March 15, 2013


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Why Consider Geothermal Energy

Simply put, geothermal systems are the most efficient way to heat and cool your home. Why?

There is no doubt that the world is moving toward renewable energy sources. With climate change at the forefront of many people’s minds, it is more important than ever to find ways to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. One of the most promising forms of renewable energy is geothermal power.

The technology behind geothermal energy is not new. In fact, it is something that has been around for a very long time. However, new technology has taken this and made it available for potentially every home.

What Is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is the thermal energy that is stored in the Earth. This energy can be accessed by drilling into the Earth’s surface and extracting the hot water or steam that is present underground. The heat from this water or steam can then be used to generate electricity or to heat buildings.

Since geothermal energy is derived from the Earth, it is a renewable resource. This means that it can be used repeatedly without causing any harm to the environment. Geothermal energy is also considered to be a clean source of energy, meaning that it does not produce as much pollution as other forms of energy production.

Uses of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy can be harnessed and used for a multitude of applications.

Generating Electricity

This is the most common use of geothermal energy. By extracting the hot water or steam from the Earth and using it to power turbines, you can generate electricity. In fact, geothermal power plants account for about 0.005% of the world’s total electricity production and is considered the fastest-growing energy source in the world.

Heating Buildings

Another common use of geothermal energy is heating buildings. By tapping into the Earth’s thermal energy, you can heat your home or office without using any fossil fuels. This is a very efficient way to heat your space, and it also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Farming

Geothermal heating can be used to heat greenhouses and help to regulate the temperature of crops. This is a great way to extend the growing season and increase crop yields.

Industrial Processes

Many industrial processes require a lot of heat to function properly. By using geothermal energy, you can provide this heat without relying on fossil fuels. This can help to reduce emissions and save money on your energy bill.

The Pros of Geothermal Energy

There are many reasons why you should consider using geothermal energy for your home or business. Some of the pros include:

  • Causes no harm to the environment
  • One of the cleanest forms of energy
  • Very little carbon footprint
  • Globally accepted as one of the best sources of clean power
  • Less energy costs

There are also some financial benefits to using geothermal energy. Some of these include:

Reduced Energy Bills

By using geothermal energy, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. This can lead to reduced energy and utility bills and help you save money in the long run.

Tax Breaks

Many governments offer tax breaks for businesses or homeowners who install a geothermal system. This can help offset the cost of installation and make geothermal energy more affordable.

The Cons of Geothermal Energy

While geothermal energy has many benefits, it also has a few drawbacks. Some of the cons include:

  • Expensive to install and requires professional maintenance
  • Requires a lot of space for installation and set up
  • Potential for pollution during the process of drilling into the earth’s crust
  • Not accessible globally due to the high costs of tapping it</li></ul>

Harnessing Geothermal Energy

There are a few ways that you can harness geothermal energy for your home or business. These include:

Ground Source Heat Pumps

A ground source heat pump is the most common way to use geothermal energy. This system uses pipes to extract hot water or steam from the Earth and then uses it to generate heat or electricity.

Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth below the frost line as the exchange medium instead of the air temperature outside. They not only provide you with hot and cold air, but can also provide free hot water.

Direct Use

Another way to use geothermal energy is by directly using the hot water or steam from the Earth. This can be done by drilling into a hot spot and extracting the water or by installing a geothermal heat exchanger.

Open-Loop Systems

An open-loop system is one in which you extract water from a groundwater source and then return it to the Earth. This is the most common type of geothermal system in the United States.

Closed-Loop Systems

The closed-loop geothermal system uses a set of pipes filled with liquid that are buried deep in the ground. The liquid in the pipes is heated by the natural heat underground and brought up to heat your home. Once the heat has been transferred to your home, the liquid in the pipes is sent back underground to reverse the process. This system can also be used to remove heat from your home in the summer, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Geothermal Energy for Home Use

If you are interested in using geothermal energy for your home, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will need to engage the services of a qualified contractor to install the system. Second, you will need to find a location to drill into the Earth’s surface.

There are government regulations that govern the use of geothermal energy. Make sure to check with your local authorities before starting any installation project.

Safety is a major concern when using geothermal energy. Ensure all necessary safety precautions are considered when getting a geothermal energy system installed in your home.

When to Install A Geothermal System

The best time to install a geothermal system is when you are building a new home or remodeling your existing home. If you are not in the market for a new home, don’t worry – there are ways to retrofit your home to use geothermal energy. Talk with a qualified contractor about your options.

Cost of Installing a Geothermal System

The cost of installing a geothermal system can vary, depending on the size of your home and the type of system you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $25,000 for a typical residential installation. This may seem like a lot of money, but it will save you money on your energy bill in the long run.

Professional Geothermal Energy System Installation

You have seen that geothermal energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill. If you are interested in installing a geothermal system in your home, you will need to engage the services of a professional contractor.

If you are a resident of St. Louis and the surrounding areas, getting a professional to install your geothermal system need not be a daunting task. Scott-Lee Heating Company will have your system up and running in no time. At Scott-Lee Heating we offer GeoComfort products for installing geothermal systems. They are the only geothermal brand that offers a complete R410A product line. This means that the refrigerant is environmentally friendly and will not deplete the ozone.

Established in 1978, we have been in the professional HVAC solutions industry for more than 40 years and provide various residential, commercial, and geothermal HVAC solutions to our customers. These include AC installation and maintenance, heating systems, ductless mini-splits, indoor air quality, metalwork, new home registration, and several other HVAC services.

Contact Scott-Lee Heating Company today for more information on our geothermal energy solutions! Also, read our blog on things you need to know about geothermal heating.