Energy 101: Geothermal Heat Pumps

An energy-efficient heating and cooling alternative, the geothermal heat pump system moves heat from the ground to a building (or from a building to the ground) through a series of flexible pipe "loops" containing water. This edition of Energy 101 explores the benefits Geothermal and the science behind how it all comes together.

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  Education

[rabidbigdog]

Why aren't they mandatory for new construction or at the time of sale?

[Michael Uhl]

Most manufacturers say that 1 in 28 new homes have these pumps. This is great progress, but it is not anywhere near close to the majority of the population. The 30 percent tax credits last only until 2016, so use them ASAP! The upfront cost is a big hurdle for most people. What if two or more neighbors shared the loop cost though? I think they could really reduce the upfront cost while getting one of the best energy efficient options.

[tricone3]

Had this system in an apartment and loved it. Want it in my house but its so expensive to install up front.

[Bernardo Neto]

You are wrong my friend ; )

This is called low enthalpy geothermal energy, Máx temperatures are 30ºC

[skyhr]

Wow... these are great!

[Ryan Noble]

This is a ground source heat pump not a 'geothermal heat pump'. Geothermal energy is from the earths core- i.e. volcanoes etc. Iceland uses lots of geothermal energy- because it can!

[mrfreman90]

why is there still an energy crisis ? because ppl are to stupid to make one of these for every home

[LiveHappy76]

In what city do you live, so we know what climate you are in? And what style of system do you have--horizontal or vertical and buried at what depths? Thank you for the comment, Mr. Marlow. To anyone who posts later about their results of installing and using a geothermal system, please include the answers to my questions just asked.

[3029dz]

Drill deeper, forgo the heat pump and cut the energy required to run it in half.