The Wonders Of A Geothermal System

By Author: Julie Johnson
Total Articles: 2
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With all the attention on clean renewable energy and solar power these days, you will be surprised to know that these systems are buried deep under your lawn and not on the surface. You could be sitting on a powerhouse of lifetime energy supply.

Below you can learn more about Geothermal systems and its usage.

How does it work?
Geothermal heat pump exchanges heat with the ground, unlike the concept of heating up or cooling down air in conventional systems to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Water mixed with ethanol (or another anti-freeze liquid) is circulated in an electric pump. This liquid transfers the earth’s heat into your home in cold weather. In hot weather, it carries heat out of your home back into the ground (heat sink). A geothermal heat pump is more energy efficient than conventional systems as underground temperatures are constant throughout the year as compared to extreme seasonal changes in air temperature.

A ground source system may cost more than a conventional heating/cooling system, but ...
... eventually the less energy consumed, and the energy savings over a period of time beat any conventional system.

How can Geothermal Systems help you Save?

Cut down on your bills:
You can save up to 70 percent on your energy bill, depending on location and other factors. You get Local and federal tax credits and rebates that reduce installation costs. You can further reduce your cost with special financing options offered by heat pump manufacturers, local utilities and lending institutions.

Geothermal VS Conventional:
Geothermal heat pumps have up to 25 to 60 percent less life cycle cost than a conventional system, which is the lowest life cycle cost today. This goes for the cooling and heating systems.

Utilize free clean energy:
You do not have to worry about onsite combustion or emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. This means you also are away from combustion-related safety or air quality issues inside the house.

Silent as compared to other cooling systems:
It is unlike a loud outdoor compressor or fan that disturbs your sleep. Your unit is generally as loud as a refrigerator.

Close to Immortality:
The indoor components of a typical Geothermal typically last about 25 years, which is more than for a furnace or conventional AC unit and more than 50 years for the ground loop. As it has fewer moving parts and is protected from outdoor elements, it requires the least maintenance.