|
Geothermal Energy | www.nrel.gov
Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are key to creating a clean energy future for not only the nation, but the world.
A Geothermal heat pump is an ideal choice for your home or office air conditioning and heating requirements. In fact, government agencies like the EPA and the Department of Energy are claiming it to be one of the greenest ways to heat and cool a home or office building. This natural, sustainable energy source is available everywhere in the United States, proving to be a viable GREEN heating and cooling solution for anyone.
|
|
|
How It Works
Regardless of your climate (whether extremely hot or cold), the Earth maintains a nearly constant temperature year round. Similar to a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above in the winter and cooler than the air above in the summer.
Heating or Cooling
Like a normal forced air system (split system), a GHP uses ductwork to move the conditioned air through your home. However unlike an air source heat pump which extracts or exhausts heat to or from the outside air, geothermal heat pumps exchange heat with the ground. This is much more efficient as underground temperatures are fairly stable throughout the year.
During the summer months, a geothermal heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air, sending this heat down into the earth loop system (vertical loop represented here). The heat is dissipated into the ground, the air is cooled and sent back into the ductwork. In the winter months heat is extracted from the ground and used to heat the air which then of course is sent back into the home.
Loop Systems
With a GHP, the "heat exchanger" is underground piping referred to as an open or closed loop. Common loop systems include vertical (shown here), horizontal, water-source (lake/pond) and well-water (open loop). The drilling for a geothermal heat pump is the most expensive part with vertical loops being the most expensive and well-water loops typically being the least expensive to install. Your options vary depending on your area, size of land space, etc.
Ready To Save?
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, all areas of the United States have nearly constant shallow-ground temperatures, which are suitable for geothermal heat pumps. Using this efficient, natural, renewable energy source saves our world by paving the way for a better tomorrow and saves you substantial amounts on your utility bills.
|
Geothermal Tax Credit - Up To 30% Off
Geothermal Heat Pumps are more expensive to install then traditional heat pumps, however they can pay for themselves within 3-10 years due to monthly energy savings. And current 2009 & 2010 geothermal tax credit incentives make this renewable energy option a greater possibility than ever before! Federal Tax Incentives for 2009/2010 offer 30% the entire purchase and installation of a geothermal heat pump and installation!
Energy Star® has a list of currently approved systems for tax incentives: Qualified Systems
 |
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the NC Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for the latest info on Federal Tax Incentives: www.dsireusa.org
Geothermal Tax Credits
|
Learn General Information About Heat Pumps
In some circumstances a heat pump can provide a more efficient option for heating and cooling your home, while in other situations it could cost you more. There are different types of heat pumps ranging from electric to geothermal (ground source), and different methods of use such as stand alone with an air handler, or a hybrid configuration for efficient heating. The Office of Energy Efficiency in Canada has provided a great article to help homeowners learn more about heat pumps.
Read more: Natural Resources Canada - Heating and Cooling with a Heat Pump
|
