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Air Source vs. Ground Source Heat Pumps

You have many different options when choosing a heating and cooling system in your home. For most of us, a central air conditioning unit typically does the trick, but you have other options at your disposal as well. A heat pump, for example, is a typically more energy efficient alternative that could work better for you depending on your location and need, and if you are going to use a heat pump, you need to decide between an air source and ground source model. There are pros and cons to each one, and ServiceWhale would like to guide you through them.

Cost Differences

A ground source heat pump will usually cost more to purchase and install, which could turn away many potential buyers. However, while an air source heat pump might be a cheaper option right out of the gate, you will tend to recover your investment on a ground source heat pump pretty quickly due to lower energy costs.

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Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps are often more eco-friendly than their central air counterparts, and between ground source and air source, ground source heat pumps tend to be more energy efficient. Even in the dead of winter, at the coldest temperatures, a ground source heat pump will run at maximum efficiency while air source heat pumps tend to suffer.

 

Maintenance & Repair Costs

Since they use an outdoor unit, air source heat pumps need to be regularly cleaned to prevent future damage. Ground source heat pumps, on the other hand, are often indoors or underground, protecting the units from debris and nasty weather. For this reason, an air source heat pump will only last about 15 years while its ground source counterpart can stay operational twice as long.

 

Installation Space

Due to probable excavation and landscaping, ground source heat pumps are not usually that easy to install, and if you want to avoid the headache of this process, a simpler air source heat pump might just be a better option.

Tax Incentives

Probably one of the best reasons to use a ground source heat pump is to take advantage of the federal tax incentives. If you purchase an Energy Star ground source heat pump, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit with no limit. By comparison, an air source heat pump will net you a tax credit claim of only up to $300.

Hire a ServiceWhale Heat Pump Specialist Today!

Choosing to install a heat pump in your home is not a decision that should be made lightly. There are simply too many factors that come into play, and when selecting between a ground source heat pump and an air source heat pump, you have to go with the option that makes the most sense for your family’s needs.

That does not, however, mean you need to go through the process alone. The contractors at ServiceWhale have many years of experience in the HVAC industry, and if you need help choosing the right heat pump, we can help. So for any further questions or to learn more about other HVAC services we can provide, contact one of our representatives today to see how we can help you.

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