How does a Geothermal system work?
What type of pipe is used in the Geothermal loop?
What keeps the fluid in the Geothermal loop from freezing in the winter?
How much pipe is required?
Is Geothermal heating and cooling technology new?
What are the major benefits of Geothermal systems?
What are the environmental advantages?
Does Geothermal cost more than a conventional heat pump?
How much will a system cost to install?
How long will it take for a system to pay for its self?
Where can I go to finance a Geothermal system in my home?
Are there any financial incentives available in my area?
Does a Geothermal system provide hot water as well?
How durable is a Geothermal System?
What are the major brands available?
Why choose DeltaTemp?
No matter what climate you live in, the air temperature throughout the year varies. However, the temperature below ground, stays fairly consistent all year. Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but instead of absorbing or rejecting heat to and from the outside air, they rely on the stable temperature of the earth to provide heating, air conditioning and, in many cases, hot water.
In winter, a fluid circulating through pipes buried in the ground absorbs heat from the earth and carries it into the home. The Geothermal heat pump inside the home uses a heat transfer cycle to concentrate the earth's thermal energy and then to transfer it to the interior space for warmth.
In the summer, the process is reversed: Heat is extracted from the air in the house and transferred through the heat transfer cycle to the ground loop piping. The fluid in the ground loop then carries the heat back to the earth. The only external energy needed for this process is the small amount of electricity needed to operate the compressor, ground loop pump and distribution fan or pump (for radiant heating systems).
The geothermal loop that is buried underground is typically made of high-density polyethylene, a tough plastic that is extraordinarily durable but which allows heat to pass through efficiently. When installers connect sections of pipe, they heat fuse the joints, making the connections stronger than the pipe itself. To ensure good results, the piping should be installed by professionals who follow procedures established by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA).
The fluid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a closed system.
Tthe length of the loop depends upon a number of factors, including the type of loop configuration used; your home's heating and air conditioning load; local soil conditions and landscaping; and the severity of your climate. Larger homes requiring more heating or air conditioning generally need larger loops than smaller homes. Homes in climates where temperatures are extreme also generally require larger loops.
The basic technology has been around for more than 50 years, and many homeowners and businesses have been enjoying the benefits of Geothermal for much of that time.
In recent years, though, significant improvements have been made in the materials used, installation methods, electronic control systems, and the efficiencies of the compressors, pumps and other equipment.
Owners enjoy lower utility bills (25% to 70% lower than with conventional systems), lower maintenance, and higher levels of comfort, year-round. They also have the peace of mind of knowing they're being environmentally responsible.
Since a Geothermal system burns no fossil fuel on-site to produce heat, it generates far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional furnace, and completely eliminates a potential source of poisonous carbon monoxide within the home or building. Even factoring in its share of the emissions from the power plant that produces electricity to operate the Geothermal system, total emissions are far lower than for conventional systems.
According to data supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Geothermal Technologies, nearly 40% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are the result of using energy to heat, cool and provide hot water for buildings. This is about the same amount of CO2 contributed by the transportation sector.
A typical 3-ton residential GeoExchange system produces an average of about one pound less Carbon Dioxide (CO2) per hour of use than a conventional system. To put that in perspective, over an average 20-year lifespan, 100,000 units of nominally sized residential GeoExchange systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1.1 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.
That would be the equivalent of converting about 58,700 cars to zero-emission vehicles, or planting more than 120,000 acres of trees.
Also, the waste heat removed from the home's interior during the cooling season can be used to provide virtually free hot water-resulting in a total savings in hot water costs of about 30% annually, and lowering emissions even further.
Not necessarily. It depends on how you measure cost. While they sometimes cost more to install in homes than conventional systems because of the ground loop piping, Geothermal systems typically have the lowest life-cycle cost of any heating and cooling system. Heating and cooling costs for a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. home can run as low as $1 a day. The amount they save the homeowner every month in energy costs is more than enough to offset their higher installation cost. As well as the additional cost savings on repair, maintenance and hot water cost.
Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the system adds value to the home. The National Association of Realtors Appraisal Journal estimated that a home's value increases by $10 to $25 for every $1 reduction in utility bills. Adding equity while saving on heating and cooling cost!
Let’s say adding a Geothermal system to your home would add $100 a month to your mortgage, but you save $200 on energy cost alone. You’ve already saved $100 a month plus the increase resale, lower maintenance costs, increased safety and comfort. A good choice for your pocketbook and your planet!
The prices have a wide range based on a number of variables, such as your home or building's size and design, the brand and model you choose, your location, etc., so it is difficult to estimate without considering those specific factors.
To find out how much it would cost to add a GeoExchange system into your home or business, you will need to contact a contractor in your area for an estimate. We can help you locate one by calling us toll-free at 804/ 739-5854.
The answer to this question depends on what it would have cost you if you were operating another heating and cooling system, and how much lower your bills will be when you're using the Geothermal system. DeltaTemp can provide you an estimated life cycle cost analysis that will tell you about how much it will cost you to operate the system and how long it will take for the savings to cover the cost of the system completely.
DeltaTemp offers financing through WaterFurnace on Geothermal systems.
Another option you might consider is obtaining an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) through another lender - read more about EEMs on the ENERGY STAR website.
Geothermal cost savings can be increased with Geothermal energy incentives available from federal, state, local and utility sources. For a comprehensive listing of incentives for renewable energy systems, go to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. You might also consider calling your state energy office or local utility for more information.
As an added benefit, systems can be equipped with a device called a "desuperheater" or “Hot Water Assist” can heat household water, which circulates into the regular water heater tank. In the summer, heat that is taken from the house and would be expelled into the loop is used to heat the water for free. In the winter, the desuperheater can reduce water-heating costs by about half, while a conventional water heater meets the rest of the household's needs. In the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the heat pump may not be operating at all, the regular water heater provides hot water.
Geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical components than other systems, and most of those components are underground, sheltered from the weather. The underground piping used in the system is often guaranteed to last 50 years and is virtually worry-free. The components inside the house are small and easily accessible for maintenance. Warm and cool air is distributed through ductwork, just as in a regular forced-air system. Since geothermal systems have no outside condensing units like air conditioners, they are quieter to operate.
DeltaTemp has installed Hundreds of Geothermal systems since 1995 with continued satisfaction from our clients. DeltaTemp offers turn-key installation of all systems components including units, loops, duct and controls. We are a WaterFurnace GeoPro Master Dealer evaluated on performance, business practices, experience, technical training, and dedication, DeltaTemp has over 30 years of experience in the Geothermal industry. We are a fully insured Virginia licensed contractor. DeltaTemp is a family-owned and operated business that works to offer easy communication, prompt service and easy scheduling. Our mission is to satisfy our clients by exhibiting knowledge, integrity and honesty.
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