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Tara and Simone

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Geothermal Heating and Cooling FAQs

EYA is proud to offer environmentally-friendly geothermal heating and cooling on the Navarro homesites at Strathmore View. To learn more, read the FAQ below.

 

What exactly is geothermal heating and cooling?

Geothermal heating and cooling uses the stable ground temperature (~55°F year-round) to heat and cool the home. The system has two components: ground loops installed via vertical wells (375-400 feet deep) and geothermal heat pumps inside the home. The system continuously circulates a water mixture through the loops. In the winter, the cold water mixture descends down through the loop, absorbs heat from the ground, then ascends back up to the heat pump delivering warmer air to the home (reversed in summer).

 

How does it work differently from traditional HVAC?

Geothermal systems use the stable ground temperature rather than variable outdoor air temperatures or fuel combustion. The system continuously circulates fluid through the ground loops, has no outdoor condenser unit, and provides both heating and cooling from a single indoor unit. Using the stable ground temperature provides improved consistency in heating and cooling in extreme temperatures.

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What models will have geothermal heating and cooling at Strathmore View?

Geothermal heating and cooling will be offered in the Navarro homesites.

 

Can it be added to other Strathmore View models?

No, it is not available in other models.


Who is EYA partnering with to deliver geothermal heating and cooling?

EYA is partnering with Dandelion Energy, a leader in geothermal heating and cooling. Dandelion has been in business for almost a decade, has installed thousands of heat pumps and millions of linear square feet of ground loops, and has multiple builder partnerships nationwide. 

 
Costs & Financial Benefits

 

What will my typical monthly heating/cooling bills be?

Geothermal systems typically reduce energy bills by 30-50% compared to air source heat pumps, with higher savings potential during extreme heat and cold. Compared to gas systems, savings range from 10-20%.*

 

What tax credits and rebates are available?

A 30% federal tax credit is currently available for geothermal systems.** If eligible, Dandelion will provide the specific dollar amount for tax credit purposes. You should consult with your accountant to determine eligibility and file for credits.

 

Will geothermal increase my home's resale value?

Dandelion has data showing geothermal systems impact resale value. Specific statistics are available upon request.

 

Does it affect my property taxes?

No, geothermal installation does not affect property taxes.

 

Performance & Comfort Benefits

 

Will geothermal keep my home warm when it's 10°F outside?

Yes, geothermal systems maintain heating efficiency in cold weather by using the stable ground temperature rather than outdoor air temperature.

 

Is it quieter than traditional systems?

Yes, geothermal systems operate without an outdoor condenser unit, reducing noise.

 

How quickly does it heat or cool the home?

The system is comparable to any other HVAC system, and once it is on it runs more efficiently to consistently heat and cool the home, especially when the temperature set points are not changed by much.

 

Is there a backup heating system?

There is an auxiliary electric heater built in so if there was a heat pump failure or some other issue, it would cover partial heat load during repair time.

 

What happens during power outages?

As with any system that uses electric, the system would be down and not able to operate without electricity.

 

Equipment Installation

 

When will the wells be drilled?

Dandelion drills the wells first, before foundation work begins. They install the loops and run piping to the mechanical room location, then return after foundation completion to connect the heat pumps.


How deep are the wells?

End units: 400 feet deep
Interior units: 375 feet deep
Wells are 5 inches in diameter

 

Can I see the equipment or is it all underground?

Ground loops are completely underground (375-400 feet deep). The system includes two heat pumpsone in the lower level and one in a mechanical closet on the 4th floor. The ground loop enters from below the lower level, with the horizontal portion 2-4 feet underground.

Townhomes Winter-Summer

Can I landscape normally over the ground loops?

Yes, the ground loops are installed at a depth that allows normal landscaping.

 

Will the loops be marked by Miss Utility?

Yes, the geothermal loops are registered with Miss Utility as wells, and will be marked accordingly.

 

Are there any permanent restrictions on my property?

No permanent property restrictions result from geothermal installation.

 

Maintenance & Reliability

 

How long does the system last?

· Ground loops: Designed to last the lifetime of the home

· Heat pumps: 20-30 year lifespan

 

What maintenance is required?

· Filter changes every 3-6 months (standard sizes available at Home Depot)

· Annual system inspection

· Ground loops require no regular maintenance

· Maintenance contracts are available if preferred and typically cost approximately $500 annually ($25-50/month)

 

Who services geothermal systems in Maryland?

Any HVAC contractor experienced with geothermal systems can provide service, but it is recommended to use the original HVAC installer.

 

What do repairs typically cost?

You should expect less maintenance and very few repairs overall, but if there is a repair needed, service and parts are comparable to any other HVAC system.

 

What happens if Dandelion goes out of business?

Warranties remain valid and qualified HVAC contractors can service the equipment.

 

Daily Living

 

Is the thermostat different from regular systems?

No, the thermostat is the same as with any other system.

 

Can I integrate it with smart home systems?

Yes, it can be integrated with smart home systems.

 

How do I know if it's working efficiently?

The system comes with a monitoring feature, so you can access a dashboard that shows performance data as long as there is a WiFi connection.

 

Are there any seasonal adjustments needed?

No, the system does not need seasonal adjustments. It is designed to remain at a consistent indoor temperature year-round.

 

Will I notice any difference day-to-day?

Yes, you will notice all of the positives that stem from having a geothermal system: lower bills, quieter outdoors, less maintenance and more even and consistent temperatures throughout the day.

 

Do I need to change how I use heating/cooling?

All you need to do is select what is your optimal indoor temperature and let the system work from there. Since these systems are designed to run more consistently, it is better to make less changes to the thermostat. It is not recommended to raise or lower the thermostat more than a few degrees as the system is most efficient when running steadily.

 

Service & Support

 

How many certified technicians are in our area?

It is recommended to use the original HVAC installer as they will be most familiar with the system installation and the ductwork.

 

Is emergency service available 24/7?

The original HVAC installer would provide emergency service for the system.

 

Does Dandelion have local offices?

Yes, Dandelion’s closest office is the headquarters located in Arlington, VA. Dandelion is able to monitor remotely and if there is an issue with the ground loop itself, is able to come address quickly.

 

Is there an app to monitor my system?

Yes, the app is called Uplink Pro and homeowners will receive log-in credentials.

 

Environmental Impact

 

How much will geothermal reduce my carbon footprint?

Geothermal systems produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional heating and cooling systems. It is ~35% emissions and operating cost reduction for these townhomes compared to an air source heat pump. The system produces no carbon monoxide.

 

Can I pair geothermal with solar panels?

While geothermal and solar work well together technically, solar panels are not offered by EYA on the Navarro's mansard roof design. However, you could work with a 3rd party company to install solar if desired.

 

Does drilling increase radon exposure?

No, the drilling and installation of geothermal systems does not increase radon exposure in the home.

 

Is this good for Maryland's electric grid?

Geothermal systems maintain efficiency during peak demand periods, reducing strain on the electric grid compared to other electric heating and cooling systems.

 

* Actual savings may vary based on household temperature preferences and uses.
** The current 30% tax credit may be subject to change.

Please ask your Sales Manager for additional details.
 

 

Last updated: 7/1/25

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