eBook - Energy Saving Home Improvements from A to Z

Geothermal Heat Pumps Have Low Environmental Impact: Because a Geothermal Heat Pump system is so efficient, it uses a lot less energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This means that less energy-often created from burning fossil fuels-is needed to operate a Geothermal Heat Pump. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption-and corresponding emissions-up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.

Financing a Geothermal Heat Pump System: Many geothermal heat pump systems carry the DOE and EPA ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR®-labeled equipment can now be financed with special ENERGY STAR® loans from banks and other financial institutions. The goal of the loan program is to make ENERGY STAR® equipment easier to purchase, so these loans were created with attractive terms. Some loans have lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or both. Ask your contractor about ENERGY STAR® loans.

Homeowners should also check with their utility and ask if they offer any rebates or special electric rate programs. Another way to help finance the purchase of a Geothermal Heat Pump system is to roll the cost into an "energy efficient mortgage" that would cover this and other energy-saving improvements to the home. The additional cost can be combined into the mortgage and will produce a positive cash flow. Banks and mortgage companies can provide more information on these types of loans.

DOE Spreads the Word about Geothermal Heat Pumps: In 1994, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), working closely with the EPA, Edison Electric Institute, Electric Power Research Institute, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and industry, helped to create the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (Geothermal Heat PumpC). The Geothermal Heat PumpC launched the National Earth Comfort Program, designed to foster the development of a fast-growing, self-sustaining, national Geothermal Heat Pump industry infrastructure. In partnership with the Geothermal Heat PumpC, DOE's Office of Geothermal Technologies seeks to increase annual installations of Geothermal Heat Pump systems to about 400,000 by 2005 and reaching about 2 million installed (cumulative) that same year. Achieving the goal of 400,000 annual installations by 2005 will save consumers over $400 million per year in energy bills and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year.

The System for the Future: With their high efficiency and user satisfaction, geothermal heat pumps are one option homeowners should consider. Not only will they save energy and money, they'll reduce emissions and provide indoor comfort at less cost to the environment.

Case Study-Minnesota: Located in the middle of Minnesota-where temperatures can range from 90°F (32.2°C) with 95% humidity in the summer to -18°F (-27.8VC) in the winter-Case Study DE is a 3,400-square-foot home averages a little over $44 per month in electricity bills. The owner has been very satisfied with the unit's quietness, high quality, reliability, and low maintenance. House guests also marvel at the comfort level of the house-they don't feel any drafts, just an even temperature throughout the house. The five-ton ground source heat exchanger connects to five horizontal Slinky loops, totaling 3,000 feet of pipe, buried next to the home at a depth of eight feet (2.4 meters). Geothermal Heat Pump technology heats and cools as well as, or better than, conventional systems, even in Minnesota's extreme temperatures.

Case Study-Florida: Panama City, Florida, Case Study KS homeowner partnered with his builder and local electric utility to create a 2,000-square-foot home that's a model of efficiency. It saves so much energy that the home won the 1997 Energy Value Housing Award for the custom home category for hot/humid climates at the National Association of Home Builders Conference in Houston. The homeowner used energy efficient features from ceiling to floor, with cellulose insulation in the walls and attics, sealed ductwork, and efficient doors, windows, and lighting. However, the feature that saves the most energy is the GeoExchange system. The geothermal heat pump heats and cools the house and provides hot water for the residents with a desuperheater, which takes waste heat from the air-conditioning process and uses it in the water heater. The desuperheater actually helps the GeoExchange unit reach heightened levels of efficiency. The system was metered separately and has proven to be a valuable investment, as the home's total energy bill for 1996 was $906. Amazingly, only $253 of the total annual energy bill was used for heating and cooling the 2,000 square feet of conditioned space. "The energy bills are even lower than I anticipated, " said the homeowner, "and the comfort level in the winter and summer is much greater than expected. I never dreamed I could heat and cool my home for 69 cents a day!"

Design and Installation: Installing a geothermal heat pump system is not a project for the do-it-yourselfer. Because the pipes are underground, they need to be designed and installed correctly, and properly pressure tested. The consumer should insist that a qualified and experienced contractor, who has received training at a recognized institution, install the system. For a list of installers and training locations, contact the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium.

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