Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Geothermal technology significantly reduces energy usage and utility bills for home and business owners. The EPA and Department of Energy call it “the most cost-effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly method” of heating and cooling your home available today. Homeowners can save up to 70% off of their heating, cooling, and hot water costs.
Geothermal Basics
Horizonal Loop
Vertical Loop
How does a geothermal heating and cooling system work? Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons but underground temperatures do not. Four to six feet below the earth’s surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round.
In the summer, it might be 80 degrees outside, but the underground temperature is 50 degrees. Conventional air conditioning units cool that 80 degree air to 55 degrees and blow the cold air into your home. With geothermal, fluid filled pipes that “loop” through the underground are cooled naturally by the 50 degree earth temperature.
In the winter, it could be 30 degrees outside, but the underground temperature is 50 degrees. Instead of heating 30 degree air with a conventional forced air furnace, geothermal only needs to raise the temperature from 50 degrees to your thermostat setting.
An added benefit is that some geothermal heat pumps can also provide all of your hot water.
Additional Information
If you are interested in learning more about geothermal heating and cooling, we would be happy to help you. If geothermal is right for you, we will measure your home, calculate your heating and cooling requirements, and assess your property to determine the best loop system for your location.
Manitowoc Heating and Refrigeration is your local WaterFurnace dealer. The WaterFurnace.com website is a very helpful resource. It contains a savings calculator, video, and tax credit information.