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Geothermal System Services in Charlottesville, VA
Proudly Serving Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, Augusta, Madison, Greene & Orange Counties
Geothermal heat pumps offer a clean energy solution and much lower operating costs, especially compared to conventional heating and cooling systems.
The HVAC technicians at Albemarle Heating & Air install, repair, and maintain geothermal systems in Charlottesville and surrounding areas. As an authorized WaterFurnace dealer with years of geothermal experience, we can meet all your geothermal system service needs.
Call or contact us online today to request same-day service for your geothermal heat pump.
Why Install a Geothermal Heat Pump?
A geothermal heat pump works on the same basic principle as a conventional heat pump but is even more energy-efficient. Benefits of installing a geothermal heat pump include:
- Clean, renewable energy: Geothermal heat pumps emit no greenhouse gases, which is better for the environment and indoor air quality.
- Substantially lower operating costs: A geothermal heat pump can reduce your heating costs from 30% to 60% and between 20% and 50% for air conditioning.
- Quieter operation: The lack of an outdoor compressor or fan makes these systems much quieter than conventional heat pumps.
- Low maintenance: Fewer moving parts means less maintenance is required
- Longer system lifespan: Geothermal systems last about 25 years, which is about 10 years longer than conventional heating and AC equipment.
Geothermal System Installation & Replacement
At Albemarle Heating & Air, we proudly install WaterFurnace systems because they’re a leading manufacturer specializing in geothermal heat pumps.
Not every HVAC company offers geothermal systems, but we do. While we never recommend DIY HVAC installations, it’s particularly important to leave your geothermal installation to the professionals to ensure proper operation.
When To Consider Replacing Your Geothermal System
While geothermal systems last a long time, you’ll eventually need a replacement. Signs you may need a new system include:
- Frequent repairs: If your system needs repairs frequently, replacing it could save you money in the long run.
- Expensive repairs: If the cost of repairs is more than half the price of a new system, it’s time to consider replacing it.
- Old system: Geothermal systems usually last 20 to 25 years, and the ground loop typically lasts 50 years or more. If your unit or loop is aging, it may not work as well anymore.
- High energy bills: If your energy bills are rising even though you haven’t made any changes, your system might have decreased efficiency.
- Inconsistent comfort: If your system can’t keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it may be time for a new one.
Geothermal System Repair
Geothermal systems are durable, but they still need repairs from time to time. Components will suffer from wear and tear, especially without routine tune-ups.
When the blower fan motor fails, leaks develop, condensate drains clog, or other issues occur, our technicians will quickly diagnose the cause of the problem and apply the necessary repairs.
We adhere to strict safety and quality standards and guarantee the reliability of our geothermal system repairs. You can turn to our team for emergency geothermal system repairs in Charlottesville, VA.
Signs You Need Geothermal System Repair
Geothermal systems are strong, but they do need repairs now and then. Here are some signs that your system needs fixing:
- Strange noises: If you hear loud or unusual sounds like grinding or squealing, don’t hesitate to request service.
- Water leaks: If you notice water around the system, there may be a leak in the pipes or ground loop.
- Not cooling or heating: If your system takes too long to heat or cool your home, we can determine the cause and the best solution.
- Thermostat issues: If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, your system can’t heat or cool properly.
- No power: If your system won’t turn on, it may have an electrical or mechanical problem.
Geothermal System Maintenance
Preserving the efficiency and reliability of your geothermal system starts by staying on top of preventative maintenance. For the best results, we recommend scheduling geothermal system maintenance annually.
During a standard maintenance appointment, our technicians will perform a multipoint inspection and thorough cleaning customized to meet your system’s needs and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Most Common Geothermal Maintenance Tasks
Regular maintenance helps your geothermal system run smoothly for years. Here are some tasks we’ll complete to keep it in good shape:
- Change the filters: Replacing the filters every one to three months will keep the air clean and the system working well.
- Clean the coils: We’ll ensure the coils are clean to help the system work efficiently.
- Inspect the ground loop: We’ll look for any leaks or damage in the ground loop to keep the system running properly.
- Check the thermostat: We’ll ensure your thermostat is working correctly and recalibrate it if needed.
- Check refrigerant levels: We’ll ensure the system has enough refrigerant in the system and ground loop for proper function.
Why Choose Albemarle Heating & Air?
At Albemarle Heating & Air, it’s our pleasure to help our clients enjoy energy-efficient heating and cooling all year. We work hard to deliver reliable solutions that help our clients reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills. We’re always ready to answer your questions and help you determine the optimal HVAC solution for your family’s comfort.
When you choose the award-winning team at Albemarle Heating & Air, you’ll enjoy:
- Service from NATE-certified HVAC technicians
- Upfront pricing
- Peace of mind guarantees
- Free estimates on replacement quotes and service calls
- Emergency HVAC service
- Financing options
- And more
Call Albemarle Heating & Air or contact us online to schedule geothermal system services in the Charlottesville area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do geothermal heat pumps work?
Day in and day out, the sun’s rays warm the Earth. This generates heat that’s then trapped below ground. While temperatures above ground can range from well below freezing in the winter to sweltering hot in summer, the temperature below ground remains a relatively stable 50 to 70 degrees.
In the winter, the heat pump will draw this heat into the system, concentrate it, and circulate it throughout your home. In the summer, the flow is reversed to pull the heat from your home. It’s an efficient, effective solution ideal for Virginia homes.
Can you install a geothermal system in your existing home?
A geothermal system is easiest to install during new construction, but retrofits are possible. When adding this type of system to an existing home, ductwork modifications may add to the project’s cost. We have the professional expertise to design a properly sized system and ensure precision installation for an efficient system.
Is a geothermal system worth the investment?
Though these systems save money long-term, the initial cost is substantial. The energy savings can help offset the cost of a geothermal system; per WaterFurnace, many homeowners see a return of 10% to 20% over the lifetime of their WaterFurnace geothermal systems. If you plan to stay in your home for years, you’ll recoup the initial installation costs. When installing a geothermal system during construction, you can include the upfront costs in your mortgage.
How efficient are geothermal heat pumps?
Geothermal heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions available. It’s not unheard of for these systems to achieve between 300% to 600% efficiency during the winter.
By comparison, air-source heat pumps typically deliver between 175% and 250% efficiency, while standard furnaces deliver 80% to 100% efficiency.
CHARLOTTESVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREAS Albemarle County | Fluvanna County | Louisa County | Nelson County | Augusta County | Madison County | Greene County | Orange County