If you are looking for an efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly heating and cooling system a geothermal heat pump is the greenest way to go! A recent EPA study of energy efficiency concluded that geothermal energy is the most environmentally friendly heating and cooling system available. You will be able to reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills at the same time. The United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that geothermal energy is more efficient and cost-effective when compared with conventional residential systems. Geothermal systems use free, renewable energy found in your own back yard and can save up to 70% on your heating, cooling, and hot water costs.
Here’s how they work - No matter what climate you live in, the temperature throughout the year will vary. However, the temperature below ground stays fairly consistent all year - regardless of climate or seasons. The ground is able to maintain this temperature consistency because it absorbs 47% of the suns energy (heat) as it hits the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems are able to tap into the Earth’s natural thermal energy with an earth loop. This technology is then used to provide your home with central heating and cooling using a very small amount of electricity to concentrate the energy Mother Nature has provided and to circulate the heated or cooled air.
During the heating cycle, a geothermal heat pump uses the loop to extract heat from the ground. As the system pulls heat from the loop it distributes it through a conventional duct system as warm air. In the cooling mode, the heating process is reversed, creating cool, conditioned air throughout the home. Instead of extracting heat from the ground, heat is extracted from your home and either moved back into the loop or used to preheat the water in your hot water tank.
Geothermal heat pumps have many great benefits for homeowners. First, they are able to lower your operating costs because they can deliver an astounding five units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. By combing the stored earth energy with safe electric power, many homeowners can see savings up to 70% on their heating, cooling and hot water costs.
Second, they can enhance the overall comfort of your entire home. They deliver comfortable air all year long while eliminating the hot and cold spots. During heating, air is distributed without the hot blasts associated with gas furnaces or air source heat pumps. When in the cooling mode, they deliver cool, dehumidified air.
Third, geothermal pumps are reliable. Unlike air conditioners and heat pumps, geothermal units are installed indoors so that they are not subject to the outdoor elements. These units have been proven to be very reliable and require less maintenance.
According to the Department of Energy and the EPA, geothermal systems are the most friendly way to heat and cool your home. They emit no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses, which are considered to be major contributors to environmental air pollution. Geothermal systems are a natural, green heat pump!
While you are going green you can also take advantage of Federal and State incentives and rebates when you install a geothermal heat pump. You can go to the following websites for more details, www.energystar.gov and www.dsireusa.org.
Sources:
www.coolray.com
www.geoexchange.org
www.energysavers.gov
www.waterfurnace.com
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