Geothermal/Solar
What is Geo-Thermal?
Geothermal technology uses the earth’s renewable energy, located below the earth’s surface to heat and cool your home. A few hundred feet below your home the earth’s temperature remains a constant 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Wells are drilled around your home at a depth of 250-300 feet. Pipe is then dropped into the holes which creates a loop. Fluid is circulated through the pipes. The fluid, which consists of water and non-toxic antifreeze, absorbs the heat from the earth and carries it through the pipe, to a heat pump located in the house. The heat pump circulates the warm air/cool air into the home. In the summer the process is reversed. The heat is transferred from the air in the house by the heat pump. Then heat is the then transferred back to the earth via the water-antifreeze fluid that is running through the pipes. Geothermal heating and cooling is the most efficient and environmentally responsible way to heat and cool your home!
Installation
The Geothermal installation process is more complex than conventional H.V.A.C. installation, but well worth the time. The first thing that must be decided is how many tons of air conditioning your home requires. Once that number is calculated the engineer will determine how many geothermal wells will be drilled. The drilling equipment is then brought in and the wells are drilled. Horizontal, vertical and pond loops are the three most used in the United States. In Texas it is recommended, because of the temperature and rocky soil conditions, that vertical loops are used. The drilling of the each loop takes on average anywhere from 4-8 hours. Once the drilling is complete, pipe is dropped down into the holes and is looped back to the surface. Next the headering process begins. This is where the loops are connected to the equipment. Once the header is attached to the equipment and pumps it is then purged in order to remove all of the air from the system. When all air has been removed the equipment is ready to be started.
Benefits
Operating Cost
While the initial cost of installing a geothermal system can be expensive the return on investment is well worth it. It is estimated that a geothermal system can pay for itself within 5-7 years. “A geothermal heating system operates more efficiently than a conventional system because they can deliver an astounding four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates into an efficiency rating of 400%, compared to the most efficient gas furnace, which rates only 94%.” Many homeowners have seen as much as a 70% savings in energy costs after they install a geothermal system. Not only could you save on your energy bill you would also be eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Homeowners who install a geothermal system in 2009 – 2016 will receive a federal tax credit of 30% of the total investment. For example if the cost to install the system is $10,000 then a tax credit will be issued for $3,000.00. So not only are you saving money on operating costs you are also receiving money back from the government! Can’t get much better than that!
Environmentally Friendly
According to the Department of Energy, geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. A geothermal system emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses that are known to pollute the air. A geothermal system also completely eliminates the heating system as a potential source of carbon monoxide in your home. With the addition of high efficiency air cleaners, you will have a high level of indoor air quality. A geothermal system is environmentally friendly as well as a safe and healthy alternative to conventional heating and cooling system.
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