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The earth has a handy property that makes geothermal systems possible: year-round temperature stability. Picture a long pipe that loops underground. Pour ice water into one end of the pipe, and warmer water comes out the other end. The earth's stable temperature is warmer than the water and gives some of its heat to it. Likewise, warm water going in would come out cooler. This simple piece of physics is what makes the geothermal system work. Fluid cycles through a "loop field," gathering up heat in the winter. A compressor concentrates this natural energy and uses it for home heating. In the summer, the process simply reverses.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed ground source heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating, cooling, and water heating systems available. In a 1993 report, the EPA concluded that geothermal technologies represent a major opportunity for reducing national energy use and pollution, while delivering comfort, reliability and savings to homeowners.
Installation
A GSHP system can be installed in a residential structure of any size, anywhere, whether it is single-family or multi-family. GSHPs can be installed on almost any size lot: under lawns, landscaped areas, driveways, or the house itself. An existing house can be retrofitted with a GSHP using the ductwork that is already there.
Loop Options
Geothermal systems come in many styles to fit differing needs.
Vertical loops (picture A) use bore holes to sink tubing deep into the ground and require very little land. The number of loops is varied to precisely match the needs of the installation.
When more land is available, horizontal loops can be trenched in 4-8 feet beneath the surface (picture B). Other innovative options, such as the 'slinky' loop, (picture C) make geothermal systems flexible and adaptable. Your cooperative can help you decide which is best and put you in touch with qualified installers.
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