ECEC Homes using Geothermal Energy | Read Cost Comparisons

GeoExchange (geothermal) systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available, according to the Environmental Protection Agency'. EPA found that GeoExchange heating and cooling systems can reduce energy consumption--and corresponding emissions--by over 40% compared to air source heat pumps and by over 70% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.

GeoExchange systems use the Earth's energy storage capability to heat and cool buildings, and to provide hot water. The earth is a huge energy storage device that absorbs 47% of the sun's energy -- more than 500 times more energy than mankind needs every year -- in the form of clean, renewable energy. GeoExchange systems take this heat during the heating season at an efficiency approaching or exceeding 400%, and return it during the cooling season.

EPA found that, even on a source fuel basis -- accounting for ALL losses in the fuel cycle including electricity generation at power plants -- GeoExchange systems are much more efficient than competing fuel technologies. They are an average of 48% more efficient than the best gas furnaces on a source fuel basis, and over 75% more efficient than oil furnaces. In fact, today's best GeoExchange systems outperform the best gas technology, gas heat pumps, by an average of 36% in heating mode and 43% in cooling mode! The U.S. General Accounting Office estimates that if GeoExchange systems were installed nationwide, they could save several billion dollars annually in energy costs and substantially reduce pollution'. Surveys by utilities indicate a higher level of consumer satisfaction for GeoExchange systems than for conventional systems. Polls consistently show that more than 95% of all GeoExchange customers would recommend GeoExchange to a family member or friend. GeoExchange systems represent a savings to homeowners of 30 to 70% in the heating mode, and 20 to 50% in the cooling mode compared to conventional systems. Achieving the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium's (GBPC) goal of 400,000 annual GeoExchange installations each year by 2001 will reduce U.S. greenhouse emissions by over I million metric tons of carbon each year relative to base case market projections. This reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to taking over half a million cars off the road, or planting over a million acres of trees. After GHPC's program ends at that time, a self-sustaining GeoExchange industry will cause U.S. annual carbon emissions to decrease by an additional 450,000 tons -- every year! That translates into a total annual carbon reduction of at least 5 million metric tons by the year 20 1 0. Achieving GBPC's goal of 400,000 installations per year by 2001 will save consumers over $420 million per year in energy bills. After that, annual energy savings will increase by an additional $170 million -- every year.

Geothermal Links

  • Geothermal Information Center
    The GHPC NIRC Web site has been established to facilitate outreach, communications, technology transfer, networking, and exchange of information related to GeoExchange heating and cooling.
  • Wisonsin Geothermal Association
    is a non-profit organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the state of Wisconsin, which services the rapidly growing GeoExchange industry.
  • Climatemaster
    A website with information regarding residential and commerical Geothermal heating and cooling products.