This document provides an overview of geothermal technology. It explains that geothermal systems use the constant temperature below the earth's surface to heat and cool homes via a network of underground pipes. Water circulating through these pipes absorbs or releases heat, which is transferred via heat pump to interior spaces. These systems have many benefits like lower utility bills, reduced maintenance, comfort, and environmental conservation. While initial costs may be higher, geothermal has the lowest lifetime costs and many rebates are available. It is an increasingly popular option for both residential and commercial buildings. Proper installation by a certified professional is important.
2. What is GeoThermal Technology?
Uses Earth’s Renewable Energy Just Below the Surface
to Heat and Cool and Provide Domestic Hot Water
“Most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective
systems available today” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” (EPA)
3. How Does GeoThermal Work?
Just Below Earth’s Surface, Temperature Remains Fairly Constant
Year-Round
Water Circulating Through Pipes Buried in the Ground Absorbs Heat
in Winter and Carries “Home” Where Heat Pump Transfers to Interior
Space for Warmth
In Summer, Process is Reversed and Heat is Extracted from the Air
and Transferred Through Heat Pump to the Ground Loop Piping
Only a Small Amount of Energy Required to Operate Heat Pump,
Ground Loop Pump and Distribution Fan or Pump
4. Is GeoThermal New?
Technology Around Over 50 Years
Significant Recent Improvements in Materials,
Systems and Efficiencies of Pumps and Compressors
5. What Are Major Benefits?
Lower Utility Bills (25% to 70%)
Reduced Maintenance
Higher Levels of Comfort Year Round
Environmental Conservation
No Fossil Fuel Burned
Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Eliminates Potential Source of Poisonous Carbon Monoxide
6. How Popular is GeoThermal?
Over One Million Installations in US Today
Rapidly Growing As More Learn About The
Technology and Its’ Benefits
7. Where is GeoThermal Used?
Schools
Estimated $25M Savings Across US
Commercial Enterprises
Factories
Retail Stores
Office Buildings
Homes
8. Does GeoThermal Cost More?
Depends on How You Measure Cost
GeoThermal May Cost More Due To Ground Loop Piping
HOWEVER……
GeoThermal Systems Have Lowest Life-Cycle Cost
Typical 2,000sq ft home as low as $1 a day
Installation Costs Declining as More Builders & Contractors Offer Option
As Industry Develops Innovative Ways To Install Systems Faster & More
Efficiently Costs Are Declining
Rebates Offered
State and Federal Tax Credits
9. Who Can I Hire To Install My GeoThermal
System?
Proper Design & Installation of GeoThermal
Systems is Key
Ensure Installer is IGSHPA (“International
Ground Source Heat Pump Association”) Certified
Check References
Ask How Many Installations Completed
10. What is a De-Superheater?
A desuper heater is a secondary heat exchanger that
transfers heat from the earth in the winter and from your
home in the summer, into your domestic hot water tank.
The desuper heater is part of the geothermal heat pump's
domestic hot water generating system (HWG).
Hot water generators only heat domestic water when your
geothermal heat pump is heating or cooling your home.
The hot water generator's water circulating pump moves
the cold water from the bottom of your hot water tank
through a water pipe to the desuper heater itself, where
the water is heated by the heat that has been transferred
from the earth when you are heating your home, and from
the inside of your home when you are cooling your home.
The heated water is then circulated back into your hot
water tank.
11. What is a De-Superheater?
Heating water with a geothermal heat pump's hot water
generator costs about 8 percent less in a heating
dominated climate, and up to 95 percent less in a cooling
dominated climate, than if you heat your domestic water
with electric, oil, or propane fired hot water heater. At the
present cost of natural gas the savings is about 15 percent
less - not as drastic a savings as the others, but saving on
your bills is still saving on your bills!
In the summer heating your domestic water is “almost”
free. This is because the heat that is being removed from
your home is transferred into your hot water tank. Since
this heat from inside of your home was going to be
rejected (thrown away) into the earth anyway, putting it
into your hot water tank instead is free. The only cost for
the summer water heating is the small cost of running the
circulating pump that moves the water.
12. Earth Energy Solutions LLC.
3305-121 Durham Drive
Raleigh, NC. 27603
Phone 919-628-8316
With over 20 years experience