March-2024 Cooperative Living-Choptank - 37

FIXER UPPER
Geothermal
Energy
A hot topic that's also
a cool conversation
by Will Lange, Contributing Columnist
I
n a world of traditional, fossil fuelbased
heating and cooling systems,
solar panels on roofs and vast wind
farms, you may never have given
much thought to another renewable:
geothermal heat pumps.
These " geo " heat pumps aren't flashy,
or even noticeable to your neighbors.
There are no telltale changes to your
roof or your driveway; they quietly
operate underground through water
pipes, always hard at work heating and
cooling homes across the country and
around the world.
But why would a co-op member
take the time and effort to invest in a
geo system for their home?
Most importantly, geo systems
reduce homeowner heating and
cooling costs by more than 50%. If you
research " geothermal savings calculator "
your results will take you to several
calculators that will show your home's
potential savings. Try a few and see for
yourself.
Another important reason to " go
geo " is that the systems are all electric.
This can eliminate the need to buy
propane or have a gas line in your
home. Because modern geo systems
When using a geothermal unit,
about 75% of the heating and
cooling energy comes from
the earth.
typically provide " free hot water " from
compressor heat, they pair perfectly
with modern heat pump water heaters.
These steps will lower expenses with
fewer bills as you transition your home
to all electric.
While 100% of the energy that
goes into a geo system is electric, about
75% of the heating and cooling energy
coming out is renewable energy from
the earth. Sure, it may take $50 a month
to operate a geo heat pump, but the
total output - with the ground energy
- is four times that much.
And the best part is a geo heat
pump should be unaffected by cold
A geothermal unit easily integrates into
your current heating and cooling system.
co-opliving.com
snaps or heat waves. With the outdoor
compressor unit gone, these systems can
operate uninterrupted in any weather.
In fact, the underground piping will last
over 100 years, while the indoor system
should last 25-30 years.
Realizing geo heat pumps are both
renewable energy systems and expensive
to install, the IRS is providing 30%
tax credits to qualified homeowners
through 2032. If your geo system costs
$30,000, you may be eligible for a
$9,000 reduction in your tax bill that
can be spread out over multiple years.
In some areas there are additional state
tax credits and other incentives, the
member services experts at your co-op
may be able to help you navigate these
incentives.
*
March 2024 * Cooperative Living * 35
PHOTOS COURTESY WILL LANGE
http://www.co-opliving.com
March-2024 Cooperative Living-Choptank

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