Geothermal Heat Pump

If you are interested in energy efficiency, you have probably heard the term geothermal heat pump being thrown around, but you might not know exactly what they are. You assume they have something to do with creating energy in a green manner, but how do they work? How much do they cost? How can you install them in your home? This article will set out to answer some of the basic questions you have about geothermal heat pumps.

A geothermal heat pump uses the temperature of the earth to either circulate warm or cool air. This system works because, like a cave, the temperature of the shallow ground is warmer that the air in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. The heat pump is buried in the shallow ground and can either take cool air and transfer it to a warm area or take warm air and transfer it to a cool area.

This system is much more efficient than electric heating and can therefore reduce energy costs. The Environmental Protection Agency has gone on record to call geothermal energy the cleanest and most cost effective form of air conditioning system available to consumers. The hope with this kind of technology is that the more that it is implemented around the world, the more it can be a benefit to help reduce global warming.

There are many different types of geothermal pumps including closed loop systems, direct exchange systems, and open loop systems. Depending on what the weather is like where you live and the amount of energy you will need to create, some systems might work better for you than others. If you are interested, a retailer that specializes in these systems in your area will be able to direct you to the best system for your needs.

The initial cost of a geothermal system is considerably higher than traditional heating and cooling systems. A general estimate from the Department of Energy puts an average system's cost at $7500. However, the systems last much longer. The in-ground part of the system is estimated to last half a century and the internal components have a life expectancy of twenty-five years or more.

Because of their energy efficiency, geothermal systems will eventually pay for themselves. The initial extra costs are recouped in anywhere between four and ten years. After that period, you are saving money every year, and as heating and cooling costs continue to rise, these savings will expand exponentially over the lifetime of the system.

Another great aspect of installing a geothermal heat pump is that there may be incentives provided by federal, state, and local governments. For example, homeowners who install a geothermal system might be eligible for a $4500 tax credit. Check out the Department of Energy's website for more information.

Check out the following sites to research buying a system for your home.

• Water Furnace – Water Furnace sells all-in-one systems that will replace your traditional heating and cooling system.

• Econar – Econar is a company that specializes in geothermal systems for residential and commercial applications. They can also help you cash in of a 30 percent tax credit available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

• Sunteq – Sunteq is a Pennsylvania based company that sells systems and provides consumers with a wealth of information on all things geothermal.

Because of the current governmental push to help move the country on a more energy efficient path, there has never been a better time to invest in alternative sources of energy. When you have all the information necessary, you will be ready to make a wise investment that will both help your family's economic situation and help the planet.

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