Geothermal Heating And Cooling For Your Home

Sep 28
08:01

2011

Abraham Avotina

Abraham Avotina

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Have you thought about having a geothermal heating and cooling system installed in your home? Here are some things to think about.

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Geothermal heating and cooling systems are some of the most efficient ways to keep your dwelling at a comfortable temperature year round. These devices use the earth for warmth during cold months and heat sinks for cooling during hot months. Some varieties of the same units are called geoexchange,Geothermal Heating And Cooling For Your Home Articles earth-coupled or ground source pumps. Some estimates show that homeowners can save thirty to seventy percent off of their utility bills when using these devices for heating and twenty to fifty percent when using them for cooling. We all know how expensive oil and natural gas are becoming as an energy source. The geothermal alternative is eco-friendly and wallet friendly too. Here are some things to think about:

- How geothermal pumps work: These systems harness natural power via the earth and water. A ground loop extracts heat from underneath your home in the earth and water systems. The techs work with the soil and land conditions on a homeowner's property in order to get the household set up with the best pump for their setting. These devices are deemed so efficient that consumers get a thirty percent tax credit upon installation. These systems are said to require much less maintenance than conventional HVACs, as well. Some regions' utility companies offer an even greater discount to customers with these pumps installed than those with conventional units.

- Direct exchange: The direct exchange technology has been around for a while. It is said to be the most basic of the methods. It entails a single loop of copper tubing circulating refrigerant and connecting with the ground. The direct exchange mechanisms are highly efficient and relatively low cost to install, especially compared to some of the closed loop devices. Copper is an efficient conductor of thermal energy and so is an appropriate material to use in this manner.

- The EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency is highly supportive of the geoexchange and geothermal systems. They've called them the most efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective measures around.

- Conventional heat pumps: Another method of heating a home is with the conventional heat pump method. These mechanisms draw warmth from air outside one's house, similar to the way an AC does. Some of these units perform both heating and air conditioning. These appliances leave less of a carbon footprint than gas powered appliances.

- Retrofitting an older system: Sometimes an older system can still be salvaged and made more efficient simply by a retrofitting some of its parts. To do this, HVAC technicians go through your system replacing inefficient parts with those that are considered highly efficient. This will decrease your utility bills, fuel consumption and keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, as well.

When it's time to decide upon the heating and air conditioning appliances for your home, why not choose the most environmentally friendly ones available? Geothermal heating and cooling systems are the most eco-friendly of the lot. Not only are these systems kind to the planet and easy on your wallet, they are also highly efficient.