FAQ's

Just what is geothermal?

Geothermal heating and cooling is an exchange of heat with the earth. The actual soil under the typical building site has a tremendous ability to store and release the Sun's energy/heat. A geothermal heat pump system is a machine designed to tap into that energy source. There is a basic law of physics that states; it is more efficient to move heat that already exists than to make new heat from another form of energy. A ground source heat pump is a geothermal technology, first developed several decades ago, that today offers very significant benefits in terms of energy efficiencies to consumers and it is premised on a renewable energy source – the Earth's stored solar energy.

How does a geothermal system work?

The temperature of an object can be measured in British Thermal Units (BTU’s). If we take some BTU’s out, we lower the temperature. If we put some BTU’s in, we raise the temperature.

A geothermal ground source heat pump creates a connection between the conditioned air space inside of a building with the earth beneath it. Consumers benefit by an exchange of BTU’s between the two which keeps the temperature inside the building constant and comfortable.

When the temperature inside a building is too warm, the geothermal unit takes just the right number of BTU’s out of the building to make it cool and comfortable and releases those BTU’s into the earth. When the temperature inside gets too cool, the system changes direction and gains BTU’s from the earth and uses those BTU’s  inside  the building raising the temperature to keep the inside warm and comfortable.

There are currently three ways that geothermal units connect with the earth. Two use liquid and one does not. The two that use a liquid are “Open Loop and Closed Loop”. The other is called Direct Exchange (DX). The Earthlinked technology is a direct exchange system. Direct exchange is more efficient, mechanically simpler, and less invasive to install.

How efficient are geothermal systems?

The first part of the answer lies in how energy efficient a building envelope is or will be upon completion?

A conventional high efficiency gas forced air heating system can be in the range of 92-94% efficient. This means for every dollar spent purchasing energy; you get .92-.94 cents worth of heat or energy in return. An electric heating system is theoretically 100% efficient (COP of 1.0). Each KW of electric energy intended will in fact be spent for a specific heating application – nothing up the flue pipe.

By comparison, an Earthlinked geothermal heat pump is measured with Coefficient of Performance (COP), at 4.0. A ground source heat pump, operating at COP 4.0 during the heating season provides 4 units of heat for each unit of conventional energy consumed. Using a ground source heat pump with a COP of 4.0, if an air space requires (5) units of energy to maintain comfort, (4) units will be gained from the renewable energy stored in the Earth and (1) will be the electric to power the ground source machine.

Today, investments in ground source systems will deliver impressive paybacks. With a life expectancy of 25 years, on a properly designed and installed geothermal system, returns can be enormous even without calculating future energy price increases.

What types of properties are well suited for a geothermal installation?

Actually, almost every building – both residential and commercial - could be considered for a ground source heat pump system. Ground source systems can provide conditioned air, heated water, hydronic heating, and a growing number of other uses for both new and existing structures. Tax credits and other local incentives typically apply for either new construction or retrofit applications. The Earthlinked technology, because of it's very small, and less invasive installation footprint, creates opportunities for retrofit application not viable with other ground source systems

What does a geothermal system cost?

There are many variables discovered in the analysis and design phase of each project that can affect the final installed price. Each project, whether a single family home or a multiple story office complex begins with a feasibility study to determine if a geothermal heating and cooling system is the right choice.

Yes, geothermal is more of an investment than a conventional HVAC system. It will cost more,  in terms of initial investment, but it will provide more. A better question today maybe; what is the cost of not installing an alternative energy system?

A ground source heat pump is an investment in an energy usage that is renewable and sustainable. Justifications for ground source are premised on comparisons to today's costs of electric, gas, or propane alternatives to provide similar work. And those justifications are made without anticipating escalations in energy costs, or scarcity issues associated with using a fossil-based fuel source.

With tax credits, other local incentives, and today's costs of utilities, investment returns for ground source typically result in investments showing a positive return in less than (5) years. Some applications are much improved over the (5) year time frame. Each application needs to be considered on it's actual details and merits.

How long do geothermal systems last?

Ground source installations have a life expectancy of 25 years. Properly installed loop fields can last even longer. Earthlinked heat pump systems are very simple mechanically. The actual heat pump component can be placed either interior or exterior your building.

Is there a best time to “Go Geothermal”? Yes, there are several:

As soon as possible. (1) Energy rates will continue to escalate. (2)Troubling issues associated with damaging our environment will not just go away. (3)Tax credits and other incentives are now in place to make ground source systems affordable. For new construction a ground source system should be a serious consideration at the earliest planning stage. For retrofit applications, consider replacing existing with improved ground source technology before your current equipment expires. In fact, the older technology costs you unnecessary expense each day it is in service.

What system is best for my property? What size and what options should I consider? How much will I need to invest? How long of a payback?

You can buy clothing "off the rack" but a geothermal system needs to be tailor made for each property.

O2Geothermal can tailor make your geothermal system!!!!!

O2Geothermal Inc. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Energy Saving, Environmentally Clean, Cost Effective.