Geothermal Energy

Geothermal, geo exchange, ground heat, water furnace, heat pumps, are all names used to describe geothermal energy. Working on the same principles as a refrigerator or air conditioner, geothermal systems move heat from one area to another. When cooling is needed geothermal systems pull heat out of the home to be absorbed by a medium, cooled then returned to the home. To heat the home the system simply runs in reverse. The heat exchange medium can be air, water, an environmentally friendly antifreeze or the earth. Air to air systems are the least efficient. In colder climates it is not impossible, but it is inefficient to extract heat from cold air. In hot regions, air to air geothermal units just work like an air conditioner making them impractical. For these discussions we will be talking about ground source and direct exchange systems.

Geothermal - Energy of the Future?

Geothermal energy has been around a long time. Systems today are much improved. New technologies have improved on many of the shortcomings of the past. New systems are very efficient now. Heat exchangers are sophisticated, efficient, and long lasting. The fans and fluid pumps used now are quiet and have long service lives. Some ground loops are made of high density polyethylene and have a life expectency of 200 years, and are warranted for 50 years. Geothermal systems have few moving parts, are low maintenance and give many years of trouble free service. Geothermal could be the energy of the future.

Geothermal as Renewable Energy

If you want to go green or just save money, geothermal is a good alternative. It is more efficient to move heat that already exists as opposed to generating heat from other sources of energy. The earth stays between 45 and 75 degrees, 4 to 6 feet below the surface. Geothermal is a very efficient system that uses the earth's constant temperature to heat and cool your home.

A geothermal unit uses a loop system filled with an environmentally friendly liquid or water buried in the ground vertically or horizontally. To heat in cold temperatures the system extracts heat from the ground, then compresses the liquid to further heat it. The heat is then transferred to the home through a radiator and duct system or through radiant floor heating. To cool the home the system simply runs the opposite direction, pulling heat out of the home replacing it with air cooled by the earth.

Types of geothermal units -

• Closed loop ( filled with environmentally safe antifreeze or water.)
  • Loops are buried in the ground vertically or horizontally.
  • Loops are run into a pond or reservoir.
  Open loop
  • Uses a pond or reservoir.
• Direct exchange
• Uses a well for the water source.

Efficiency -

• Conventional forced air furnace - Propane, natural gas, fuel oil. (95% efficiency)
  • Return is: 95 cents for every $1.00 spent.
  Geothermal system -
  • 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of energy used. $4.00 back for every $1.00 spent.

  Save up to %70 on heating and cooling bills, tax rebates up to %30, very little maintenance. One system for heating and cooling and the ability to reduce hot water costs. This is truly alternative energy.