Geothermal Heating and Cooling, and its Pros and Cons
August 20, 2024
As we continuously seek energy-efficient and environmentally friendly options, geothermal heating and cooling systems are becoming more popular. These types of systems use the Earth's natural heat to regulate indoor temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional HVAC methods. But before you make the switch, it’s essential to understand both the advantages and potential drawbacks of geothermal technology. Here’s a comprehensive look at geothermal heating and cooling, and its pros and cons.
What is Geothermal Heating and Cooling?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use geothermal energy, or the Earth's stable underground temperature, to heat and cool your home. A geothermal heat pump circulates a fluid through underground pipes, absorbing heat from the ground. This process transfers heat to or from your home, depending on the season. During winter, the system extracts heat from the ground and transfers it inside. In summer, it reverses the process, removing heat from the home and transferring it to the ground.
Pros of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
- Energy Efficiency: Geothermal systems are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions available. They can achieve efficiencies of 400% or more, meaning for every unit of electricity used, they produce four units of heating or cooling.
- Environmentally Friendly: By using the Earth's natural heat, geothermal systems significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. They also have a lower carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
- Big Savings: Although the initial installation cost is higher, geothermal systems can help save you money over time. Lower operating costs and energy bills usually offset the upfront investment.
- Longevity and Low Maintenance: Geothermal heat pumps are known for their durability and long lifespan, often lasting 20-25 years for the indoor components and over 50 years for the ground loops. They require less maintenance than conventional HVAC systems since there are fewer moving parts, and no outdoor units exposed to the elements.
- Consistent Comfort: Geothermal systems provide consistent and even heating and cooling, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving overall comfort.
Cons of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
- High Initial Cost: The biggest downside of geothermal systems is the high installation cost. The high price tag is due to the installation process requiring drilling in the ground and installing ground loops, which must be custom fit to each home. However, this cost is typically recovered over time through energy savings.
- Installation Process: Installing a geothermal system requires a lot of space for the ground loops, digging or drilling. This can be difficult or impractical in certain locations, especially in urban areas with limited space.
- Limited Retrofit Opportunities: If your home isn’t already equipped for a geothermal system, retrofitting might be challenging or expensive. Retrofitting refers to changing from one heating system to another. It’s important to determine whether your home’s structure and location are suitable for this type of system.
- Geographical Limitations: The effectiveness of geothermal systems can vary based on geographic location and soil conditions. In regions with poor thermal conductivity or areas with rocky terrain, the efficiency of the system might be impacted.
- Possible Noise Concerns: While generally quiet, some geothermal systems can produce noise, particularly from the circulating pump or compressor. This is usually minimal but worth considering if noise is a concern for you.
Is Geothermal Heating and Cooling Right for You?
Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer many benefits, including energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost savings. However, the high initial cost, installation complexity, and geographical limitations are factors to consider. If you’re committed to reducing your carbon footprint and investing in a system that provides consistent comfort, geothermal technology might be the perfect fit for your home.
Geothermal Energy in Lincoln, Nebraska
At Custom Cooling & Heating, we believe in the potential of geothermal energy as part of a sustainable future. Our experts are here to help you assess whether geothermal energy is the right solution for your heating and cooling needs in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about how geothermal energy can benefit your home or business.
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If it feels like your furnace never shuts off, you’re not imagining things and you’re not alone. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is why their furnace runs constantly, especially during colder months in Nebraska. While some run time is normal in winter, a furnace that seems to run nonstop can be a sign of underlying issues that affect comfort, efficiency, and energy costs. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners understand what their heating system is telling them and when it’s time to take action. Here’s what it means if your furnace is running constantly and what you should do about it. Is It Normal for a Furnace to Run All the Time? During periods of extreme cold, your furnace may run longer cycles to keep your home at the set temperature. This can be completely normal, especially if outdoor temperatures are well below freezing. However, if your furnace rarely shuts off or struggles to reach the desired temperature, there may be an issue affecting performance or efficiency. Understanding why your furnace runs constantly starts with identifying the most common causes. Common Reasons Your Furnace Runs Constantly 1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter A dirty air filter is one of the most common and easily fixable reasons a furnace runs nonstop. When the filter is clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing the furnace to work harder and longer to circulate warm air throughout your home. What this means for your home: Reduced airflow can lead to uneven heating, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear on your furnace. Regularly changing your air filter helps your system run more efficiently and maintain proper airflow. You can buy your air filters online and save 10% on auto ship. 2. Thermostat Issues or Incorrect Settings Sometimes the problem isn’t the furnace itself, it’s the thermostat. Incorrect settings, calibration issues, or an aging thermostat can cause your system to run continuously. What this means for your home: If your thermostat isn’t accurately reading the indoor temperature, your furnace may think it needs to keep running even when your home is already warm. A properly functioning thermostat helps regulate heating cycles and prevents unnecessary run time. 3. Poor Insulation or Air Leaks If warm air is escaping your home through poor insulation or drafts, your furnace will continue running in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature. What this means for your home: Heat loss forces your system to work harder, increasing energy usage, and reducing comfort. Sealing air leaks and improving insulation can significantly reduce furnace run time and improve efficiency. 4. Mechanical or Maintenance Issues Worn components, improper airflow, or lack of regular maintenance can also cause excessive run time. Small issues can add up, reducing efficiency and shortening the lifespan of your furnace. What this means for your home: Ignoring these issues can lead to more serious repairs down the road. Routine maintenance helps identify and correct problems before they impact system performance. What Constant Furnace Run Time Means for Energy Costs When homeowners ask why their furnace runs constantly, energy efficiency is often the biggest concern. A furnace that runs longer than necessary uses more energy, which can lead to noticeably higher heating bills. Addressing airflow issues, maintenance needs, and insulation concerns can help your system operate more efficiently, saving money while improving comfort. When Should You Call a Professional? If your furnace is running constantly and you’ve already checked the air filter and thermostat settings, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a closer look. Ongoing run time can signal issues that aren’t visible to the average homeowner. A professional inspection can help determine whether your furnace needs adjustment, repair , or routine maintenance to restore proper operation. How Custom Cooling & Heating Can Help At Custom Cooling & Heating, we help homeowners diagnose heating issues, improve efficiency, and stay comfortable throughout the winter. Whether it’s routine maintenance, system repairs, or evaluating overall performance, our goal is to help your furnace work the way it should efficiently and reliably. We focus on practical solutions that extend the life of your system and help prevent costly breakdowns during the coldest months of the year. Take Control of Your Home’s Comfort If you’re wondering why your furnace runs constantly, don’t ignore the signs. Addressing the issue early can improve comfort, lower energy costs, and protect your heating system. Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today to schedule an inspection or maintenance service and ensure your furnace is running efficiently all winter long.
When temperatures plunge and your home suddenly feels more like a walk-in freezer, a broken heater can be more than an inconvenience, it can be an emergency. The middle of winter is the worst time to be without heat but knowing what steps to take can help protect your home, your family, and your comfort. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners restore warmth quickly and safely. Here’s what to do if your heater stops working when you need it most. 1. Check the Basics First Before assuming the worst, start with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Many heating failures are caused by basic issues that can be resolved without a service call. Check your thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “Heat” and that the temperature is set higher than your home’s current indoor temp. If it’s a battery-powered thermostat, swap in fresh batteries. Inspect your circuit breaker: A tripped breaker can shut your furnace down completely. Reset it if necessary. Ensure your furnace switch is ON: Furnaces often have a standard light-switch-style power switch on or near the unit. Make sure it wasn’t accidentally turned off. Look at your air filter: A severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut down for safety. If the filter looks dusty or blocked, replace it . If these quick checks don’t restore heat, the issue may be deeper inside the system and require professional attention. 2. Avoid Overworking Your System When heat stops flowing, it’s natural to keep adjusting the thermostat, hoping the furnace will kick back on. Try to avoid repeatedly turning the system on and off, as this can make the situation worse or cause damage. Instead, turn the system off if you smell burning, hear unusual noises, or see signs of overheating. These can signal electrical issues or mechanical failures that need a technician. 3. Use Safe Temporary Heating Solutions While waiting for repairs, you'll need to keep your home comfortable, but safety should always come first. Avoid using your oven or grill to heat your home, as these methods are extremely dangerous. Safer alternatives include: Electric space heaters: Keep them on a stable surface, at least three feet from flammable items. Fireplaces: Ensure the flue is open for proper ventilation. Layered clothing and blankets: A simple and safe short-term solution. If indoor temperatures drop too low, consider staying with a friend, family member, or in a hotel to avoid the risk of frozen pipes or health issues. 4. Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing A broken heater doesn’t just affect comfort, but it can also put your plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. To help prevent freezing: Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air around plumbing. Let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving. If your home has multiple stories, keep doors open between rooms to allow even air circulation. If temperatures in your home drop below 55°F, your pipes may be at risk, so monitor them closely until the heat is restored. 5. Call a Professional HVAC Technician If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a certified expert . Heating systems have complex electrical, mechanical, and safety components, so attempting repairs without training can be dangerous. At Custom Cooling & Heating, our technicians diagnose heater breakdowns quickly and offer reliable solutions to get your home warm again. Whether it’s a faulty ignitor, blower motor issue, dirty flame sensor, or aging furnace components, we’ll pinpoint the problem and recommend the most cost-effective fix. 6. Consider the Age of Your Heater If your heater is over 12–15 years old, repeated breakdowns may be a sign that it’s time for replacement. Older units lose efficiency, struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, and can increase your energy bills. A new high-efficiency heating system can: Reduce monthly utility costs Improve indoor air quality Deliver more consistent comfort Provide safer, more reliable performance Our team can help you compare repair vs. replacement options, so you can make the best choice for your budget and home. 7. Prevent Future Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance Once your heat is restored, the best way to avoid another winter surprise is to schedule annual furnace maintenance . Preventive service keeps your system running smoothly and can catch small issues before they turn into emergencies. Routine maintenance from Custom Cooling & Heating includes: Full system inspection Cleaning and lubrication Filter replacement Safety checks Efficiency testing Not only does this reduce the risk of winter breakdowns, but it also extends the life of your equipment. Stay Warm with Reliable Winter Heating Support A broken heater in the middle of winter can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experts at Custom Cooling & Heating are here to restore your comfort quickly and safely. Whether you need emergency repairs , routine maintenance , or a new system installation , our team is ready to help. Need fast heating service? Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today and let us bring the warmth back to your home.
