THE BIG DIG
(Page 2 of 5)
Moreover, since the Earth provides 75% of the heating and
cooling energy, analysts are discovering that noise and
thermal pollution from outdoor units is minimal. Electrical
generation, transmission loads and power plant emissions
can be reduced by 400% per household. All around,
geothermal energy is a win-win option for the environment,
utility companies and the homeowners.
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THE BIRTH OF GEOTHERMAL
The idea for geothermal heating and cooling dates back to
the early 1940s when watercooled heat pumps and air
conditioners first evolved. Engineers and technicians
realized that water had a high rate of heat transfer that
allowed for smaller heat exchangers and minimal refrigerant
charges. From the 1940's to the 1970s, however, energy was
cheap, and not everyone had access to large volumes of
clean water or a place to discharge it. Consequently, most
of the early watercooled systems were used in commercial
structures where well water or process water was in
continually available. Meanwhile, the notably less
efficient air-source systems enjoyed a major market growth
due to their ease of installation.
These days, geothermal energy has become a major industry,
used in the creation of schools, hospitals, churches,
military bases, public housing and high-rise office towers.
Virtually every sector of the market with concern for
operating costs has come to recognize that energy expense
is significantly less with geothermal than with
conventional heating and cooling methods. In many
instances, public buildings are reaping return on the
initial investment in as little as four to five years.
LOOP TO LOOP
There are two primary types of geothermal systems:
open-loop and closed-loop. Open loop systems operate from
well water and require space for water discharge.
Closed-loop methods, however, circulate water and
antifreeze through a series of buried polyethylene pipes.
The closed loop varieties include pond loops, horizontal
trench loops and vertical loops.
OPEN-LOOP SYSTEMS
The open-loop variety requires a source of feed water, such
as a well. They are less expensive to install, but may cost
more to maintain if your water supply is unreliable. At
Geo-Source, a typical open-loop system ranges in cost from
$8,200 for the best 2.5-ton system to $11,400 for a
two-speed, 6-ton unit. That includes interior plumbing
materials, complete installation and a ten-year warranty.
While the majority of rural wells can be used with a
geothermal system, there are exceptions. One problem can be
the presence of iron bacteria in your water. Though not fit
for human consumption, they will cause a troublesome
buildup of iron deposits inside plumbing. If your water
source contains iron bacteria, you might want to consider a
closed-loop system.
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