"Heating from the Ground Up!"
What is Geothermal?
Geothermal Heating is the use of the relatively constant temperature of the earth to provide heating, cooling, and hot water.
How does Geothermal work?
There are three different types of systems used in Geothermal heating/cooling.
Open Loop: Open loop systems use water from a well. Well water is pumped to the geothermal unit, where heat is either taken from it (heating) or put into it (cooling). There is no change to the water, or contamination, other than a slight change in temperature. Generally speaking, geothermal systems require 1.5gpm per ton of air conditioning. Most homes would use between 4 and 6 gallons per minute while the system is running. This is the least expensive source for a geothermal system, and works quite well when there is sufficient water quality and quantity, and there is a place to “discharge” the water such as a drain, ditch, stream, or pond.
Closed Loop: Closed loop systems are the second most common type of geothermal source. Closed loops utilize polyethylene piping buried or drilled into the ground, filled with a water/anti-freeze solution. The loop fluid circulating in this closed piping system absorbs heat or rejects heat into the surrounding earth. Typically, in the Midwest, loop systems are installed in a “horizontal” configuration. In other parts of the country, where digging is more difficult or expensive, “vertical” loops are used. Vertical loops are placed in vertical holes usually drilled in the ground with a machine similar to a drill rig used to install water wells. Vertical loops are also commonly used in commercial applications or applications where there is not enough room for a horizontal loop. Closed loops are virtually maintenance free, and since they re-circulate the same fluid, have no need for a well or a place to discharge the water. However, closed loops, due to the excavation costs, are generally more expensive than open loop systems.
Pond/Lake Loop: Pond or lake loops may indeed be the best system available. Pond loops use coils of polyethylene piping submerged into a pond or lake. They have the benefit of low installation costs in addition to the benefits of a closed loop. Also, pond and lake loops typically have more mild operating temperatures. Pond loops are also in widespread use in the commercial market due to the compact size and low initial cost compared to horizontal and vertical loops.
Why Geothermal?
Geothermal Heating is an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat your home!
How much does it cost?
Although initial installation costs may seem expensive, Geothermal Heat Pumps are proven to save consumers money over a period of time. In some cases, having a Geothermal Heat Pump can actually PAY YOU! Call us today and we will direct you to a reliable, knowledgeable installer who can evaluate your needs and provide you with information regarding your specific savings possibilities.
Tax Credits
The new Stimulus Bill, signed into law in February 17, 2009, allows for certain tax credits for homeowners who install geothermal heat pumps into their homes in 2009. The Bill eliminates the $2,000 limit on the 30% tax credit for homeowners. Dwellings do not have to be the “primary” residence. One time credit of 30% of installation cost, with no maximum. Qualifying Systems: Closed or open loop geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal system must meet or exceed EnergyStar requirements, and be installed after December 31, 2007 Time Frame: This credit is available until December 31, 2016
More information available on the
Commercial Customers:
There is a 10% tax credit, with no maximum available for commercial installations. There are many other incentives in place for commercial installations, depending on location, and type of system, some are very attractive and greatly reduce the cost of a geothermal heat pump system.
More information available on the
EXAMPLE:
On May 15, 2009, a qualified geothermal heat pump is placed into service in your home at a cost of $ 22,500.00.
You could receive a tax credit of up to $6,750.00 when you file your 2009 taxes.
Please see your accountant for more information regarding your specific tax situation.
