Efficient Heating And Cooling? Consider A Geothermal System
Posted by Jody Raines on Sun, Sep 25, 2011 @ 10:47 PM
A geothermal heat pump collects Earth's natural heat in the winter, and draws heat from your home in the summer. It's a truly efficient and green way of heating or cooling your home or office.
Unlike a traditional heating system, geothermal heat isn't created by burning fuel like a furnace. A pre-designed series of pipes, called a loop, is typically installed - sometimes in a nearby pond or lake, or below the surface of the ground. Heat is transferred through the pipe by fluid to your home. An electrically driven heat exchanger compresses this heat and brings it to higher temperature which is then distributed through ductwork in the home.
In summer, the underground loop draws heat to the outside wher it is absorbed by the Earth. Much like the way a refrigerator keeps your food cool, heat is drawn out of the home versus the way an air conditioner cools - by blowing in cool air.
Geothermal heat pumps require little maintenance. With less mechanical components than traditional systems, most of those components are underground, and for the most part, worry-free. Geothermal systems are also quiet to operate, especially when compared to noisy furnaces or airconditioner units.
Since geothermal systems rely on the constant temperature of the earth, they are efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The cost of installation can usually be offset by the ongoing savings on energy bills - which could be as much as 30 - 40% less, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA includes geothermal heat pumps in the EnergyStar® program due to the high efficiency.
Columbia NW Heating Inc. specializes in efficiently upgrading or repairing air conditioning, heating, gas furnaces, heat pump, ductless heat pumps, tankless water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, electric furnaces, air filtration systems, oil furnaces, gas fireplaces and inserts, and all systems related to the comfort of your home or office in Portland and surrounding areas.