What is Geothermal?
What is geothermal heating?
Geothermal heating is a renewable energy technology that involves harnessing the natural heat from the Earth's core to heat buildings and homes. It works by using a heat pump system to transfer heat from the ground to the building, which can be used for space heating, hot water, and even cooling during warmer months.
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Heating Process
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The heat is extracted from the ground through a network of pipes that are buried underground, either vertically or horizontally. The temperature of the ground remains relatively constant throughout the year, so the heat source is reliable and predictable. This makes it a highly efficient and cost-effective way to heat buildings.
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What are the benefits?
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Energy Efficiency
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Because it uses the natural heat from the ground, it requires less energy to generate heat than traditional heating systems. This means that it can save homeowners money on their energy bills, especially in colder climates where heating costs can be high.
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Renewable Energy
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It's a renewable energy source, which means that it doesn't contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or rely on fossil fuels.
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Low Maintenance
Once the system is installed, it typically requires very little upkeep, and the components can last for decades with proper care.
Quiet & Odorless
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Geothermal systems are quiet, odorless, and don't require any fuel deliveries, which makes them more convenient and hassle-free than traditional heating systems.
Conclusion
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Overall, geothermal heating is a sustainable and efficient technology that can provide long-term benefits to homeowners and the environment. While the initial cost of installation can be higher than traditional systems, the energy savings and low maintenance requirements can make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
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How does a Geothermal heat pump compare to an air source model?A- With an air source heat pump, the outside air is often subject to very cold sub zero temps, as well as other often very damaging elements such as snow, ice storms, falling ice, combined with wind can cause costly repairs to these units. Also a defrost system is required to these units, which requires additional controls, sensors, timers, snow clearing around an bellow the unit for the defrost water to run off clear of the outdoor coil. Not to mention the fan blades that are very sensitive to ice and snow build ups, causing further costly damage. These high cost repairs are not covered by warranties. B- A geothermal heat pump has no outdoor component in the elements, but rather in ground piping, bellow the frost line, whether it be vertical or horizontal. No matter the outdoor weather, your heat source is at a constant above freezing temperature, requires no defrost controls of any kind, but simply a low energy cost pumping module inside the home to recirculate the liquid (closed loop systems) as it absorbs the natural heat from the earths core (vertical loops) and the heat left by the sun (down to 10 ft) into the earth from the previous summer. As an added benefit, the heat removed from your home in the summer while you enjoy the air conditioning feature is stored around the loop area, only to be reabsorbed to heat your home in the winter, making this system an incredibly efficient renewable energy source.
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How do I decide which type of geothermal system I should install?It depends on land size and type. If you are on a large lot, a horizontal closed loop is suitable and less costly to install. But if your lot is all rock, or a dry sand type, a vertical drilled borehole will be best. Wet, clay type ground is best as it holds lots of humidity and energy.
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What is the difference between open loop and closed loop systems?An open loop system takes water from a water source, usually a well, circulates it threw the heat pump to absorb heat from the water, then returns it to a separate well back into the ground. The returned water is simply colder and completely uncontaminated. The wells must be far enough apart so that the colder water cannot short cycle into the supply well. A closed loop system recirculates the same water threw a horizontal or vertical piping system. This system does not rely on a well water pump, but rather a 1 or 2 pump flow module.