Are Geothermal Heat Pumps Far Superior?

What Makes Geothermal Energy a Better Choice in heating?

Cost Effective

A geothermal heat pump system will set you back about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or about $7,500 for a 3-ton unit which is a typical home size.

If you were to by an A/C or other systems you would be out of pocket in the $4,000 range.

So you have less up front costs, but on a retrofitted, geothermal HVAC unit you will have much lower utility bills, allowing you to recouped your cost in 2-10 years depending on the area you live in. You might even be able to recoup some of your cost by checking with our local utility companies to see if they offer rebate programs on high efficiency geothermal systems.You will save up to 70% on your home or office energy bills.

Durability

Geothermal heat pumps are made to withstand the elements, and the warranties can extend out over 20 years for some parts.On average Geothermal heat pumps require less up keep.

Year-Round Comfort

A Geothermal heat pump works the same as heating and cooling HVAC’s. However it is a silent system that keeps you comfortable in all seasons, and can improve humidity control in your home environment without needing a humidifier.

Quiet Operation

Geothermal heat pumps use no outside condensing units, and without hot or cold air being blown in there are no load fans to contend with. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps Far Superior

Few people are even aware that geothermal heat pumps are even an option when it comes to their heating and cooling needs. Most of us are aware that electric heat pumps are available but the new generation of geothermal units are just now gaining popularity. These state-of-the-art heat pumps provide the same continuous and even heat or cooling just like the electric pumps but they are far more efficient at doing so. So, if you are in need of a new heating/cooling system for you home or business, here are some reasons to consider purchasing a geothermal heat pump.

Let’s face itthe environment is becoming a bigger and bigger issue for everyone. We are all looking for ways to use less energy and pollute less. Geothermal heat pumps are simply the most environmentally friendly heating and cooling units available today. Plus, no system can rival a geothermal heat pump when it comes to energy efficiency or cost effectiveness. So, not only are these heat pumps environmentally friendly, they ultimately cost less to operate and consume less energy while doing so.

However, it is also very true that geothermal heat pumps will cost you more to purchase and install than other options. However, depending on the location and the cost of the other heating/cooling option, geothermal heat pumps will recover those added up-front costs within 6 or 7 years. After that point has been reached, geothermal heat pumps will save you money over the other heating/cooling options each and every single year it is in use. In the long run, these new age heating and cooling units will prove to be the most cost effective option available.

Geothermal heat pumps cool your home in the summer by removing excess heat and humidity from the home. This heat is then transferred to the earth where it naturally dissipates. The process is much quieter and less obtrusive than found in conventional heat pumps.

In the winter, geothermal units heat your home by forcing fluid through pipes buried in the ground. This fluid picks up radiant heat coming from the ground. The heat absorbed by the liquid is then compressed within geothermal heat pumps in order to raise the temperature. The heat is then distributed throughout your home.

Geothermal heat pumps also offer the added advantage of providing homeowners with free or drastically reduced hot water. This savings alone can add up to hundreds, potentially thousands, of dollars during the lifetime of a geothermal heat pump.

Although geothermal heat pumps are more expensive to purchase and install, they become the less expensive heating and cooling option as time progresses. Therefore, even if you are planning to move in the next few years but need a heating/cooling system right away, geothermal heat pumps may prove to be true selling points later on down the road. So, no matter what your plans for your home, installing a geothermal heat pump will always be a wise investment and provide you many worry-free years of heating and cooling comfort.

By: Chris Impeterelli -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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HVAC How do Heating Systems Compare?

HVAC How do Heating Systems Compare?

Staying warm is important to all of us, so when we go about choosing the right heating system is pretty significant.

Selecting the fuel and heating system best suited for your needs will probably depend greatly on what area of the country and you live in. Fuel rates vary considerably by utility service area, geographic location and/or season, it is important to know your own local rates when comparing your heating system options.

Installing a new heating system will be less taxing, and there are some great new energy efficient models available. However when you are replacing a heating system you also have to take into consideration the age and how well maintained it is.

How well insulated is your home? Before you install your new heating system fortify the insulation in your home, calk around the window, or you’re will be losing heat, and throwing any money and energy savings literally out the window.

Which factors are important to you?

• Cost
• Energy Efficiency
• Ease of Installation
• Environmental Impact                        
• Maintance Cost
• Warranty
• Availability
• Will it keep your wife’s feet warm?

No matter which heating system you should choose, make it as efficient as possible, and do your part to keep our planet clean.

Heating Systems: A Quick Comparison

Heating systems come in many different forms and configurations. When choosing one for your home, it is critical that you take several factors into account: efficiency, cost, capability and maintenance. The following is a quick overview to give you some options when planning to purchase or reinstall your current heating system.

Forced Air

Forced air is the most commonplace heating system in place, especially in new construction in most parts of the country. Forced Air Heating heats air through a standard furnace using natural gas, propane, oil or electricity.

The heated air is then pushed through ductwork throughout the house by a circulating fan.

The main advantages to this type of heating system are many. The furnace, depending on size and energy source can create the highest efficiency for certain types of homes.

The unit also can accommodate a dual purpose in that it can also serve as the central source for air conditioning and ventilation as well – the only one of these heating systems that can do so. Forced air can also integrate such add-ons as filtration and humidification units.

Forced air systems can, however, have some drawbacks. The units generally require more maintenance than others. They also require an extensive system of ducts in even small homes. Ducts can take up space, alter designs and can be difficult to reach to clean and service. For small to medium homes, these units generally provide the highest efficiency at the lowest cost.

Radiant Heat

One of the most popular new systems is radiant or ambient heat. Generally, it can come in the form of a hot water tube embedded in a floor or wall – although a radiant heating system can also refer to wood or coal stoves, fireplaces or other fuel-burning heating systems placed in the open.
The advantages to radiant heat are many, but so are the disadvantages. In the case of tubing laid in the floor or wall, the heat is uniform and consistent throughout the home. Architectural design is not affected as it is an "invisible" heat source, allowing for wide design choices. However, if repairs are needed, the system poses severe problems with access and potential structural upheaval.

The heating cycle is slow, as well, so it is not recommended for spaces with rapid, repeating and extreme temperature changes. Ambient heat does not offer a ventilation or air conditioning option at all. Ambient heat offers a high installation cost and a potentially very high repair cost. But the boiler heating the system, if chosen wisely, can offer a very high efficiency factor.

Hot Water Radiant

Usually knows as "hot water baseboard" heating systems, this heating option pushes hot water through tubing (usually copper) installed at the bottom of each room’s walls. The heat is circulated purely through convection, meaning that no ventilation or circulating device is needed, making the system very quiet.

While the system offers high efficiency at low installation cost, the structure can impede certain designs in homes. Repair is not usually a consideration. As with ambient or radiant heat, the choice of the boiler usually determines the efficiency of this particular style of home heating system.

Again, a separate air conditioning and ventilation unit is required.

Steam Radiant

Similar to hot water radiant, steam radiant uses a series of pipes or tubes to warm the home through convection. While the system is still in use in some older construction and in some European homes, this system is not used much in the United States.

Also similar to water radiant, the system can be very efficient when the proper type of boiler is used and powered by an appropriate fuel source which may include propane, oil, electricity or alternate energy. An air conditioning and ventilation system would be a separate system entirely.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) are unlike either Forced Air or Radiant heat entirely – and are perhaps the most exciting new technology offered in home heating systems. The concept of a GHP is to take heat or cold and to displace it by using long pipes running into the ground. Since the ground at the buried depth is normally a fairly consistent (and comfortable) temperature, the heat or cold is displaced, returning a comfortable temperature to the home.

The advantages are enormous efficiencies and savings – in the range of upwards of 70% over other heating or cooling sources. However, the cost and construction can be prohibitive to achieve these efficiencies. Certain home sites may not be able to take advantage of this system, and maintenance can be extremely high.

Which is Right For You?

Each system does offer advantages and disadvantages to each potential homeowner. Taking these all into consideration, particularly selection, maintenance and repair, as well as response time for service or an emergency should all be taken into consideration.

By: Duane

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com  www.get-heat-now.com

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