What are the advantages
of a geothermal heating system?
There are many advantages
to geothermal systems.
- A ground source heat pump
is designed to both heat and cool your house.
- An exterior A/C unit
for cooling is not required.
- The heat pump is quiet and is
kept inside the house so it is not exposed to the elements.
- The heat pump does not burn any fossil fuels and is therefore
environmentally friendly.
- Finally, geothermal systems cost
significantly less money to operate.
- Estimates put your combined
heating and cooling costs at 50 – 80% less than conventional
systems.
Do I need to drill, and
how deep do the holes have to be?
Most geothermal systems require
some drilling unless your property is large enough to dig in
long trenches, or you live close to a body of water. See the Geothermal
Systems (link).
The depth of each bore hole is not important because the temperature
of the ground is relatively the same at 6ft as it is at 200ft.
The size of the geothermal system and the ground conditions
at your property will determine how many feet of geothermal
pipe you need to have installed.
What type of ground is best for geothermal systems?
Very hard rock such as granite tends to provide the best conductivity
and therefore is very efficient in geothermal applications.
However, softer rock like limestone or materials like sand
and clay will work just as effectively but you may need a few
more feet of geothermal pipe installed.
Are the costs for drilling
rock different than for sand, clay or gravel?
Yes. The cost associated with drilling different ground conditions
varies. Each ground condition is drilled differently and each
condition presents unique challenges. We will supply a quote
for your specific location.
What is the difference between an Air to Air heat
pump and a Ground Source heat pump (Geothermal Heat pump)?
Air to air heat pumps use the outside air to heat your house.
As the temperature of the outside air drops so does the efficiency
of your heat pump. A ground source heat pump is much more efficient
because the temperature of the ground or the ground water is
constant year round.
Can I upgrade my existing heating and cooling system
to a geothermal system?
Yes. We have worked on retro-fit projects and this is becoming
more common. |
