Geothermal Heating & Cooling

Geoexchange technology uses the earth's renewable energy to heat or cool a building. It can also provide domestic hot water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that geothermal systems are "the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today."

The basic technology has been around for more than 50 years. Recently, significant improvements in the materials used, installation methods, electronic control systems, and the efficiencies of the compressors, pumps and other equipment have made geothermal systems more popular, especially with the continued rise of energy costs.

Geoexchange system owners realize from 30 to 70 percent lower utility bills than those with conventional systems. Their maintenance costs are much lower, their comfort level is higher year-round, and the geothermal system is safer, with no flame or flue; therefore no threat of fire or carbon monoxide build-up. Geothermal systems are also environmentally responsible, producing far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional systems.

According to data supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Geothermal Technologies, nearly 40% of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are the result of using energy to heat, cool and provide hot water for buildings. This is about the same amount of CO2 contributed by the transportation sector.

A typical 3-ton residential geoexchange system produces about one pound less carbon dioxide (CO2) per hour of use than a conventional system. Over an average 20-year lifespan, 100,000 average sized residential geoexchange systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1.1 million metric tons of carbon equivalents. That is the equivalent of converting about 58,700 cars to zero-emission vehicles, or planting more than 120,000 acres of trees.

The waste heat removed from the home's interior during the cooling season can be used to provide virtually free hot water, resulting in a total savings in hot water costs of about 30% annually, lowering emissions even further.

While still a very small percentage of the total HVAC market, there are more than 1 million U.S. homes equipped with geothermal systems, with growth averaging about 13% annually from 2001 through 2005. Experts expect that growth to continue as more people learn about the technology, system costs are reduced, and energy costs continue to rise.

Geoexchange/geothermal systems are increasingly being employed in commercial, industrial and institutional projects, where the capital costs are recovered quickly and the energy savings are significant.

Geoexchange technology can be used throughout the country, because heat is transferred to and from the earth, which remains at a relatively constant temperature, rather than the air, where temperatures can vary greatly.

While geoexchange systems may cost more to install than conventional systems because of the ground loop piping, these units offer the lowest life-cycle cost of any heating and cooling system. As installation costs continue to fall, due to innovation, higher volume sales and rising energy costs, geothermal systems become even more economical.

Homeowners save more than enough every month in energy costs to offset the higher installation cost, and geoexchange systems enjoy reduced costs on repair, maintenance, and hot water bills.

Another important benefit is that the energy efficiency of geothermal systems adds value to the home. The National Association of Realtors Appraisal Journal estimates that a home's value increases by $10 to $25 for every $1 reduction in utility bills. That's a lot of equity to build just by choosing geoexchange.

Pricing depends upon a number of variables; the size and design of the home or building; location; the brand and model of heat pump; the type of installation and so on.

A EcoTrol representative will work with you to determine the size and type system you need and the cost.

The size of the system depends on the size and design of your home or building. Sizing questions are best answered by a local contractor who can take into context all the variables of your unique installation. Call us toll-free at 1-866-976-0051 for more information.

To determine the cost recovery period, you first need to compare the installation cost of a conventional heating/cooling system with that of your geothermal system. Once the differential is calculated, you can then estimate the annual savings on energy costs, and determine the payback period.

Example:
HVAC system costs = $11,500
Geothermal system costs = $18,000
Cost Differential = $6,500
Annual energy savings (50%) = $1,100
Cost Recovery Period = 5.9 years ($6,500/$1,100)

In the example above, if you sell your home in just three years, you will have saved $3,300 on energy costs, and you will also benefit from the appreciated value of your investment in an energy efficient geothermal heating/cooling system.

You should also check with your Federal and State or Provincial governments to determine what incentives they are currently offering for both new home buyers and retrofit purchasers of geoexchange systems. These programs can save you literally thousands of dollars.

Proper design and installation of geoexchange systems is facilitated by specialized training provided by manufacturers and industry leaders. Call us toll-free at 1-800-481-5972 for more information.

We suggest you contact your mortgage broker or local bank to see about using a home equity loan or some other conventional financing means. Some institutions are offering special products tied to energy efficient/saving and environmentally friendly improvements.

In the U.S. and Canada, various Federal, State and Provincial Government programs offer incentives for the installation of geothermal systems, as do some utility companies. The links below provide further information on many of these offerings.

 

 

 

Do I need “antifreeze” in the system if I live in the South?

YES. The product we use is totally biodegradable. It’s a corn based antifreeze, called BioGlycol - Inhibited Glycol
It acts as a lubricant to the system pumps and protects all the internal components from rust or corrosion. Corrosion/Rust protection is a long term concern. It also suspends mineral partials and keeps them from attaching to the internal works of the heat pump system.

We will do a system without antifreeze but it requires a signed wavier of all warrantees on equipment supplied by EcoTrol, GreenBild Supply, or any affiliates of the above.

 

 

Can I self install the GeoTrol system?
 

YES. You will need the services of a Track Hoe or Trencher to dig the trenches for the placement of the GeoTube system. Usually one day with a good Track Hoe operator will be enough to do the digging.


 

Can I use a pond for the heat exchange instead of digging in the loops?

YES. A large enough pond works great. Water is a great exchange for a geothermal system. It should be at least 8’ deep. Even a small pond may work for some of the system. A combination of ground loops and the pond may work. Ask us for assistance. If you live on a stream, river or reservoir many times they can be used.
 

 

What comes with the EcoTrol complete system?

Answer: First and Foremost you get a EcoTrol fluid control center complete with pressure tank and gauges, temp. and pressure to help set and maintain the system correctly. Second you get the loops and header pipe prefilled with BioGlycol. Loops are 250’ to ease handling and installation. Special couplings are supplied to eliminate the need for fusion welding. Longer lengths can be special ordered. We do not furnish the Geothermal Heat Pump.



To what standard is the pipe manufactured?

Answer: All of our GeoTube is manufactured to the specifications set forth in appendix C of the Closed Loop/Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems Installation Guide

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)

 

What is the guarantee on the equipment?

The EcoTrol cabinet caries a 5 year replacement guarantee on all components with the exception of the temperature and pressure gauges.

 
 

 

What is the loop length and what does it weigh?

Standard precharged 250 ft. loops weigh 76.58 lbs plus fittings (as specified). Weight per foot of non standard precharged lengths is .31 lbs per foot. Weight per foot of tubing only is .103 lbs per foot.

 

 

 

Will you sell me bare pipe?

YES. If you want us to supple pipe for your own filling or installation we will do that.

 

 

Can I buy just the EcoTrol Fluid Control center?

Certainly we will sell the EcoTrol fluid control center alone. Guarantees may not apply.

 

 

I am a Geothermal HVAC dealer, can I buy this as a dealer and sell a package system?

YES. Call or e-mail us with details. We have dealer and distributor packages.
 

 

Can a Geothermal Heat Pump be retrofitted into an existing house or does it have to be put in newly constructed dwellings?

YES. A geothermal heat pump can be retrofitted into almost any existing house.

 

 

How much room does it take to install the ground loop system?

It takes at least 3/4 acre to accommodate all the GeoTube Loops. You must have enough land you are willing to disturb to bury the loops. The land can be reclaimed and used for almost anything after the loops are buried. They need to be at least 6’ deep where the ground temperature is more stable. The loops can be run around trees and most other permanent obstacles.