The western United States, from Tacoma, WA all the way down to San Diego, CA, sits on a newly tapped resource that, if utilized correctly, could revolutionize the HVAC industry. That resource is geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is recognized as the EPA's most sustainable, environmentally clean and efficient source of renewable energy; a well installed system could absolutely fraction the cost of operating a normal HVAC system. Forward thinking HVAC contractors and heating services are now offering geothermal energy heat pump installation to provide customers with a highly effective product that saves money without sacrificing environmental responsibility.
Harnessing the geothermal energy of the earth for the benefit of home heating is a fairly invasive but effective process. Basically, the earth generates heat beneath its surface through underground water, insulation, and a little bit of radiation. By harvesting the geothermal heat, a heating system can effectively control a home's temperature naturally; without excessive use of gas, electricity, or other nonrenewable resources.
The reason why geothermal heating is so effective for the western US is geography. The west coast sits on top of the famous "Ring of Fire"; the tectonic fault lines circling the Pacific Rim. The seismic activity beneath the Rim is famous for triggering events such as earthquakes, and the occasional volcano. However, this activity also generates excess heat, and boiling water reserves insulated beneath the surface of the earth.
To install a geothermal heat pump system, trenches are dug in the area surrounding the home. Coils and heat transferring conduits are buried beneath the ground, which are used to collect heat or release it. These conduits can be buried directly downwards for vertical release, or spread out at a more shallow level for distribution; the choice is relative to the customer. Used effectively, a geothermal heat pump can be used as a heat source to warm the home during winter month; and a heat sink which will drain heat from the home and release into the earth during warm summer months.
How effective is geothermal energy? Immensely; especially when compounded with a high SEER rated HVAC system for increased sustainability. The cost of a conventional HVAC system to heat a home creeps near $0.55 per square meter. With a sustainable geothermal heat pump, the cost drops to $0.11-$0.22 per square meter. Depending on what type of system you invest in, your savings will skyrocket even more. An Earthlinked geothermal heat pump system can save over 70% on cost of what an air sourced 13 SEER value heat pump requires to run.
Geothermal energy requires an investment, but the effectiveness and the sustainability are undeniable. Rarely is the ethical choice the equally financially superior decision; a geothermal energy heat pump is one of those rare instances.
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