal become the choice of many a home and business where once it was a niche product. We have been in the industry long enough to be familiar with these systems in every way.
A System for All Seasons
Then there is the matter of a single system doing double duty for both heating and cooling, which comes as a surprise to some. There is no need for separate units for the cold and warm months. What has you toasty in January will have you cool in July, the loop just goes in reverse.
Homeowners are drawn to geothermal for any number of reasons:
- No need to contend with the outdoor air when the earth’s temperature is available
- You are covered for heating and cooling with one unit
- Weather cannot get to the main loop being as it is buried
- A quieter operation than most of the traditional outdoor units
- Over time it will put a dent in your monthly energy use
- Well suited to the climate of Northwest Florida
The Loops Are Built to Endure
Call it the ground loop, but the part of the system that is underground is not going to be subject to the wear and tear of sun and rain in the way outside equipment is. This alone is enough to keep most who make the switch to geothermal from looking back.
Indoor equipment requires its due care and attention, and our NATE-certified technicians are on hand for that. Good service and installation will determine the life of your system.
Not All Companies Will Do It
Many in Panama City are taken aback to learn that a full-service geothermal repair or installation is beyond the scope of some heating and cooling outfits. Proper training and experience are called for.
Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is something of an exception in the market here. We are specialists in geothermal and can put the right WaterFurnace, American Standard or Amana system in your home.
A Good Fit for Florida Living
With the length and warmth of our summers, adequate cooling is a priority. Geothermal is up to the task of meeting that demand and still curbing energy consumption. We are able to assist homeowners from Millville to Bay View Heights and as far as Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas, Santa Rosa Beach and Bonifay in deciding if geothermal is for them.
Licensed and insured, we are around 24/7 seven days a week. Even at an odd hour we are available if you have a question.
For a free estimate or to discuss any of our plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling services, give Ridge Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical a ring at (850) 929-8858. We are here to oblige.
