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The Electric Geothermal Solution
Question and Answer Guide to Geothermal Systems
A single, simple system for heating, cooling, even water heating...The Simple Solution…
It’s simple: people need to heat their homes in the winter. And most people choose to cool their homes in the summer, too. But it can seem like that’s where the simplicity ends. Different equipment, different energy sources, different needs…it can be hard to sort it all out. There is a simple solution: a single system for heating, cooling, and even water heating, which uses the abundant, natural energy the earth stores beneath us. It’s the ground-source heat pump, or “geothermal system.” And it’s simply your best home comfort solution!
How They Work…
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 whole system is highly efficient AND environmentally friendly. You aren’t creating heat – you’re only moving it from one place to another. And of course, high efficiency means low cost!
Flexible Options…
Geothermal systems come in many styles to fit differing needs.
Vertical loops 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. Other innovative options, such as the ‘slinky’ loop, make geothermal systems flexible and adaptable. Your cooperative can help you decide which is best and put you in touch with qualified installers.
Down-To-Earth Savings…
Geothermal systems are the most efficient home heating and cooling options available today! They don’t create any heat and only require a small amount of electricity to power the system. Comparing actual costs tells the whole story:
Annual heating and cooling costs:
95% efficient propane furnace, 10 SEER central air $677
95% efficient natural gas furnace, 10 SEER central air $494
Geothermal System $304
When a geothermal system is in use, excess heat energy can be routed to your water heater. The result is saving two-thirds of your water heating costs year-round!
The Power of the Future…
Geothermal systems are just one example of why electricity is the clean power of the future. People are discovering that electric technologies are more efficient AND cleaner than combustion energy sources. Electric technologies simply do more with less energy! But the story doesn’t end with geothermal. There is a broad spectrum of electric home heating and cooling options, ranging from easily-installed baseboard units to high-tech radiant heating. Electric air conditioner, water heather, dryers and ranges make your home more efficient, cleaner, and more convenient. Electric water distillers, cordless mowers, and high-efficiency lighting save energy while reducing emissions. Talk to your electric cooperative about the clean power of the future.
Ask Those Who Know…
The Haugen Family, Brandon, South Dakota:
Sioux Falls area homebuilder Gil Haugen Jr. picked an efficient geothermal system when it was time to build his own home: “We chose a geothermal system because of its lower operating costs and it’s certainly lived up to our expectations….It only cost $194 to heat our 5,130 square-foot home last winter, and this summer it cost only $94.80 for cooling. The performance has been outstanding.” Carrie is impressed with the comfort: “The heating and cooling are both extremely even and consistent throughout the house.”
The Euliss Family, Jamestown, North Dakota:
Chip and Betty were used to a California climate before moving to North Dakota. Fortunately they chose the comfort and efficiency of geothermal: “We just switch it on and we’re comfortable,” Betty says. “Our house is big, but we have no hot spots or cold spots. Our geothermal system works great, both winter and summer.”
The Kristoff Family, Marshall, Minnesota:
Joe and Debra had a pleasant surprise when they learned about geothermal: “When I built, I was just trying to decide between oil and propane. I hadn’t even considered electric heat. But I found there’s a whole different way to use electricity. You use the ground to help heat your home…Out highest season was just over $300 – that’s heating AND cooling!”
