May 9, 2014

Geothermal heating and cooling systems can result in significant energy savings.

Geothermal heat pumps use far less electricity and produce less noise compared to conventional HVAC systems. The best thing is that geothermal systems have a long lifespan of up to 20-25 years and require minimal maintenance.

The Benefits of Geothermal Energy

HVAC experts believe that geothermal systems may require a higher initial installation cost, but they pay themselves off in terms of lower energy bills, low maintenance, high durability, and high efficiency. Here are some interesting facts about geothermal energy and how it impacts our environment and our lives.

  1. Geothermal energy is generated by tapping heat stored under the earth’s surface.
  2. Geothermal energy provides less than 10% of the world’s energy.
  3. Geothermal energy is green energy as it poses no threat to the environment.
  4. Geothermal energy is cheap compared to conventional energy forms.
  5. Geothermal energy is a leading source of energy in Iceland. The country sources 18% of its electricity from geothermal energy.
  6. Geothermal energy is primarily used in electricity generation and heating.
  7. Geothermal energy is tapped from the earth using geothermal heat pumps.
  8. Geothermal energy use produces very low greenhouse emissions; it produces only 3% of the emissions of a fossil power station.
  9. In the United States, geothermal energy electricity makes up less than 1% of total electricity production.
  10. In the United States, California tops the list of states using geothermal energy. It has around 30 geothermal power plants that produce more than 90% of the total geothermal energy.
  11. Of all the available forms of energy, geothermal energy is the one that has minimum negative environmental impact.
  12. In the United States, about 1 million residential geothermal heat pumps are installed. Every year, more than 60,000 new geothermal heat pumps are installed in the United States.
  13. Geothermal heat pumps have resulted in annual savings to the tune of 40 trillion BTUs.
  14. The use of geothermal heat pumps has reduced the carbon footprint by over 1.6 million metric tonnes annually.
  15. Geothermal heat pumps have also enabled the elimination of more than 5.8 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
  16. Geothermal heat pumps have enabled energy savings to the tune of 8 million kWh.
  17. Geothermal heat pumps have reduced the electricity need by over 2.6 million kWh.
  18. By using geothermal heat pumps, we have been able to reduce reliance on other fuels equivalent to 21.5mn barrels of crude oil per year.
  19. In financial terms, geothermal systems help bring down heating bills by about 70% and cooling bills by over 40%.
  20. Geothermal heat pumps have a much lower cost per BTU compared to conventional heating systems.
If you want to bring down your power bills significantly, and you want a green heating and cooling system in your home or commercial establishment, then call Scott-Lee Heating Company at (314) 756-9444.

Photo credit: futureatlas.com via Flickr

Myths vs. Facts: Geothermal for St. Louis Homeowners

  • Myth: “Geothermal only works if I have a huge yard.”
    Fact: Vertical closed-loop systems fit on modest lots; the loop goes deep instead of wide.
  • Myth: “It only provides heat.”
    Fact: Ground-source heat pumps both heat and cool, and can assist with hot water via a desuperheater.
  • Myth: “I’ll have to replace all my ductwork.”
    Fact: Many homes can reuse existing ducts with targeted upgrades (added returns, sealing, and balancing) to meet airflow requirements.
  • Myth: “Geothermal needs a well or groundwater.”
    Fact: Closed-loop systems circulate a heat-transfer fluid in buried piping—no groundwater supply required.
  • Myth: “It’s noisy like my outside AC.”
    Fact: The compressor is indoors and the outdoor fan is eliminated; most homeowners notice quieter operation.
  • Myth: “Smart thermostats don’t play well with heat pumps.”
    Fact: Many models include heat-pump logic (aux-heat lockout, balance points). Pairing the right thermostat with proper setup protects efficiency and comfort.
  • Myth: “Repairs are hard because parts are exotic.”
    Fact: The indoor unit shares many components with conventional HVAC; loops are passive and typically maintenance-free once installed.
  • Myth: “Digging will destroy my landscaping.”
    Fact: Trenching/drilling is planned to minimize disturbance, and restoration is a standard part of the project scope.