Whether a homeowner lives in the suburbs or in the middle of nowhere, he or she can invest in energy-efficient technology. While some regions are more predisposed to provide access to solutions like solar or wind energy, any plot of land has access to geothermal energy.
A country home in Little Cove Farm in St. Leonard is wowing people with its many energy-efficient technologies. The Washington Post reported that this country farmhouse was built during the War of 1812, and sits on 50 acres of land. The nearly 1,000-foot waterfront along St. Leonard Creek allows the farm house to have an excellent view of the river.
The property was renovated to improve its energy efficiency and reduce the operational costs. A geothermal heating and cooling system uses the solar energy stored within the earth to control the temperature inside the home. By transporting water in a constant loop from the earth to the house, heat from the earth is transferred to the structure during the cooler months. During the warmer months, that same system is reversed so that the water saps the heat from the house and transports it back underground. The cooler temperatures of the earth in comparison to the heat above ground allows for the system to provide a consistent, temperate climate – regardless of what the weather is like.
A geothermal heat pump allows a homeowner to limit his or her consumption of oil or natural gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average cost of residential heating oil was $3.854 per gallon for the week of October 21, 2013. This is a slight increase from the average national cost of $3.813 per gallon for the week of October 7, 2013.
Heating and cooling often makes up the greatest portion of a person’s monthly utility bills. By investing in this eco-friendly option, a homeowner no longer has to worry about increasing costs associated with heating a house during winter months. Because older homes often have less insulation and older windows and doors, they are more costly to operate.
The Washington Post reported that the property has been renovated to include a number of energy-efficient technologies. The geothermal system, new insulation and modern windows and doors all help the St. Leonard property achieve greater energy efficiency. The new renovations will allow the future owners of this property to better afford its operation. The $2.4 million price tag is affordable considering its many features, but with any property purchase, it’s important to keep monthly utility bills in mind. The geothermal heating and cooling system installed on the property will reduce monthly operational costs and allow someone to save money that can be used to pay off a mortgage or for future maintenance.
Tags: Space Conditioning