Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

How Does Geothermal Heating Work?

Doug Rye, Licensed Architect, Nationally Recognized Energy Consultant

Phillip Rye, Licensed Engineer

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Geothermal operates efficiently because the energy source, the sun, has already created the energy and stored it in the earth. Geothermal heat pumps may be referred to as geothermal energy pumps,  ground-coupled heat pumps, and ground-source cooling geothermal.  

Renewable Geothermal Energy 

Why is geothermal energy renewable?  Geothermal is nothing more than absorbed solar energy, which is a renewable energy source.  The earth absorbs about 50% of the sun's energy that reaches the earth's surface.

In physics, there are two types of energy: potential and kinetic.  Let's think of a loaded spring.  When the spring is stretched, it has potential energy (no movement).  When the spring is released, it has kinetic (moving) energy.  Solar energy in the earth is potential energy waiting to be used.

Efficient and Reliable Energy

A geothermal heat pump is four to five times more efficient in fuel conversion than a gas furnace.  One benefit of the super efficiency is a longer lifespan of the equipment.  The lifespan of geothermal units is estimated to be 22 years by the U.S. Department of Energy.  I have had geothermal in my own home for 17 years.  The most energy-efficient central heat and air and the highest-rated HVAC units are by far geothermal heating and cooling systems. 

For both residential and commercial buildings, there are three ways to put geothermal energy sources to use:

1. Horizontal Loops – Horizontal loops are sometimes used where adequate land is available for underground loops that range from 100 feet to 500 feet in length.

2. Vertical Loops – Vertical loops are ideal when land surface is limited.   Vertical holes (about 6 inches in diameter) are drilled to depths ranging from 100 feet to 300 feet.   Vertical loops are almost always used in a neighborhood setting.
   
   
   

3. Po nd Loops – Pond loops are a very economical alternative when a body of water is nearby.   The pipes are placed along the bottom of the lake.

The success of a geothermal heat pump or geothermal energy pump is directly related to the quality of the geothermal heating and cooling installation.  DO NOT let any company install your geothermal system that does not have adequate experience.  Always ask for references. 

If you have trouble finding an installer in your area, please give me a call at 501-653-7931, and I will be happy to help you.  Carrier, Trane, and Water Furnace are major manufacturers of geothermal equipment.  Manufacturers use software programs that give you accurate geothermal operation costs; however, the software I use when sizing your system calculates both accurate geothermal operational costs and geothermal residence savings. 

How much does it cost to install geothermal heating and cooling?  As a general rule, installing geothermal will cost about $3,000 more per ton than an air-to-air heat pump.  Don't say, “Yikes, $3,000 per ton!”  Think about this:  Let's say your house requires a two-ton air-to-air heat pump.  It will cost roughly $6,000 more to install geothermal than to install a less efficient system.  If you add the $6,000 to your thirty-year mortgage, your payment increases around $4 0a month.  

Geothermal heating and cooling, could save you $60 a month and much more in some cases, for the rest of your life, not to mention almost zero maintenance, an average 22-year life span, and a percentage of FREE hot water.  You actually make money every month. Take a moment and calculate how much you can save at $60 a month for 22 years: almost $16,000, on your $6,000 investment, and you’ll probably save even more.

You can have the best and pay less!

A geothermal heat pump that utilizes a closed loop system has many benefits and NO risk or environmental downside.  In a closed loop system, the heat pump compressor is inside you r home or crawlspace, and water is circulated through the pipes connected to the compressor.  You have NO outdoor equipment.  Not only can an energy efficient home save you a lot of money, but it can also save the environment. 

Benefits of a Geothermal Heat Pump           How does a geothermal heat pump work?

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