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GEOTHERMAL HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS The application of geothermal heating/cooling, also known as ground source heat pumps, has been named "the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems", by the Environmental Protection Agency. The system's basic concept takes advantage of the earth's constant temperature, approximately 55 degrees, to heat and cool a building. By tapping this steady flow of heat from the earth in the winter, and displacing heat in the earth in the summer, a geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40 to 70 percent in heating costs and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs compared to conventional systems. Now you can also realize up to 30% rebates from both federal and state green stimulus programs.
Ground source heat pumps work by circulating water or a water/antifreeze solution through a closed loop of polyethylene pipe that is buried in the ground or set
The ductwork is no different than that of a conventional forced-air system. The difference is found in the temperature of the air flowing from the registers in the winter. With a conventional air source heat pump, the air flow is seldom warmer than 80 degrees. But because water transfers a greater volume of heat than air, the Ground source heat pump is able to deliver warmer air, typically about 110 degrees F. Another benefit of a ground source heat pump can be found when teamed with a desuperheater. This component skims residual warmth from the compressor to heat water. Which means that in the summer, when the system is working to get rid of heat, the desuperheater can provide practically free hot water. And since most systems are oversized, there is usually enough warmth left over for low cost hot water in the winter too. While GSHP's require a small amount of electricity to concentrate the energy and circulate it through the system, most systems derive approximately 70 percent of their energy from a clean, renewable source- the earth. Other advantages of GSHP's include the fact that all components of the unit are housed inside the building, thereby reducing the wear and tear on the unit by Mother Nature, and also eliminating the fear of vandalism or theft. GSHP's do not require a flue, and since there is no on-site combustion, there's less chance of fire, and no chance of carbon monoxide infiltrating the home. GSHP's also carry the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Label, which is used to designate energy-efficient equipment. Often homeowners may find tax benefits, lower mortgages, or utility rebates.
Geothermal technology is still relatively new, with only about 50,000 systems (approximately 1 percent) installed nationwide last year. There are only 150,000 units installed in homes in the United States at this time, but the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, which includes the EPA, the Department of Energy, 240 electric utilities and 20 heat pump manufacturers, is out to change that. With $100 million at its disposal, the consortium is offering rebates, reduced utility bills and other incentives to entice homeowners.
If you are interested in a geothermal heating/cooling system, there are a number of resources available, including: ORGANIZATIONS: International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), Oklahoma State University, 490 Cordell South, Stillwater, OK 74078-8018; Phone 800.626.4747 http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu US Department of Energy - Geothermal Division, 1000 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121; Phone 202.586.5340 http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/ US Environmental Protection Agency - Residential Efficiency Programs. Mail code 6202j, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460; Phone 202.233.9127 http://www.epa.gov/energystar SUPPLIERS: HydroDelta Corporation 10205 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123; Phone 314.849.5550 E-mail: hydroheat@aol.com Mammoth, Inc. 101 West 82nd Street, Chaska, MN 55318; Phone 612.361.2644 http://www.mammoth-inc.com McQuay International 13600 Industrial Park Blvd., PO Box 1551, Minneapolis, MN 55440; Phone 612.553.5168 http://www.mcquay.com The Trane Company PO Box 7916, Waco, TX 75714; Phone 817.840.5329 http://www.trane.com WaterFurnace International
9000 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809; Phone 800.222.5667
http://www.waterfurnace.com
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Ground source heat pumps work in a similar manner as air source heat pumps, minus the high cost. Atypical household can save $1500 a year or more. This can give most systems a payback period of three to five years. GSHP's are more than three times as efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel furnace. By moving heat that already exists in the earth, instead of burning a combustible fuel, GSHP's deliver three units of energy for every one unit used to power the heat-pump system.
beneath the water. GSHP systems can be lad out in different orientations, depending on the situation. A closed loop system, the most popular, can be laid out either vertically in 50 -250 foot deep holes drilled like a well, or horizontally in 3-6 foot deep trenches. The less common open loop system circulates a constant source of ground water and dispels the water back to its origin, such as a stream, well, or pond. 
The only problem with GSHP's is one of economics. GSHP's can cost as much as 30 percent more than conventional heating and cooling systems. Another drawback to GSHP installation is the lack of qualified contractors who know how to properly design, install, and service the systems. Interested homeowners must take extra precautions in screening both the contractor and the equipment manufacturer for a solid track record.