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Geothermal FAQs
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What is geothermal energy?
In Greek geo means earth and therme means heat. So basically, geothermal energy is the energy derived from the heat of the earth.
How does geothermal energy work?
Considering the vast benefits, geothermal energy geothermal energy is widely used in various applications and through diverse methods. For residential homes geothermal heat pump systems are the most common method of exploiting the earth’s energy. In this system a series of pipes are buried underneath the ground where the temperature remains a constant 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The pump circulates water through a series of pipes (called a loop) under the ground and into a building. A compressor and heat exchanger pull the heat from the pipes and send it via a duct system throughout the building. In the summer the process is reversed. The pipes draw heat away from the house and carry it to the ground outside, where it is absorbed. Our experts at SMC Geothermal can explain exactly how it would work for your home; call today 303/766-2004 to set up a consultation.
Can any home use a geothermal energy system?
Yes. Geothermal heat pumps can be used for new construction as well as retrofitted for existing buildings. A geothermal energy system can be used for virtually any size home or lot in any region as the temperature under the ground is consistent all over.
Are there different types of geothermal heat pumps for different homes?
Yes. Geothermal heat pumps can be open- or closed-loop. Open-loop systems draw well water for use as the heat source and after use, return the well water to a drainage field or another well. As not every home has access to a well, there are closed-loop systems that use a water and antifreeze solution, circulated in a ground loop of pipe to extract heat from the earth.
Ground loops can be installed in a vertical well or a horizontal loop. Vertical wells are usually more expensive and used where space is limited. The length of loop pipe required will vary with soil type, loop configuration, and system capacity required. Our experts at SMC Geothermal can determine exactly what type of system your home needs; call today 303/766-2004 to set up a consultation.
Are geothermal heat pumps more expensive than traditional heating/cooling systems?
Initially yes, a residential geothermal heating pump system is more expensive to install than a traditional heating/cooling system. However because a properly sized and installed geothermal powered system is so much more efficient than conventional systems it will pay for itself over time through lowered utility bills. And further, since geothermal heat pumps are so much more efficient, they are less expensive to operate and maintain resulting in additional savings.
Additionally many states are trying to encourage the use of alternative energy sources and it may be possible to include the purchase of a geothermal heat pump system in an "energy-efficient mortgage" that would cover this initial expense.
What is the advantage of using a geothermal heat pump for my home?
There are a multitude of advantages to using geothermal energy to heat and cool your home, the top 3 reasons include: low cost, low maintenance and durability. With a geothermal heat pump system you will save money, time and energy for years to come. Call SMC Geothermal today at 303/766-2004 to find out how you can start saving.
Learn More At..
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
In Greek geo means earth and therme means heat. So basically, geothermal energy is the energy derived from the heat of the earth.
How does geothermal energy work?
Considering the vast benefits, geothermal energy geothermal energy is widely used in various applications and through diverse methods. For residential homes geothermal heat pump systems are the most common method of exploiting the earth’s energy. In this system a series of pipes are buried underneath the ground where the temperature remains a constant 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The pump circulates water through a series of pipes (called a loop) under the ground and into a building. A compressor and heat exchanger pull the heat from the pipes and send it via a duct system throughout the building. In the summer the process is reversed. The pipes draw heat away from the house and carry it to the ground outside, where it is absorbed. Our experts at SMC Geothermal can explain exactly how it would work for your home; call today 303/766-2004 to set up a consultation.
Can any home use a geothermal energy system?
Yes. Geothermal heat pumps can be used for new construction as well as retrofitted for existing buildings. A geothermal energy system can be used for virtually any size home or lot in any region as the temperature under the ground is consistent all over.
Are there different types of geothermal heat pumps for different homes?
Yes. Geothermal heat pumps can be open- or closed-loop. Open-loop systems draw well water for use as the heat source and after use, return the well water to a drainage field or another well. As not every home has access to a well, there are closed-loop systems that use a water and antifreeze solution, circulated in a ground loop of pipe to extract heat from the earth.
Ground loops can be installed in a vertical well or a horizontal loop. Vertical wells are usually more expensive and used where space is limited. The length of loop pipe required will vary with soil type, loop configuration, and system capacity required. Our experts at SMC Geothermal can determine exactly what type of system your home needs; call today 303/766-2004 to set up a consultation.
Are geothermal heat pumps more expensive than traditional heating/cooling systems?
Initially yes, a residential geothermal heating pump system is more expensive to install than a traditional heating/cooling system. However because a properly sized and installed geothermal powered system is so much more efficient than conventional systems it will pay for itself over time through lowered utility bills. And further, since geothermal heat pumps are so much more efficient, they are less expensive to operate and maintain resulting in additional savings.
Additionally many states are trying to encourage the use of alternative energy sources and it may be possible to include the purchase of a geothermal heat pump system in an "energy-efficient mortgage" that would cover this initial expense.
What is the advantage of using a geothermal heat pump for my home?
There are a multitude of advantages to using geothermal energy to heat and cool your home, the top 3 reasons include: low cost, low maintenance and durability. With a geothermal heat pump system you will save money, time and energy for years to come. Call SMC Geothermal today at 303/766-2004 to find out how you can start saving.
Learn More At..
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
