MERIDIEN DEVELOPMENT INC.

GEOTHERMAL BUILDINGS

Why use Geothermal Heating/Cooling?

The application of geothermal heating/cooling, also know as ground source heat pumps, has been named "the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems," by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  A geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40-70% in heating costs and 30-50% in cooling costs compared to conventional systems.  Geothermal systems are also safer because there is less chance of fire and no chance of carbon-monoxide infiltrating the home.  Additionally, because geothermal systems carry the EPA's Energy Star Label, homeowners may receive other savings such as tax benefits, lower mortgages and utility rebates.

What is a ground source heat pump?

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth.  These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature (approximately 55 degrees) to provide heating, cooling and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed or open loops, and those loops can be installed in three ways: horizontally (in 3-6 ft deep trenches), vertically (in 50-250 ft deep holes drilled like a well) or in a pond/lake (set beneath the water).  The type chosen depends on the available land areas and the soil and rock type at the installation site.  These factors will help determine the most economical choice for installation of the ground loop.

For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is circulated through polyethylene plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's surface.  During the winter, the fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and into the building.  During the summer, the system reverses itself to cool the building by pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the system and placing it in the ground.  This process creates free hot water in the summer and delivers substantial hot water savings in the winter.

Open loop systems, though less common than closed loop systems, operate on the same principle  and can be installed where an adequate supply of suitable water is available and open discharge is feasible.  The open loop system circulates a constant source of ground water and dispels the water back to its origin, such as a stream, well or pond, creating benefits similar to the closed loop system.

 Reference Links: ,,,,

@ 2006 Meridien Development, Inc.