For efficient, cost effective heating and cooling, many businesses are turning to ground source heat pumps instead of traditional commercial furnaces and air conditioners. Their versatility makes a ground source heat pump a great option for nearly all types commercial properties, and they can be used in new construction or retrofit for existing structures.


Commercial benefits of ground source heat pumps:

• Dual heating and cooling capabilities- cool certain areas while heating others
  
• Zoning compatibility provides increased control over energy consumptions and the comfort of those inside
  
• 50-year warranties on ground loop piping
  
• Quiet operation, eliminating disruptions
  
• Eliminate copper theft risks of outdoor air conditioning units
  
• Lower maintenance needs and cost
  
• Requires less indoor space to house mechanical equipment

Ground source heat pumps offer commercial savings:

• Longer equipment life means less replacement cost versus traditional commercial heating and cooling systems
  
• Little maintenance needs, reducing facility maintenance expenses
  
• Energy savings of up to 50% annually
  
• Save on water heating by using waste heat from the ground source heat pump’s air conditioning cycle
  
• Installing a ground source heat pump may qualify your company for rebates from your utility providers, as well as federal tax credits for building owners
  
• Lower your facility’s emissions level by using clean, geothermal energy instead of burning fossil fuels
  
• Reduce pollution with no external venting in the system’s design
  
• Eliminate the need for gas or other utilities used in heating and cooling- ground source heat pump systems are total electric

Ground source heat pumps and geothermal systems offer great advantages for businesses and other organizations occupying commercial facilities. Going geothermal can greatly reduce your facility’s operating costs and will help you develop an environmentally-conscious corporate identity. Smith Sustainable Design is an experienced commercial geothermal system designer and installer, and can help your business make the switch to ground source heat pumps to heat and cool your facility. Contact us today to discuss your energy needs.

On this blog, we talk a great deal about the advantages of electric solar energy. As a sustainable design provider, we may be partial, but we do what we do because ultimately, we feel the benefits are tremendous. As with anything, there are two sides of the coin, so to speak. Here’s a look at some aspects of electric solar energy which many consider a disadvantage.

Con: Electric solar energy is expensive

While the energy you consume that’s created by your solar panels is cheap, the installation of your system is costly. When many homeowners see the upfront price of 5 figures, many decide against installing these pricey systems.

Pro: Your net cost will actually be much lower! Thanks to federal tax credits, rebates from local utility providers, group discount programs, and power purchase agreements or solar leases, the final cost will be much lower. The federal tax credit alone for installing a residential electric solar energy system is 30% of the system’s cost!

Con: Electric solar energy is confusing

Yes, it’s true that many homeowners don’t know a lot about solar power, and likely don’t have any friends or neighbors who have installed a solar energy system. Terms like grid-tied, off the grid, inverter, and more can cause confusion when all you want to do is figure out if electric solar energy is right for you.

Pro: There are many resources you can look to for help. Every day, we educate homeowners on many aspects of solar energy, including how the system works, how it will affect them, and more. You can also look to many industry and government websites which have accurate information regarding the use of solar energy.

While there appears to be many cons relating to electric solar energy use, most concerns are easily dispelled. If you have questions about perceived disadvantages, call Smith Sustainable Design to address your solar energy concerns today.