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GeoThermal Systems
The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth)
and therme (heat). So, geothermal energy is heat from within
the earth. We can use the steam and hot water produced inside
the earth to heat buildings or generate electricity. Geothermal
energy is a renewable energy source because the water is
replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced
inside the earth.
 Ground
source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems
that tap the stored energy of the greatest solar collector
in existence: the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively
constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot
water for homes and commercial buildings.
Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed
or open loops, and those loops can be installed in three
ways: horizontally, vertically, or in a pond/lake. The type
chosen depends on the available land areas and the soil
and rock type at the installation site. These factors will
help determine the most economical choice for installation
of the ground loop.
For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is
circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's
surface. During the winter, the fluid collects heat from
the earth and carries it through the system and into the
building. During the summer, the system reverses itself
to cool the building by pulling heat from the building,
carrying it through the system and placing it in the ground.
This process creates free hot water in the summer and delivers
substantial hot water savings in the winter.
Open loop systems operate on the same principle as closed
loop systems and can be installed where an adequate supply
of suitable water is available and open discharge is feasible.
Benefits similar to the closed loop system are obtained.
A GSHP system can be installed in a residential structure
of any size, anywhere, whether it is single-family or multi-family.
GSHPs can be installed on almost any size lot: under lawns,
landscaped areas, driveways, or the house itself. An existing
house can be retrofitted with a GSHP using the ductwork
that is already there. Your dealer/installer will be able
to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications
are needed. Home builders and homeowners can both take advantage
of the special financing that is offered in many locations
on a GSHP either through the utility or manufacturer.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) have both endorsed ground source heat pump
systems as among the most energy efficient and environmentally
friendly heating, cooling, and water heating systems available.
In a 1993 report, the EPA concluded that geothermal technologies
represent a major opportunity for reducing national energy
use and pollution, while delivering comfort, reliability
and savings to homeowners.
Ground Source Heat Pumps offer great benefits:
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Can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water
heating system |
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Some can save you up to 50% on your water-heating
bill by preheating tank water |
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Made of mechanical components that are either buried
in the ground or located inside the home |
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About the same size as a traditional heating/cooling
unit |
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Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty |
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Can cut energy consumption by 20 to 50% and reduce
maintenance costs |
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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 |
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Very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside
& outside the home |
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No noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities |
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No exposed equipment outdoors; children or pets cannot
injure themselves or damage exterior units |
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No open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous
fuel storage tanks |
GSHPs offer great savings:
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One of the most efficient residential heating and
cooling systems available today |
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Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating
systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than
available air conditioners |
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Save money in operating and maintenance costs |
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Investments recouped in only a few years |
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Positive cash flow; energy savings usually exceed
the cost of the system |
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Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their
customers who purchase GSHPs. |
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Many heat pump manufacturers, local utilities, and
lending institutions have special financing for homeowners
who are installing GSHPs |
GSHPs are environmentally friendly:
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Conserve natural resources by providing climate control
efficiently and thus lowering emissions |
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Minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed
refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have
to be recharged |
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Uses underground loops to transfer heat, with no external
venting and no air pollution |
The
above information was taken from the IGSHPA website
Contact us today for your free, no
obligation site survey and evaluation.
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