How Do Geothermal Systems Perform

By Chaya Ziemann


It is not surprising for homeowners today to invest in heating and cooling systems. This is because everybody wants to make their space as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather changes. During hot summer months, these systems can help keep your home cool and fresh. The situation goes the same with the cold winter months, when your house is kept warm amidst the cold months. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and play your part in conserving the environment while supplying comfort to your family, then you need to consider investing in geothermal systems. This is the edge of geothermal systems - geothermal energy to keep your space relaxing without violating the natural habitat of nature.

Investing on a geothermal system will provide you tremendous benefits compared to other common heating and cooling systems. First and foremost, they are compatible to any types of establishments, whether commercial or residential buildings. The other notable benefit of investing in a geothermal home heating and cooling system is the reasonable price. It all makes perfect sense to invest in such system because of the fluctuating prices of oil and fuel. This is a type of system that makes use of renewable energy which also adds value to the equity of your house. Because of such benefits, many homeowners and businessmen have utilized the system in their places. Not like decades ago when this system was viewed as an alternative to home heating and cooling, these days, it is a leading option amongst environmentally conscious homeowners.

So, how does geothermal system work?

A geothermal system unit comes with two major components:

1. Externally. This has polythene pipe of high density buried either in a vertical or horizontal position. preferably called and referred to as ground loop because it has heat transferring fluid that has a steady temperature parallel to the earth surrounding. The fluid is responsible for heat transfer from or to the earth. The fluid releases heat to the earth in the cooling mode and removes heat from it in the heating mode.

2. Internally. This is a heat pump that gathers heat released by the ground loop. This can be well realized by the common refrigeration process which transfers heating or cooling by forced air or water.

A geothermal heat pump performs pretty much like a refrigerator that removes heat from food and passes it into the room through back coils. As already indicated, the heat pump heats or cools, hence you do not need separate units for heating and air conditioning.

After circulating through the buried loop, the fluid is then piped into the home where it is connected to the heat exchanger in the heat pump. On winter season (where the weather is cold), the fluid will extract the heat collected from the earth and then distributes it in homes. In summer, the process is inverted. The fluid harvests heat from the rooms before sending it into the earth.

This home heating and cooling unit can be installed in any home---location notwithstanding. You can install the piping in the landscaped area, under a lawn, within the home or in the driveway. The heat pumps can also exchange heat with nearby water bodies like wells and lakes. A heat pump that uses well water, before it gives back the heat to the ground via the second well included will first circulate the water straight through the system.

The heat pump of the said geothermal system makes use of desuperheater. This has the power to significantly cut down your water heating bills. During summer months, it harnesses "waste" heat from the air conditioning unit to warm the water. For winter season, the process is diverted. This is when the heat coming from the heat pump is diverted to the system.

Geothermal heat pump cost

The 2009 Economic Stimulus Recovery act eliminated the cap on geothermal heat pump systems for residential installations. it made residential areas (homeowners) eligible for 30% tax incentive from the whole system cost. That being said, it is of great importance to put in mind the cost and that it varies on where it is coming from (whether from horizontal or vertical loop) On average, a typical 2500sq.ft. home with a heating and cooling loads of 60,000BTU will between $20,000 to $25,000 to install. By calculation we can see that the cost is twice higher than traditional heating and cooling systems but, this will decrease any future expenses on electricity bills by significantly around 60%. Geothermal system can last to up to 23 years with period of payback of around 10 years.

A geothermal system is a fantastic way to green your home and save money while reducing your carbon footprint. Nevertheless, you need to fully re-assess the average energy that you home needs before deciding to install such system. Plus, re-consider its ability to reduce utility bills and to add value to your home's equity.

To know more about Geoexhange Systems and find out Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work.




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