GEOTHERMAL

Geothermal systems use the natural constant temperature of the earth to heat during the heating season and cool during the summer months. They utilize a heat pump unit, a fluid heat exchanger, and an air delivery system. Simply put, a geothermal system during heating takes heat from the earth, transfers it to a refrigerant and distributes the heat into a building with a forced-air or hydronic system. For cooling, the systems takes heat from the building, transfers the heat to the refrigerant, and the transfers the heat back to the water or loop fluid. While this is similar to a standard air conditioner, the geothermal system uses water or loop fluid at an average temperature (usually 50 degrees) rather that changeable outdoor temperatures.

Factors to consider when comparing systems

CLIMATE
Areas with hot summers and large air conditioning requirements find the systems more advantageous.

FACILITY DESIGN
Geothermal systems are most economical when incorporated into initial facility design.

LAND AREA
Geothermal systems require piping systems to run horizontally and vertically around the facility.

COST OF ALTERNATIVES
Conventional fossil fuel systems are affected by the rising cost of natural gas, fuel oil and electricity.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE BUILDING
Like other systems, geothermal heat pumps work best in an insulated, well sealed building.

ADVANTAGES
Competitive first costs compared to conventional system
Benefit from simultaneous heating & cooling
Promotes LEED/Sustainable/ Green Compliance
Inherent energy recovery
Eliminates underground steam piping
Improves comfort & indoor air quality
Eliminates multiple fuel sources
Packaged refrigeration equipment
High efficiency & stable capacity
Excellent life-cycle cost
Zoning of heat pumps permit individual room temperature control
Can be applied to renovations or new construction
Smaller mechanical rooms
Simple controls & equipment
No cooling tower/chiller/ boilers
No outdoor or roof top equipment
Separate electrical meters allowed by Utility
Decentralized equipment prevents single unit failure from shutting down the entire building
Heat pumps are generally small and easily repaired – no special licenses needed
Low maintenance cost

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