Geothermal Energy
* Geothermal energy includes geothermal power plants and direct
use - neither of these processes are discussed here as they
are typically more suitable for regions with higher ambient
ground temperatures.
Geothermal Heat Pump Definition:
Using the ambient temperature of the Earth to heat and cool
a structure through the use of a heat pump.
Relative Cost:
On average, a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or roughly $7,500 for a 3-ton unit (a typical residential size). ). In comparison, other systems would cost about $4,000 with air conditioning. Although initially more expensive to install than conventional systems, properly sized and installed GHPs deliver more energy per unit consumed than conventional systems (source).
Payback Period:
Since geothermal heat pumps are generally more efficient, they are less expensive to operate and maintain. Typical annual energy savings range from 30% to 60%.
But when included in a mortgage, your GHP will have a positive cash flow from the beginning. For example, say that the extra $3,500 will add $30 per month to each mortgage payment. The energy cost savings will easily exceed that added mortgage amount over the course of each year.
On a retrofit, the GHP's high efficiency typically means much lower utility bills, allowing the investment to be recouped in two to ten years
(source).
Benefits:
- Geothermal heat pumps are able to transfer heat to and
from the ground with minimal use of electricity.
- Geothermal systems are environmentally friendly; they
are a renewable energy source, non-polluting, and recognized
as one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems
on the market.
- A particular advantage is that they can use electricity
produced from renewable sources, like solar and wind power,
to run the system.
Challenges:
- The initial cost of installing a geothermal heat pump
system can be two to three times that of a conventional
heating system in most residential applications, new construction
or existing.
- In retrofits, the cost of installation is affected by
the size of living area, the home's age, insulation characteristics,
the geology of the area, and location of the home/property.
- For new construction, proper duct system design and mechanical
air exchange should be considered in initial system cost.
Tools / Incentives:
- US Department of Energy: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/
...leads you through a series of tutorials about geothermal
heat pumps, types and installation of these. Homepage also
discusses federal programs.
- Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium: http://geoexchange.org/
...provides information on what geothermal heat pumps are
and how they work. Includes publications, press releases
and illustrations. Also provides search functions for existing
federal regulations, incentives available in each state,
and assistance locating certified installers/manufacturers
in New Hampshire.
- Geothermal Resources Council: http://www.geothermal.org/grc.html
...The GRC is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational association
501(c)(3). With members in 30 countries, the GRC actively
seeks to expand its role as a primary professional educational
association for the international geothermal community.
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Design Standards /
Land Use Regulations
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- The use of geothermal energy is typically within the design standards of a community.
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