- What is geothermal energy?
- How is geothermal energy utilized in a geothermal heating system?
- What are the environmental implications?
- How are geothermal energy systems different than traditional systems?
- In what other ways can geothermal energy be utilized?
- Why use geothermal?
Geothermal energy for geothermal heating systems is obtained from the first few metres of ground cover on the earth. The radiant energy from the sun heats the soil and this heat is held in the earth keeping the first metre of the soil at a stable temperature year-round. As radiant heat from the sun warms lakes and rivers, water will evaporate and then fall back into the ground where it provides a medium for heat transport within the soil.
How is geothermal energy utilized in a geothermal heating system?
To move energy from the ground to a building, or vice versa, a heat-transfer fluid such as antifreeze or water is circulated within a network of collecting pipes in the earth. Energy is exchanged between the fluid and the building by means of a geothermal heat pump.
During the winter, the system uses heat absorbed from the ground below the frost line to warm the air in your home. In the warmer summer months, the process is reversed, absorbing heat from the air in your home and transferring it back into the cooler ground.
It's more efficient to use earth energy than it is to use a combustion furnace. It takes less energy to move heat from one place to another than it does to convert one kind of energy into another, which is what a regular combustion furnace does.
By tapping into the relatively constant temperature of the earth below the frost line, geothermal heat pump technology heats and cools your building at significant savings. A single system can replace separate furnace and air-conditioning units by performing both heating and cooling. The only energy used is the electricity to power the heat pump system.
Geothermal heat pump systems should not be confused with geothermal power generation, which typically uses steam from high temperature subterranean water to generate electricity.
What are the environmental implications?
Geothermal systems do not harm plants or animals other. The fluid is carried in safe high-density polyethylene plastic ground loops and never touches the ground. There is no interaction or leeching into the surrounding soil or groundwater. There is minimal electricity required to run the pump from other energy sources, such as renewable hydro in Manitoba. No fuel is burnt, no pollution created, and no waste-water is produced.
How are geothermal energy systems different than traditional furnace systems?
Unlike combustion furnace systems, geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat. It simply transfers heat to and from the earth to provide an efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling. Typically the unit’s fan, compressor and pump is operated by minimal external electric power.
In what other ways can geothermal energy be utilized?
In addition to homes and offices, geothermal heating systems can be used to heat commercial greenhouses, spas, fish farms, food processing facilities, mining operations and so forth.
Some geothermal heat pumps can provide all your hot water needs on demand at the same high efficiencies as the heating/cooling cycles. A desuperheater will heat water before it enters your hot water tank and can be added to most heat pumps, which provides significant savings.
There are many reasons to install geothermal. Geothermal is the most efficient and environmentally responsible way to heat and cool buildings. In addition to reducing your ecological footprint and getting better value for your home heating dollars, you will enjoy these benefits:
- Efficiency & Lower Operating Costs - Geothermal heat pump systems use the earth's thermal properties to operate more efficiently than conventional heating and air conditioning systems. They save money and provide an annual energy savings for homeowners ranging from 30% to 70% in heating mode and 20% to 50% in the cooling mode compared to conventional systems.
- Longest Equipment Life - Geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. According to studies completed by the Government of Canada, geothermal systems last 20% longer and have lowest life cycle cost when compared to conventional furnace and air conditioning systems. Ground loops can stay functional and intact for over 50 years.
- Environmentally Responsible Green Technology - Geothermal systems eliminate the combustion of fossil fuels on site and therefore significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses and environmental damage.
- Comfort - Geothermal systems use the relatively stable temperature of the earth as an energy source and provide constant even temperature and humidity regardless of the weather.
- Flexibility - Geothermal systems can provide forced-air heating, radiant in-floor heating, domestic hot water, and air conditioning all from the same unit and require only one-third the space of traditional HVAC systems.
- Quieter Operation & Better Aesthetics - Neither outside air conditioning equipment nor chimney is required. No exposed outdoor equipment means fewer malfunctions due to rust, decay from the elements or vandalism. Geothermal heat pumps are quiet and discreet.
- Healthy Indoor Air Quality - Eliminates carbon monoxide leak risks and cost of carbon monoxide detectors in new residential construction. Eliminates need for exterior wall venting, which improves building envelope and weather tightness.
- Safety - No flame, no flue, no odors, no risk from carbon monoxide. Simply safe and reliable operation.
