GEOTHERMAL
About Geothermal
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems use the Constant Temperature of the Ground
Geothermal Heating and Cooling is often referred to as Geo-exchange, Geothermal, or Ground Source Heating and Cooling. They all mean the exact same thing, so don’t get confused by these names being interchanged.
Geothermal heating & cooling is not to be confused with a geothermal power plant. A geothermal power plant generates electricity using the core of the earth – we are not referring to this, ever. We are talking about using the crust of the earth to heat and cool a home or building; there is no lava or electricity generation involved.
Despite changes in the weather, ground temperatures are a constant 55° all year.
Geothermal works because the ground beneath our feet is warmer than the outside air in the winter and cooler in the summer. Inserting a series of small pipes into the ground allows heat to be transferred to and from your home. In this process heat is not created, it is transported, therefore no fuel is burned.
Two Pieces to the Geothermal System
- Heat Pump - the inside unit known as the heat pump
- Ground Loop - underground pipes which connect to the heat pump
Winter Operation: The underground pipes, called a ground loop, circulate water which absorbs the heat from the earth and returns it to the indoor heat pump. The heat pump extracts the heat from the liquid then distributes it throughout your home as warm air. With the heat removed, the water is re-circulated to collect more heat from the ground. In this case, the loop water is warmer when it comes into the home than when it goes back into the earth since the heat is being removed.
Summer Operation: The indoor heat pump takes the hot air from your home and removes the heat. This leaves behind cool air to be distributed through your vents as air-conditioning. The removed heat from the air is rejected into the earth through the ground loop. In this case, the water is warmer leaving the home then when it returns since heat is rejected into it. This is not a new technology, this is not a science experiment, this is not rocket science. In fact, in many European nations geothermal heating and cooling is the standard. In Sweden and Switzerland, more than 75% of new homes have geothermal. The EPA has acknowledged geothermal systems as the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, & cost-effective space conditioning systems available.
Geothermal Tax Credits & Incentives
In August 2022, the tax credit for geothermal heat pump installations was extended through 2034. Geothermal equipment that uses the stored solar energy from the ground for heating and cooling and that meets ENERGY STAR requirements at the time of installation is eligible for the tax credit. The credit has no limit and there's no limitation on the number of times the credit can be claimed.
US Tax Credits Through 2034
The energy tax credit can be combined with solar and wind credits as well as energy efficiency upgrade credits. A 30% federal tax credit for residential ground source heat pump installations has been extended through December 31, 2032. The incentive will be lowered to 26% for systems that are installed in 2033 and 22% in 2034, so act quickly to save the most on your installation.
Check For More Local Incentives
In addition to the federal tax credit, some state, local, and utility incentives may be available in your area for even more savings on installing a geothermal heat pump. Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) website to find policies and incentives in your area.
How Geothermal Works
As the seasons change from spring to winter, temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. Some climates can range from blazing summers to chilly winters; Virginia Beach included. Did you know there is a pretty consistent temperature, regardless of climate or season, just below the ground?
The Earth's crust absorbs 47% of the sun's heat (energy) and is maintained in the ground a few feet below the surface. WaterFurnace geothermal systems draw from this free heat source with an earth loop. This ingenious technology salvages the sun's heat supplying your home or office with central heating and cooling.
Geothermal Heating
Using the earth loop, a WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump extracts the heat from the ground in the heating cycle. The geothermal system sucks the heat from the loops and passes this warmed air through a traditional duct system.
Additional available options include using that same heat to provide hot water and radiant floor heating.
Geothermal Cooling
During the cooling mode, cool, conditioned air is distributed throughout the house by doing the exact opposite as the heating process. Heat is not extracted, instead it is pushed into the ground. The warm heat is pulled from your home and transferred back into the earth loop. Your hot water heating can be fueled by this process as well.
Geothermal Products
WaterFurnace has been the most recognized and respected name in the industry for nearly three decades. Every unit is tested before it leaves the manufacturing facility to ensure flawless operation on startup. We combine a commitment to quality installations with WaterFurnace's commitment to quality products - that's the best of both worlds.
EXPERIENCE BETTER COMFORT TODAY!
Reach out to Expert Air, Inc. for innovative, energy-efficient solutions customized for your home.
We are a full-service heating and air conditioning company serving Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas.
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