Explaining Geothermal
Heating Solutions
The word geothermal is a term that describes Geoexchange (ground source heating and cooling). Geoexchange is the process of using the renewable energy from the earth to heat and cool a building by means of heat transfer.In the winter, the heat from the ground is drawn out through a series of pipes called a loop field, that are installed into the earth. A water/antifreeze solution runs through the piping capturing the warmth and delivering it to the heat pump inside the building. The heat pump then uses refrigerant to transfer the heat into the air or water that is heating the structure.
In the summer, the very same ground source heat pump (GSHP) simply reverses and pulls the heat from the building, carries it through the loops, and rejects the heat into the earth. This process saves energy due to the fact that the heat pump is now dumping heat into 50 degree ground versus 80-100 degree outside air temperature.
Geothermal energy, the cost-effective alternate to gas systems
The universal definition of geothermal is "...pertaining to the heat of the earth" and it is an unlimited resource. The property surrounding a suburban home or other building contains a vast reservoir of low temperature thermal energy which is typically 10 times the amount required over an entire heating season. This resource is constantly supplied by the sun and the heat that is rejected while cooling during the summer. By using the earth to provide up to 70% of a building's total heating needs, GSHP (ground source heat pump) systems are truly geothermal energy made practical. Using the information about the terrain and other natural resources surrounding your home or building, UMR Geothermal will design the most cost effective loop field as the energy source for your GSHP system. Many electric utility companies offer incentives for the use of geothermal equipment. There are also tax credits available through the State of Minnesota. Compare the energy costs for a geothermal system versus a natural gas system in a 3000 square foot home using our energy analysis.
