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Planet Earth Geothermal LLC |
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Heating and Cooling from the earth. SM |
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Frequently asked questions? |
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Copyright 2009 Planet Earth Geothermal LLC, All rights reserved |
Frequently asked questions.
How efficient is a GSHP?
The Geothermal heat pump is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners.
Can Geothermal systems provide both heating and cooling for my home?
Yes, a Geothermal heat pump can be both a source of heating and cooling, in addition an option can be purchased to reduce domestic hot water heating costs.
How does a Geothermal system make hot water?
An option called a Desuperheater or Hot Water Generator can be specified combined with the addition of an insulated hot water tank the unit will then create hot water for domestic use. The waste heat from the heat pump compressor, normally lost to the surrounding air, is captured for this purpose with the Desuperheater option...
How much space does a Geothermal system occupy?
The unit inside your home is about the same size as existing heating and cooling equipment. The Geothermal loop is located under the earth, in a pond, or beneath driveways and etc., it would be out of sight, so the size is not an issue.
How long will a Geothermal system last?
The Heat Pump is highly reliable and has an expected lifespan similar to a household refrigerator. The Geothermal loop is made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic pipe, usually guaranteed by most manufacturers for more than 25 years, although the expectation is, it would last a lifetime
How noisy is a Geothermal system?
Geothermal heat pumps are very quiet, both inside and outside of the home. In fact, there would be no unit located outside the home at all, with the associated noisy fan.
How safe is a Geothermal system?
There are no open flames, flammable fuels, or potentially dangerous exhaust from a Geothermal heat pump system. The unit has no exposed hazards, such as high temperature pipes and wires. The system, the antifreeze solution, refrigerant and all Other materials used, pose no threat to children, pets or the environment.
How comfortable is a Geothermal system?
In most cases, the existing ductwork and other heating system components are re-used from the original heating system installation. The comfort will be at least as good as the traditional system replaced, with an added advantage; the Geothermal heating will be set to run longer intervals and to cycle less frequently, giving the home a chance to warm up the furnishings walls and etc. producing a more even comfortable heat.
Can a Geothermal system be installed in commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings?
Yes, Geothermal systems come in various sizes, and can be combined in larger buildings To allow zone control and more even load balancing.
How will a Geothermal system save me money?
Savings will be both on operating expenses through lower utility bills, and through lower maintenance costs. In addition, since the unit runs ONLY on electricity, you will enjoy protection from rising propane, heating oil and natural gas rates.
How much does a Geothermal system cost?
The initial investment is higher than for a conventional heating and cooling systems however, the savings in operating and maintenance expenses will soon offset this cost, often in just a few years.
What is involved in a Geothermal installation?
The replacement of an existing traditional heating and cooling system with a Geothermal system, may include: electrical work, ductwork, water/plumbing work, well drilling, and excavation, in addition to the Geothermal heat pump unit installation itself.
If Geothermal systems increase in popularity, what would be the effect?
Less dependence on fossil fuels, heating oil, propane and natural gas Less pollution of the atmosphere, NO EXHAUST of any kind from Geothermal. Less peak demand of electrical energy, Geothermal systems use less total energy.
Are there government incentives for Geothermal systems?
Yes, The federal government currently offers a 30% residential efficiency property credit Use form: 5695, and speak with your tax advisor. Recent New Jersey law prevents the municipality from raising your property tax based on a Geothermal home improvement. Also the customer pays no NJ sales tax on a Geothermal installation upon completion of a form ST-8 Certificate of Capital Improvement form.
What is the Geothermal ground source heat exchanger?
The ground source heat exchanger, also known as ground loop, comes in various forms.
An OPEN LOOP system uses water from a water well in the Geothermal unit, then this water is discharged into a lake, pond, stream or another well called an injection well.
A CLOSED loop system is made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic pipe, placed in the ground 4 or more feet below the surface. This pipe may be formed into coils called slinky loops, or in drilled well boreholes called vertical loops, or may be placed into the bottom of lakes, or ponds, called pond loops.
Which Geothermal loop system would be right for me?
The decision as to the Geothermal loop solution depends on the size, accessibility and layout of your property, and whether a pond or lake is available for use. Also, which solution can be constructed at the lowest cost. There is no universal correct solution; this decision must be made on an case by case basis.
How can I know that the Geothermal system will be installed correctly?
Use a IGSHPA-accredited installer. Be sure the company is an insured and licensed home improvement contractor. Ask to see a system that he or she has installed. (1)
How do I know if the HDPE ground loop is installed properly?
The ONLY acceptable method of HDPE pipe installation is FUSION joining. Be sure the contractor has FUSION training and this method is specified for your installation. (2)
Planet Earth Geothermal LLC staff will be happy to answer all of your questions...
(1) Planet Earth Geothermal LLC installers are accredited by IGSHPA.
(2) Planet Earth Geothermal LLC installers are trained and accredited in HDPE fusion.