Advantages of geothermal systems:

• Green technology is the most environmentally friendly way to cool and heat your home. The system has no carbon dioxide emissions or any other negative effects on the environment. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change.
• The US Environment Protection Agency has declared that geothermal systems are, ‘the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.’
• Geothermal is gaining recognition globally. Many governments now offer special incentives for homeowners and businesses installing geothermal equipment. Canada has provincial and national tax incentives and the United States instituted a federal tax credit up to $2,000 for homeowners who install a new geothermal system. Check with us for more information on programs.
• Geothermal systems can save up to 70% on your energy systems for heating, cooling and hot water because of its more efficient operation when compared to conventional systems. Simple payback could be as short as five to seven years and you can experience cost savings from the beginning.
• Geothermal systems are three to four hundred percent efficient, versus the most efficient gas furnaces with efficiencies in the high nineties. In essence, three to four times more usable heat is produced with the same amount of energy.
• Ground loop systems have a life expectancy in excess of fifty years.

 

HOW GEOTHERMAL WORKS

 Geothermal systems use the earth as a heat source and heat sink. In order to transfer heat to or from the house, heat exchangers [ground loops] are installed in the ground. These consist of high density polyethylene plastic pipes. The loops are then connected to the heat pump and fluid is circulated through the loop piping, transferring the heat between the heat pump and the earth.

 First you should realize that the earth absorbs and stores nearly half of the sun’s solar energy. As a result, at a depth of six feet it maintains a fairly constant temperature of 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The geothermal system taps into that free, renewable energy and puts it to work.

 In the summer, this process is reversed in order to cool the home. Heat is drawn from the home, rejected to the loop and absorbed by the earth. The result is a comfortable home all year round. Since most of the energy used for heating and cooling is free from the earth, geothermal systems are the most efficient and environmentally friendly systems on the market today.

 Information is courtesy of Bosh Heating and Cooling along with GeoComfort Geothermal Systems – visit their website for more information.