You may have more options than you think to create self-sufficiency and source energy for your custom home. For years, gas, electric, and oil heating and cooling systems were the only choices available to Rochester/Finger Lakes area residents. Although those systems will certainly keep you comfortable, they’re costly to run and may not be the most environmentally-friendly option. In our region, we advise folks to consider geothermal energy for their new construction to reduce heating and cooling costs while minimizing their carbon footprints.
Geothermal energy taps into the heat trapped inside the earth to keep your house comfortably warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Since the interior temperature of the ground beneath your feet remains at a constant temperature year-round, it offers the perfect way to keep your home comfortable no matter what the weather.
A geothermal energy system consists of a series of looped pipes placed underground or in a well or pond. Refrigerant or water in the pipes passes through the earth, drawing heat from the soil. The pipes are connected to a heat pump inside your home that distributes heated air throughout your house. The process is reversed during the summer when heat is removed from your house and stored in the ground.
Depending on the size and characteristics of your Finger Lakes or Rochester building site, your builder may recommend one of these geothermal systems.
Geothermal energy is undoubtedly a remarkable solution for heating and cooling needs, offering environmental and cost-saving benefits. However, when building a custom energy-efficient home, it's essential to understand that geothermal systems are just one piece of the larger puzzle. Here's why.
According to Home Guide, the average geothermal system costs $4,000 to $8,000 per ton, which means you can expect to pay $15,000 to $35,000 or significantly more, depending on your home’s site and size. Larger homes require more piping, which increases the total cost. The price may also rise if rocky soil makes installation difficult.
Although a geothermal system is more expensive than other heating and cooling systems initially, adding the system to your new build can save you thousands of dollars in your forever home. In fact, geothermal energy could decrease your utility bills by as much as 70 percent, according to This Old House.
Ready for a holistic conversation about your Rochester area custom home? Use our complementary home-building guide to start with a great foundation.
Incentives and rebates help lower the cost of installation. New York offers a tax credit that can save you 25% (up to $5,000) for the installation of a geothermal system. If you buy a heat pump on the state’s approved list, you can save an additional $700 through the New York State Clean Heat Rebate Program.
Interested in learning more about geothermal energy for your new build? Give Gerber a call and we’ll help you explore heating and cooling options for your new home!