POWER OF THE EARTH

Geothermal Home Heating and Cooling

The name "geothermal" comes from two Greek words: "geo" means" Earth" and "thermal" means "heat".

Geothermal Energy is energy from heat inside the Earth.

The most efficient and economical resource for heating and cooling your home is right in your backyard. Did you know that 47% of the suns energy is absorbed by the ground? Do you know that you really can break your ties to fossil fuel? Stand in your yard and wave to the oil man as he goes by. Never worry about the cost of oil again! Using the latest technology with geothermal heating and cooling, along with the Photovoltaic (solar electric) to power your home, you can take your stand for the 21^st Century and leave the energy companies behind. It is called “Off the grid”.

How does it work?

Geothermal energy involves tapping into the heat generated by the Earth's absorption of the heat radiated by the Sun. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)) extract this energy, and transfer it into a building for space and water heating, They can also remove heat from a building and deposit it into the ground to cool the building during hot weather.

Is there more than one type of geothermal design?

Yes, there are several types of designs. First you should know that thee are two basic types of earth loops. CLOSED LOOPS,made of durable high-density polyethylene pipe, are buried in the earth or submerged in a lake or pond. They transfer heat by circulating a solution of water and environmentally safe anti-freeze. OPEN LOOPSuse ground water pumped from a well as a heat source. Remember the grounds temperature is usually 53 degrees. So whether you are heating or cooling your house, the “heat pump” is starting from there.

The type of “loop” that will be best suited for your home depends on the terrain, the cost of trenching or drilling, availability of quality ground water and available space.

What are the different types of loops?

Horizontal Trench Loop:  are used when there is adequate land available. Horizontal Loops involve one or more trenches that are dug with a backhoe or trencher.  Piping (polyethylene) is laid in the trenches (usually 4-6 feet deep). The trenches are then backfilled.

Vertical Loops:  Vertical loops are used when space is limited. Holes are bored using a drilling rig and a pair of pipes is    inserted into the holes.

Pond Loops: Pond Loop sare used when a pond or other water supply, that is able to meet the needs, is present on the property. A series of closed loops can be coiled and sunk to the bottom.

Open loop-well system: Open loop-well system can be used where there is an abundant supply of well water. The well will be used for both the domestic water and for the geothermal heating and cooling.

What does it cost?

The cost of the system is relevant to the number of wells or length of the pipe configurations. It is all based on the tonnage required for air conditioning and heating. There are basic formulas that can give a basis for the desired outcome. Vertical systems are typically drilled to a depth of 100-300 feet per ton. Horizontal systems are typically placed at 4-6 feet deep and a length of 75-400 feet per ton. Typical cost would be $20,000 - $45,000 before any rebates or tax credits.