Geothermal Heat Pump Types – Radiant Heat, Forced Air, Combo and Split

Geothermal Heat Pump Types – Radiant Heat, Forced Air, Combo and Split

There are 4 different types of geothermal heat pumps available today.

Each one has a different method of connecting to the heating distribution system in your home or building. Some types are more efficient than others at delivering space conditioning to the building, but that is a property of the distribution.

All of these GSHP types still get their energy from the ground loop, which transfers the absorbed heat into the internal refrigerant loop. It’s what happens to the heat after that is what makes the difference between types.

The four different types of geothermal heat pumps are water to air, water to water, combo and split heat pumps.

Water to Air
The first and probably most used geothermal heat pump is the water to air heat pump. This heat pump is used for houses with forced air systems, and basically replaces a traditional furnace. The ground loop brings in absorbed heat to the refrigerant loop (the water portion of “water to air”). That refrigerant is then compressed and cycled in front of a fan coil unit to be sent through duct work distribution to the house (the air portion of “water to air”. This process can also be switched in reverse to provide cooling to a structure.

One possible design issue is the sizing of the ductwork. Because geothermal systems are considered a low temp heat source, a higher volume of air is needed to deliver the same heating or cooling load. This will either require larger ductwork to accommodate for the greater air volume, or a specialized, small-duct, high-velocity forced air system like Unico or SpacePak.

Water to Water
The second type is a water to water, or hydronic. This type functions the same as all other heat pumps on the ground loop side of the refrigerant, but instead of sending the compressed and heated refrigerant to a fan coil, it is transferred directly into another water loop that circulates through the heat pump, and into the water-based distribution. This hydronic distribution is most commonly radiant heat (Radiant and Geothermal Article), but it can also be used in conjunction with a domestic hot water or a outside snow melt system.

Combo
The third type of heat pump is a combo unit. This combines the previous two types, providing both forced air and hydronic distribution. This is perfect in homes or buildings where both types of distribution are present. Some zones may be high heat loss, such as rooms with big windows, or near an exit door, and will require more heat in the space than just radiant or just forced air could provide alone. This is where a combo unit that can handle both could come in very handy.

Split
The last type on the market is known as a split unit. This type is basically the same as a regular geothermal heat pump on the water side, but it sends the refrigerant in a long loop to a remote air handler. This makes it easier in larger jobs to keep the heat pump in a mechanical room with all the loop field and flow center connections, and still have an air handler delivering heat to a remote location, such as the second story of a large house. This allows for greater flexibility in the overall design of the heating system.

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Having a Geothermal Pump Installed

Having a Geothermal Pump Installed

As a residential sales manager at Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning, a company that handles all types of heating and AC repair issues for clients in Charlotte, Ric Hendrickson says that geothermal pumps have become an especially popular option for homeowners who are looking for a safe and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool their homes during the winter and summer months.

Also known as ground source heat pumps or geothermal coolers, geothermal pumps are devices that utilize the consistent ground temperature to heat or cool homes in a completely natural way. Usually, HVAC companies have designed systems that will run a pump deep into the ground to capture the temperature and bring energy into the home without using any fossil fuels or gasses.

The Concept

Many HVAC companies have begun to utilize the concept of ground temperature consistency—which ensures that the temperature underneath the ground at certain levels will stay the same year round, no matter what the weather or climate—to heat and cool homes without using as much electricity. The way a geothermal pump works is somewhat complex. When a heating and air conditioning company comes out to install one of these systems, it will determine how deep the system needs to be placed in order to reach a certain ground temperature.

From that point, the installer will put in tubing and a pump, which is what actually moves water through the ground and creates the energy to be used to heat and cool the home. Once the energy starts flowing, it will circulate from the source deep in the ground beneath the home or building that it will service. A device known as a “ground loop” is installed underneath the building as a way to extract the temperature from the ground into the system. Once the heat extracted by the ground loop is brought back up into the home, it can be compressed and turned into whichever temperature the homeowner wants, depending on the season.

Energy Efficiency

These days, more and more homeowners have decided to have geothermal pumps installed at their homes. The best thing about geothermal heating and cooling systems is that homes with these types of systems in place can be heated and cooled without using nearly as much energy or fuels as traditional HVAC systems. It is actually one of the easiest, but yet most efficient ways to heat and cool a home.

While these geothermal heating and cooling systems do cost a fair amount to install, they cost far less to operate on a day-to-day basis than traditional systems and run far more efficiently than a gas furnace or air conditioner.

The Cost

Although there are many upsides to having a geothermal pump installed at your home or office, there is one main downside as well – cost. Having a geothermal pump installed is oftentimes going to be more expensive than having a traditional HVAC system put in. However, the continuing costs after that initial investment are likely to be far lower than with a traditional system. Needing a costly repair on regular AC in Charlotte is more common than someone needing a costly repair on a geothermal heat pump.

Additionally, the U.S. government is offering a number of tax incentives intended to encourage homeowners to take the plunge and have these environmentally friendly pumps installed on their properties. The government is supplementing the installation of these pumps up to 30%, with no price caps. So depending on what type of pump you are having installed, you could end up getting a 30% discount on the price by acting quickly, while the tax incentive is still in effect. Even though the initial investment is a little bit higher, that still is almost one-third off the cost of installation. Adding to the reduced cost of maintenance and energy bills, homeowners who choose to have geothermal pumps installed oftentimes end up coming out on top.

Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning is a premier installer of geothermal pumps in Charlotte, and the technicians at the company know all about how to handle heating and repairs on these systems. In fact, the staff at Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning has received training in many types of soil issues and geological conditions—which makes installing geothermal pumps a much easier and more eco-friendly process for everyone involved.

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A Geothermal Heat Pump Provides Tremendous Energy Savings

If you are looking for a cost-effective heating or cooling system, a geothermal heat pump may fit the bill despite having a high initial outlay. These types of heat pumps consume up to 44% less energy than air-source heat pumps and as much as 72% compared with other conventional heating and cooling solutions. Geothermal pumps work by taking heat from beneath the earth’s surface and transferring it to your home, in contrast with air-source pumps that take heat from the air outside. And if the geothermal pump has a two-speed compressor and variable fans, you can enjoy even more cost-savings on your energy bills. They are also quieter compared to air-source units, last longer and need less maintenance, and operate efficiently even if the air outside is cool.

Another benefit of geothermal systems is that their design flexibility allows them to be installed as part of newly-constructed homes or in retrofit situations; their hardware also takes up less room, freeing up space that can be used for other productive purposes. They are also durable since they have only a few moving parts, and warranties on the heat pumps routinely last 20 years or more.

Geothermal pumps, however, cost several times that of an air-source unit to install; these costs however, will be more than recouped from savings in energy bills over five to ten years. A more affordable alternative, however, is a dual-source heat pump that uses both geothermal and air-source systems and has a cheaper installation cost and will work nearly as well as geothermal heat pump units.

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Feeling the Geothermal Heat in Australia

When it comes to geothermal energy, Australia may not hold the top spot in the utilization of this renewable energy, but the potential is certainly there. As it has with other renewables, Australia has turned its attention to geothermal energy as a means to reach certain energy generation goals by the end of the year. These goals somewhat mirror the guidelines set by the Kyoto Protocol.

Why isn’t geothermal energy as prolific in Australia as in other parts of the world? One reason is that the geothermal energy found in much of Australia is not what is considered “wet.” Wet geothermal is found in areas that contain volcanic activity in which super heated water lies near or on the surface of the Earth. The steam created by this water rotates turbines that generate electricity. Because Australia is not volcanically active, binary power plants are used. As you would expect from something that is binary, it is a two-step process. Unlike wet systems in which the water is already hot enough to produce steam that rotates a power turban, water is injected into hot granite to create steam in a binary system. In Australia, this granite lies 3-5 km below the surface. A heat exchanger transfers the energy from the heated fluid to what is known as a working fluid (such as ammonia). The working fluid vaporizes in the exchanger and is then expanded in a turbine, generating electricity. As you might guess, the multiple steps involved in a binary geothermal system are costlier than in a wet system. Australian authorities have stated, however, that geothermal energy will be cost competitive with that of carbon-based energies.

Geodynamics, a company based in Australia, may have found an area in South Australia that would lessen the cost of geothermal energy generation. They claim that the Cooper Basin contains granite measured to be the hottest rocks ever recorded on the planet. And because the overlaying rocks that act as an insulation blanket have been found to be fractured, pressurized water inside them could flow to the surface and the heat would then be extracted to power turbines. The water would then return to the incredibly hot rocks below, allowing the process to start again. Because this water is naturally occurring, the need for outside water sources is eliminated, lowering the cost of geothermal energy production.

As further exploration of geothermal energy in Australia is conducted, more hot spots are sure to be found and this renewable energy will become method of energy generation for years to come.

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The Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

Johnny@GreenAirExpert.com

http://www.geothermalexperts.net

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Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control.  Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.   

 

Design Features

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. 

 

Reduced Vandalism

The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. 

 

Durability

The underground loops carry warranties of 25 to 50 years.  The pumps, which are safely located within the home, often last 20 years or more.

 

Maintenance

According to a study conducted for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), the maintenance costs are about one-third the cost of conventional systems.  In fact, the only work necessary involves occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger and regular changing of the air filters. 

 

Unsurpassed Comfort

These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.   

 

Improved Humidity Control

Geothermal heat pumps provide better humidity control than a tradition system, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.  These systems are ideal for individuals will allergy problems or lung problems. 

 

Eliminate Emissions

These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials.  By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. 

 

Low Environmental Impact

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds.  Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts.  Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases. 

 

Energy Savings

While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years.

 

Excellent Efficiency

With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. 

 

Customer Satisfaction

In a customer survey based on heating systems, geothermal heat pump users report higher customer satisfaction than any other customers surveyed.

 

Tax Credits

Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

 

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system.  When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

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Geothermal Heat Pumps: A Viable Option for Your Home

In today’s housing market, there are a number of options for how you heat and cool your home.  Geothermal heat pumps, although relatively unknown to the common market, could be a great option for you. In fact, the Santa Cruz, California real estate market provides some great examples of places where geothermal energy can shine.

Heat pumps work by moving a refrigerant material from the outdoor unit, a condenser, and an inside unit, an evaporator coil and back again, collecting and releasing heat as needed. Most heat pumps pull and circulate heat from the outside air to the inside air, which is subject to seasonal changes; not so with geothermal heat pumps.

Instead of using heat found in the outside air, geothermal heat pumps rely on the stable, even heat of the earth to provide the heating, air conditioning, and even hot water.  While the air temperature around your home can fluctuate with the season, a few feet below the surface of the ground is another story.  The ground remains a relatively constant temperature, varying slightly by latitude. For example, the ground beneath a Santa Cruz California home would average about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  By six feet underground, the temperature is usually constant, somewhere between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending just where one is located.

Geothermal heat pumps move heat from the earth into your house during the winter, and in the summer they pull heat from the inside and discharge it into the ground.  This method not only helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it also makes wonderful use of the earth’s renewable energy.  In fact, studies show that approximately 70% of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable.  The constant temperature of the earth  help to make these heat pumps one of the most efficient, and quiet heating and cooling technologies on the market today.

The installation of a geothermal heat pump for an average home is approximately $19,000 to $32,000 dollars when you factor in drilling costs, and other installation expenses.  While this is a high initial price, these specific heat pumps can produce significantly lower utility bills, usually between 30% and 40%, according to estimates from the U.S. EPA.

In addition to the overall energy savings that a geothermal heat pump provides, there are a number of other encouraging factors to consider.  They are extremely durable and require very little maintenance.  There are fewer mechanical components, most of which are underground, so they are sheltered from inclement weather.  The underground piping is usually guaranteed to last between 25 and 50 years, and is virtually worry free.  The components inside the house are small, and easily accessible for maintenance.  In addition, since there is no outside condensing unit like an air conditioner; geothermal heat pumps are much quieter to operate.

Geothermal heat pump systems also allow for a lot of flexibility, and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations.  The hardware requires less space than conventional HVAC system, and the equipment rooms can thusly be smaller in size. These heat pumps can also provide wonderful zone space conditioning, allowing you to determine which sections of your home need to be at a specific temperature range.

Since the shallow ground temperatures are relatively constant throughout much of the United States, a geothermal heat pump can be used effectively in just about any home.  However, knowing the specific geological, hydrological and spatial characteristics of your property will help you and your contractor design a system that is perfect for you.

Things such as the composition and properties of the soil and bedrock will often dictate the rate of heat transfer, and therefore will be an important consideration when designing a geothermal heat pump system. Soil and rocks with good heat transfer, such as clays will mean that you can use less piping.  The amount of soil also contributes to the system design.  If the soil is too shallow to trench, a vertical system may be more efficient then a horizontal loop system.

Just like the soil and bedrock, the hydrology of the property also is an important factor in the design of a geothermal heat pump system.  The water depth, volume, and water quality, can all play a part.  Groundwater or surface water can be used as a source for both open and closed loop systems.  If you make use of an open loop geothermal heat pump, you want to make sure you investigate your area’s hydrogeology extensively.  Doing so will help you avoid potential problems such as aquifer depletion and groundwater contamination.  For additional information on what is considered good conditions for a geothermal heat pump, check out Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration website, eia.doe.gov.

Of course, the amount of land, landscaping and the location of underground utilities will also contribute to your design.  Horizontal ground loops, often seen as the most economical, are usually used for new construction with a great deal of available land.  Vertical loop system designs are great for situations where there is an existing building, or where the landscaping shouldn’t be disturbed.

If you’re considering installing a geothermal heat pump in your home, remember that this can’t be a do it yourself project.  The technical knowledge, equipment and safety issues associated with the installation of such a system require a great deal of training, and it’s best to let a professional handle the job.  Once you have it installed though, I know that you will see the savings in not only the bank, but also the environment.

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Ground Source Heat Pumps (geothermal) – Heat and Cool Your Home Without Gas or Oil

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), often called geothermal heat pumps, tap into the heat naturally generated many meters below the surface of the earth. Just a little ways down, the earth’s temperature is warm and relatively stable, so these systems can bring controllable and effective heating, cooling, and hot water to residential and commercial buildings. Best of all, they allow people to do all this without having to use expensive and carbon-producing fossil fuels such as oil and gas.

There are two types of ground source heat pump systems: those with closed loops and those with open loops. In closed loop systems, liquid (usually with some sort of antifreezing/antiboiling agent mixed in) circulates through pipes buried beneath the earth’s surface. During the winter, when the goal is warming a house, the fluid absorbs heat from the earth and carries back to the building. This very hot liquid can be effectively used to heat a home, and also quite obviously becomes a free-flowing source of useable hot water. During the summer, the system is designed to actually draw heat out of the building, and either use it to heat water for household use or deliver it back into the ground. Open looped systems are similar, except that the water supply within the pipes is continually refreshed.

The bulk of geothermal (GSHP) systems are the pipes that are buried far underground, so what is needed in your home is a unit likely no bigger than your current hot water heater and furnace. If you currently use oil, you may be able to get rid of or at least substantially downsize the size of your oil tank. Many people worry about the longevity and upkeep costs of this type of system because the bulk of the cost goes into burying the pipe underground. Recently however many companies have been offering 40-75 year warranties on the parts of the system that is buried.

If you already have a forced air oil or gas-fed furnace system it may be easy for you to convert to what is called a “dual system”. In this case you would choose which heating and cooling system would be primary at any particular time – most likely the geothermal system – and the other system will only work when needed, such as during an extremely cold spell in the winter.

GSHPs are quiet and safe. There are no exposed parts, fans, storage tanks, etc. that can hurt kids or pets. Nothing is burned so there is no flame. The heating source is the earth so there is nothing to wear out. They are also quiet because the earth is doing the work of the motors in your current furnace.

The initial cost for ground source heat pumps is greater than that of a conventional oil or gas system. However, that initial cost is often made up in three to six years depending on the cost of fuel and the temperature in your area. The greatest benefit of these systems is that you no longer have to use oil or gas at all, so not only are you not subject to the price fluctuations and uncertainty of these fuels, but you also reduce your own “carbon footprint” in the process.

Ground source systems are easy to install, particularly when they are replacing another forced-air system. In this case it is as simple as a retrofit after the pipes are placed. However, they can also be installed to completely replace the system you already have. If you don’t already have central air conditioning, that can be an automatic and immediate benefit of these systems. Contact an experienced installer and he or she can tell you exactly what would be involved in installing a geothermal heat pump in your home.

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Geothermal Heat for your Home: Green, Clean and Lean

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most energy efficient, cost-effective and environmentally clean heating/cooling systems available. A 1,500 square foot home in Colorado that uses a geothermal heat pump, averages energy costs of $1 a day. This includes all heating, cooling and hot water needs!

Geothermal heat pump systems can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 25% to 75%, as compared with conventional heating systems. Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but GHPs significantly lesson corresponding emissions. Emissions can be reduced up 44-72%, as compared with standard air-source heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. If you want to upgrade your space conditioning sources or are building a new home, these systems are green, clean and lean. In the long run they will benefit your pocket-book and the environment.

The simplest description of the geoexchange process is the movement of heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the home in the winter, and the discharging of heat back into the ground in the summer. Much of the country experiences extreme seasonal temperatures. But, did you know that just a few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains a relatively constant temperature? Ground temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As in a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the ambient air in the winter and cooler than that air in the summer. Geoexchange systems take advantage of this natural phenomenon.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HEAT EXCHANGE

The geothermal system includes these principal components:

- Earth Connection

Using the earth as a heat source and sink, a series of pipes is buried under ground, near the house. A fluid (water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) is circulated through these pipes. If the surrounding air is cooler than the soil, the pipes will absorb heat and if the air is warmer, they will sink heat back into the soil.

- Geothermal Heat Pump

For the actual heating of your home, a geothermal heat pump is installed. This heat pump removes heat from the fluid in the pipes, concentrates it, and then transfers it to the building. The process is reversed for cooling.

- Heat Distribution

Generally, conventional ductwork is used to distribute heated or cooled air from the pump into and throughout the building.

THE “DESUPERHEATER”: REDUCE YOUR HOT WATER COSTS BY HALF!

Geothermal heat pumps can be equipped with a “desuperheater. Yes, it sounds like a super hero and in some ways, it is. This device will heat your household water. The heat extracted from the house by your GHP during the summer, is then transferred from the GHP’s compressor into the house’s hot water tank. Winter water heating costs can be reduced by half with use of the “desuperheater”. HOT STUFF!

SHORT TERM COSTS VS LONGTERM SAVINGS

On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2500 per ton of capacity. This would translate to roughly $7500 for a typical residential sized home. Other standard systems with air conditioning units usually go for about $4000. But, consider that with GHP’s high efficiency and much lower utility bills, your investment can be recouped in two to ten years. Financially, it is a golden ticket to strengthen the investment in your property. Not only in long term savings, but also in terms of increasing property value. A property that is equipped to heat/cool using geothermal is mostly self-sufficient, energy wise. There is real re-sale value, right there. Likewise, many geothermal systems can be financed with special loans from banks and other financial institutions. Get on board now, and invest in the investment that keeps on giving, naturally!

GEOTHERMAL IS SUPERIOR

DURABILITY

With fewer mechanical components that are all sheltered from the elements and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. Expect piping systems to come with 25-50 year warranties. The GHPs themselves last 20 years or more.

IMPROVED HUMIDITY CONTROL

GHPs are very effective in humid areas. GHPs improve humidity control while maintaining a 50% relative indoor humidity.

EFFICIENT AND QUIET

A two speed GHP system is so quiet. There are no tell-tale blasts of cold or hot air, as with other systems. Imagine, no A/C noise bothering the neighbors or buzzing the patio. With geothermal systems there are no outside condensing units, hence no constant hum, as with conventional air conditioners.

DESIGN IN MIND

Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations. The hardware requires less space than conventional systems and so equipment rooms tend to be smaller. Imagine all the valuable home space freed up for other uses! The system also provides “zone” specific conditioning. Different parts of your home can be heated or cooled to different temperatures using GHPs.

There are so many advantages when you install a geothermal system in your home. First and foremost the immediate advantages will be for you, the consumer. Savings in utility costs will be from 20-70%! But, also consider what you will be doing for the environment with reduced emissions and reduced energy consumption. Every 100,000 homes built with geothermal heat pump systems reduce foreign oil consumption by 2.15 million barrels annually! What more do you need to know? An investment in a geothermal system for your home is undeniably wise for you, your future, the future of our planet and generations to come.

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Are Geothermal Heat Pumps Viable?

Geothermal Heat pumps are somewhat new to many house holders in this country. A Geothermal Heat Pump makes use of the Earth’s stored heat to provide your home heating needs. Unlike the familiar Air Source “Air to Air” heat pump the Geothermal Heat Pump is a Water Source “Water to Air” or “Water to Water” device.

What are the benefits for you?

If you are looking for the following benefits you are looking at the right system.

Lower Operating costs –

A geothermal system reduces your energy bills by as much as 30 to 50% in comparison to that for conventional heating and cooling systems.

Environmentally Friendly –

A geothermal system uses renewable and Green House Gas free ground source Heat.

Lower Maintenance costs –

All equipment and material used are either indoors or buried and therefore protected .

Long Life Span –

The general life span is about 30 years or more. The ground loops are guaranteed for at least 50 years in most cases.

Single System for Cooling and Heating –

The source of energy for both Cooling and Heating is the same. (ie.one system)

Better Indoor Comforts –

The Geothermal system does away with the uncomfortable air drafts commonly associated with traditional “Forced Air” Installations.

Provides flexibility in design –

Geothermal Systems provide you better flexibility in designs whether it’s a new or retrofit project. The system provides economical avenues for subdividing or expanding it to suit the building retrofits or extensions.

High Efficiency –

The highly efficient Heat Pumps provide over 3 times the energy that is spent to operate the geothermal system.

Low Safety Risk –

There is absolutely no risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning or Fuel gas leaks. No fire risk either.

The Disadvantages

The major disadvantage is the relatively high cost of the equipment and material. The erection costs are too equally high if the ground heat source is not available at surface level. As a major portion of the plumbing system runs underground and therefore unintentional damages are possible over the years which may not be readily observable. The ground source water may contain high sulfur and other chemical content which may require preliminary treatment.

The ground area required too is higher than some of the other systems.

Residential Application

A residential Geothermal Heat pump system is about 300% efficient as mentioned above. In comparison a conventional high efficiency natural gas operated furnace or boiler has an efficiency of 92% or so. The operational savings of the Geothermal System is about 30% of a conventional Natural Gas Heating system and about 50 % of that cost of an electrical resistance heating system.

The installation cost for a typical small house is about the same as for any conventional system when the ground loop cost is omitted. This however will depend on the type of loop selected. It is well worth to consider a Geothermal Heat Pump for your buildings next retrofit and extension.

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