The first ground source heat pump was installed in 1948 as an experiment by Professor Carl Nielson. People quickly realized what a promising energy alternative it would be and began improving and producing the equipment. Modern heat pump systems last much longer, require less maintenance, and are four times more efficient than traditional air-source heat pumps. Today there are well over a million geothermal heat pumps installed worldwide and an additional 80,000 units are installed in the USA each year.

Geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

As an incentive to install these environmentally-friendly units the government is offering a 30% tax credit based on the installed price of a geothermal heat pump unit that meets or exceeds Energy Star requirements. Although these systems are initially more expensive, this credit offers a tremendous discount and homeowners can expect a significant decrease in their energy bills. Customers often report they receive a full payback on their investment in three to five years.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

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The first ground source heat pump was installed in 1948 as an experiment by Professor Carl Nielson. People quickly realized what a promising energy alternative it would be and began improving and producing the equipment. Modern heat pump systems last much longer, require less maintenance, and are four times more efficient than traditional air-source heat pumps. Today there are well over a million geothermal heat pumps installed worldwide and an additional 80,000 units are installed in the USA each year.

Geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

As an incentive to install these environmentally-friendly units the government is offering a 30% tax credit based on the installed price of a geothermal heat pump unit that meets or exceeds Energy Star requirements. Although these systems are initially more expensive, this credit offers a tremendous discount and homeowners can expect a significant decrease in their energy bills. Customers often report they receive a full payback on their investment in three to five years.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

“What is Geothermal and how would I benefit from it?”

A common question easily answered! Essentially, Geothermal is a natural and eco friendly way to heat or cool your home. Think of a cool spring water lake coming from the ground at 72 degrees? Is this not what we set are thermostats on a sweat dripping humid summer day?

Geothermal installation uses an underground piping system and works with the earth, naturally heating or cooling your home providing your family with the added benefit of a lower monthly utility bill and a hefty tax break of 30% for the installation cost! Circulating the water underground, heating or cooling depending on the season, the earths’ natural temperature is put to good use.

Furthermore, the systems method of utilizing the natural temperature of the earth to furnace or cool your home will create a safe humidity controlled environment reducing overall buildup of molds and mildew.

The underground, durable system comes with long term warranties and in comparison to standard heating and cooling systems, require far less maintenance and therefore provide the consumer, once again, with more money in the bank.

Geothermal heating and cooling has been an idea for hundreds of years. One of the first uses of this natural energy was seen in 1921 by John D. Grant, creating the first Geothermal plant in history. Consequently the use of cheap fossil fuels was already in motion, creating a competitive edge that could not be matched at that time.

Eighty- eight years later, circumstances have drastically changed not only for the environment but our economic needs as well. With the tough standard of living we demand along with the unforeseeable economic burdened future, geothermal energy holds the torch allowing us to live cleaner, safer, and slightly richer lives.

The underground loop draws excess heat from the house and allows it to be absorbed by the Earth. The system cools your home in the same way that a refrigerator keeps your food cool – by drawing heat from the interior, not by blowing in cold air.

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. The fluid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a closed system.

Another type of geothermal system uses a loop of copper piping placed underground. When refrigerant is pumped through the loop, heat is transferred directly through the copper to the earth.

As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.

Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling uses the Earth’s constant temperature to achieve EER’s (Energy Efficiency Ratings) in the 30′s. The heating COP (Coefficient of Performance) is approaching 5. A 5 COP indicates that the Egg Geothermal Systems are producing 5 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed. The other 4 come from the Earth. That’s why this technology is called “renewable”.

Design Features

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home.   

Reduced Vandalism

The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft.   

Durability

The underground loops carry warranties of 25 to 50 years.  The pumps, which are safely located within the home, often last 20 years or more.  

Maintenance

According to a study conducted for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), the maintenance costs are about one-third the cost of conventional systems.  In fact, the only work necessary involves occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger and regular changing of the air filters.   

Unsurpassed Comfort

These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.     

Improved Humidity Control

Geothermal heat pumps provide better humidity control than a tradition system, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.  These systems are ideal for individuals will allergy problems or lung problems.   

Eliminate Emissions

These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials.  By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home.   

Low Environmental Impact

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts.  Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.   

Energy Savings

While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years.  

Excellent Efficiency

With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs.   

Customer Satisfaction

In a customer survey based on heating systems, geothermal heat pump users report higher customer satisfaction than any other customers surveyed. 

Tax Credits

Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap. 

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system.  When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!