When my husband and I decided to build a home in Forth Worth, Texas, we spent a lot of time researching different building materials, appliances and opportunities.
We were determined to make smart choices that would contribute to the comfort, security and energy efficiency of the property.
We hoped not to have any regrets. We looked into styles of roofing, brands of windows, manufacturer’s of cupboards and options for countertops. We consulted with our contractor as well as electrical, plumbing and HVAC specialists. Living in Forth Worth, carbon footprint and utility bills are a big consideration. We can expect to run the air conditioner for six or seven months out of the. With temperatures regularly soaring into the nineties, and sometimes reaching the triple digits, powerful cooling is crucial. Plus, we deal with excessive humidity. As soon as we shutdown the air conditioner, we typically need to start up the heater. While temperatures rarely drop below freezing, there are often lows in the mid thirties. We rely on heating system for approximately five or six months straight. My husband and I looked into all different makes, models and types of heating and cooling options. When we came across geothermal heat pumps, I liked the idea of a single unit to handle both requirements. This modern innovation provides both heating and cooling and is also considered the most environmentally responsible style of temperature control on the market. Rather than using a combustion process to generate heat, the geothermal sytems takes advantage of a free and renewable source of heat found underground. It uses an underground loop system to convey this heat into and out of the home. In the summer, the geothermal heat pump operates very much like a conventional air conditioner. In the winter, it reverses the flow of refrigerant to bring heat indoors.