|
Geothermal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits
of Geothermal Heating and Cooling
|
|
|
The
application of geothermal heating and
cooling, also known as ground source heat
pumps, has been named "the most
energy-efficient and environmentally
sensitive of all space conditioning
systems", by the Environmental Protection
Agency. The earth is at a constant
temperature of approximately 55 degrees.
The concept of the basic geothermal system takes
advantage of the earth's constant
temperature to
heat and cool a building, by tapping this
steady flow of heat from the earth in the
winter, and displacing heat in the earth
during the summer. Geothermal heat pumps can save
a homeowners 40 to 70 percent in heating costs
and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs
when it is compared to a conventional
heating and cooling system that run from air
sources. |
|
Ground
source heat pumps work in a similar manner
as air source heat pumps, but minus the high
cost. Atypical household can save $1500 a
year or more. This gives most systems a
payback period of three to five years. GSHP's are more than three times as
efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel
furnace. By moving heat that already exists
in the earth, instead of burning a
combustible fuel, GSHP's deliver three units
of energy for every one unit used to power
the heat-pump system. |
|
Another benefit of a ground source heat
pump can be found when teamed with a
desuperheater. This component skims residual
warmth from the compressor to heat water.
Which means that in the summer, when the
system is working to get rid of heat, the
desuperheater can provide practically free
hot water. And since most systems are
oversized, there is usually enough warmth
left over for low cost hot water in the
winter too, which means you will save even
more money. |
|
While GSHP's require a small amount of
electricity to concentrate the energy and
circulate it through the system, most
systems derive approximately 70 percent of
their energy from a clean, renewable source-
the earth. |
|
Other advantages of GSHP's include the fact
that all components of the unit are housed
inside the building or residence, thereby
reducing the wear and tear on the unit by
Mother Nature, and also eliminating the fear
of vandalism or theft. GSHP's do not require
a flue, and since there is no on-site
combustion, there's less chance of fire, and
no chance of carbon monoxide infiltrating
the home. GSHP's also carry the
Environmental Protection Agency's Energy
Star Label. |
|
Ground Source Heat Pumps offer great
benefits: |
|
-
Can be a combination heating/cooling
and hot water heating system
-
Some can save you up to 50% on your
water-heating bill by preheating tank
water
-
Made of mechanical components that are
either buried in the ground or located
inside the home
-
About the same size as a traditional
heating/cooling unit
-
Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty
-
Can cut energy consumption by 20 to
50% and reduce maintenance costs
-
Keep the air warmer in the winter (90
-105¡ F) and at a more consistent
temperature throughout the home,
eliminating the hot and cold spots
common with other systems
-
Very quiet, providing a pleasant
environment inside & outside the home
-
No noisy fan units to disturb outdoor
activities
-
No exposed equipment outdoors;
children or pets cannot injure
themselves or damage exterior units
-
No open flame, flammable fuel or
potentially dangerous fuel storage
tanks
|
|
GSHP's offer great savings: |
|
-
One of the most efficient residential
heating and cooling systems available
today
-
Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher
than other heating systems and cooling
efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than
available air conditioners
-
Save money in operating and
maintenance costs
-
Investments recouped in only a few
years
-
Positive cash flow; energy savings
usually exceed the cost of the system
-
Some utilities
offer rebates or incentives to their
customers who purchase GSHPs. To see
what your state has to offer
click here.
-
Many heat pump manufacturers, local
utilities, and lending institutions
have special financing for homeowners
who are installing GSHPs
|
|
GSHP's are environmentally friendly: |
|
-
Conserve natural resources by
providing climate control efficiently
and thus lowering emissions
-
Minimize ozone layer destruction by
using factory-sealed refrigeration
systems, which will seldom or never
have to be recharged
-
Uses underground loops to transfer
heat, with no external venting and no
air pollution
|
|
|
|
