Showing posts with label geothermal heating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label geothermal heating. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Important Facts About Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Get In On This "Ground" Floor Opportunity!With the growing interest in "green" technologies and energy-efficiency in the home, one of the most popular environmentally and energy conscious innovations in the last several years is geothermal heating and cooling. Geothermal heating and cooling is a process that uses the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water as a source of energy efficient heating and cooling.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems use a special kind of heat pump -- very similar to the air source heat pumps many homes use today -- to draw warm or cool air from below the earth's surface. Long considered prohibitively expensive, this eco-friendly type of home heating unit is becoming more and more affordable while still offering a clean, natural source of heat that can significantly lower utility bills. If you think it might be time to take a closer look at geothermal heating for your home, here are some things you should know.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling is Not Science Fiction
While many green technologies might seem like something out of a futuristic adventure movie, the reality of geothermal heating and cooling is here. Not only is this alternative heating/cooling method widely available all over the country, but its popularity is spreading. According to one source, requests for geothermal heating and cooling systems installation rose more than 266% in one year alone. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) estimates that roughly 50,000 geothermal heat pumps are installed in American homes each year.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Won’t Break the Bank
You will absolutely pay more up front for a geothermal heat pump than you would for a conventional heat pump or furnace. But the money you’ll save on home heating and cooling costs will add up so quickly that the device will more than pay for itself in just a few years. The EERE says that a geothermal heat pump allows owners to recoup additional costs in about 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, with so many homeowners—and home buyers—looking for environmentally responsible amenities, having a geothermal heat pump installed could be a major selling point when it comes time to sell your home.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Can Go the Distance
The internal components of a geothermal heat pump will last about 25 years. The outdoor and underground mechanisms can last twice as long. Not even a high end furnace will keep running that long.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling is Versatile
Geothermal systems can also cool your home in the summer using the same ductwork you use to circulate heat in the winter. You’ll help reduce pollution and your monthly energy bills with a simple flip of the switch. You can also find geothermal heat systems are capable of heating your hot water, which can save you even more money.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling Can Save You Even More
Modern geothermal heat systems are easy to install, energy efficient, and more affordable than ever before. Many state governments are still offering rebates and discounts for homeowners who choose to install these environmentally-friendly systems in their homes. You could save thousands of dollars off the cost of a geothermal heat pump by taking advantage of these programs. And you may still qualify for federal credits if your system was installed after December 2007 and you have not yet applied for the incentives. A quick search of the Internet will reveal much more information about discounts, incentives, rebates, tax credits and programs available in your state or from the federal government.
As demand for alternative energy and home products continue to increase, it’s obvious that geothermal heating will maintain a pattern of growth for some time. Wait long enough, and there’s a good chance that the high initial cost will come down enough to make this heating system an affordable option for a majority of homeowners. But whether you decide to take the plunge or wait it out, there’s no denying that geothermal heating is a significant step toward environmental responsibility that doesn’t require a sacrifice of performance or lifestyle.
Contact Horizon Services
If you are interested in learning more about Geothermal Heating and Cooling contact Horizon Services today!
DE (302) 250-4043
PA (610) 616-4265
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Thursday, October 14, 2010
Alternative Home Heating Technologies Have Arrived
The Future is Now for Home Furnaces and Heating Systems!As our world continues to contemplate the efficiency of existing heating technologies and more and more homeowners become concerned about depleting natural resources, especially fossil fuels, there have been several new innovations in home heating. Here we outline three of the leading alternative heating technologies.
Solar Panels:
Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to change sunlight to electricity. To use this technology effectively, a home needs a south-facing roof with a precise pitch so that the cells are exposed to maximum sunlight. While other heating sources like traditional furnaces and hybrid heating systems are still cheaper for most homeowners, solar panel heating systems are growing in popularity every year thanks to government subsidies and enthusiastic advocates.
According to one source, solar panel installation has increased nearly ten-fold since this time last year. For most homeowners, however, the cost of solar panel installation remains prohibitive. From start to finish, installation costs can run anywhere from $25,000 to more than $75,000 depending on geographical location and the size of the home. Even with government incentives and credits—which can often supplement almost half of the installation cost—it will take years for most homeowners to recoup the cost of initial installation.
Solar Furnaces:
Like solar panel heating systems, solar furnaces harness the power of the sun to heat your home. These devices work like a giant magnifying glass, concentrating sunlight on a single point to generate powerful heat. Highly reflective mirrors reflect the sun’s rays, creating temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit for a standard furnace and more than 3000 degrees Fahrenheit for larger units. This heat can be converted to energy capable of powering a variety of other applications. Surprisingly, solar panels provide more efficient heating for residential furnaces, and solar furnaces are more effective at powering other things like ovens and other electric appliances.
The cost of a solar furnace is hard to pin down exactly. A crude solar furnace can be put together for as little as $10, while large commercial systems can cost millions. At this point, there are few middle-of-the-road options for homeowners who want to explore solar furnace heating, though there are several solar-powered oven ranges currently on the market. It is expected that this technology will experience rapid growth and development over the next five to ten years.
Geothermal Heating Systems:
The most tangible and efficient source of alternative home heating comes from the ground. More than half of the sun’s energy is absorbed into the ground, where it creates a nearly constant temperature that can be transferred to your home. Currently, geothermal heating has a much brighter future than most solar heating options available right now. Geothermal heating is an attractive choice for new home construction and green renovations, as it is much more affordable initially than solar options and pays for itself in just a few years with increased utility savings.
Interested in Alternative or Traditional Heating Solutions?
Contact the heating professionals at Horizon Services, Inc. Our experienced Comfort Consultants can perform a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis of your home to assess your home's heating and cooling requirements AND recommend a variety of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that will both maximize your comfort and reduce your utility bills.
Related Heating Information from Horizon Services...
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- Heat Pumps Can Maximize Your Heating and Cooling Efficiency and Comfort!
- Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
- Home Energy Myths Debunked!
- Seasonal Energy Saving Tips
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Friday, September 10, 2010
Green Home Heating
Alternative Home Heating Systems Offer Exceptional Energy EfficiencyThe green movement has spawned an entire industry full of products and services designed to help homeowners make upgrades and improvements that will benefit the environment and reduce their monthly utility bills. One of the best and most effective ways to green your home is with a quality, energy-efficient heating system.
Traditional furnace or boiler systems start with cold air and cold water that have to be heated up to comfortable levels and are then distributed throughout your home. Alternative units simply reuse air and water that has already been heated, circulating it through your home over and over.
There are several different types of energy-efficient home heating systems to choose from. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but a qualified professional can help you decide which is right for your home.
Solar heating uses specially-designed cells to collect energy from the sun that is then transferred to a holding tank. Water is heated in the tank and is then distributed throughout your home, providing heat.
Radiant floor heating is an increasingly popular option for many homeowners. Water is heated and circulated through special pipes below the floor. As the floor warms, heat rises and makes your entire home more comfortable.
Geothermal and recirculating hot water heating systems use warm water and energy-efficient pumps to distribute heat throughout your home.
Traditional heating systems require huge amounts of energy and the burning of fossil fuels to function properly. Alternative heating systems actually conserve energy by redistributing it through your home again and again. By capturing and reusing warm air and hot water, these eco-friendly heating systems don’t have to work as hard to warm the air and water inside your house. This results in substantial energy savings, reduced dependence on limited natural resources, and more money in your pocket.
While it’s true that these green heating systems cost a bit more than traditional forced air, boiler or furnace units, they bring a valuable return on your initial investment in just a few short years. Paying more up-front will result in major savings on your monthly utilities over time, and alternative heating systems generally last longer than traditional models, which saves on repair and replacement costs. And as the green building movement continues to gain momentum and utility costs continue to rise, homes with alternative heat sources are increasingly hot commodities for buyers. For current homeowners, that could mean more money for you when it comes time to sell.
Not all eco-friendly heating systems are the same, and not every system is right for every home. A trustworthy professional certified in alternative heating systems can help you navigate the complex world of circulating pumps, solar panels, geothermal heat exchangers, and radiant heat units. An experienced contractor will explain the types of systems that will work best for your home, help you locate the best quality equipment and supplies, and will see your project through from design to installation to teaching you how to use it properly. Taking your time with the process will ensure that you and your family can enjoy affordable, environmentally responsible home heating for years to come.
Related Green Home Heating Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Geothermal Heating - What You Need to Know
“Green living” is a growing trend across the nation. Homeowners are looking to take proactive steps to reduce their impact on the environment and to combat the rising cost of household utilities at the same time. Initiatives like energy efficient lighting, solar power, and water conservation are a big part of new home construction and are increasingly attractive upgrades for existing homeowners.One of the most popular environmentally and energy conscious improvements is geothermal heating. Geothermal heating is a process that uses the natural heat energy within the earth's surface to heat or cool a building. Long considered prohibitively expensive, the fact is that this eco-friendly approach to home heating is becoming more and more affordable while still offering a clean, natural source of heat. HVAC manufacturers are producing more affordable geothermal heating units and systems than ever before. If you think it might be time to take a closer look at geothermal heating for your home, here are some things you should know.
1. Geothermal heating is more popular than you think. Many of us still consider “going green” a passing fad, but the fact is that eco-friendly home improvements are gaining mainstream popularity every day. Geothermal heating is leading the way on this front, as many experts estimate that the number of units installed in American homes each year is close to 50,000.
2. You can afford geothermal heating. Yes, geothermal heating units cost more to install than traditional HVAC systems. The truth is, though, that geothermal units pay for themselves in a short period of time—just under 10 years, according to some estimates—and the energy savings you’ll see makes them a cheaper option in the long run. An added bonus: Eco-friendly home upgrades are a major selling point for many potential buyers so making these improvements now could get you an attractive return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
3. Geothermal heat is a long-term solution. The interior components of most geothermal systems will last at least 20 years, while the outdoor and underground mechanisms will last nearly twice as long. Good luck finding a furnace that will last 50 years!
4. Geothermal heat pumps are not just for heating. Not only do geothermal systems heat your home with clean, renewable energy but they can also cool it, too. The same ductwork that carries warm air through your house can also convey cool air with just the flick of a switch. There are even some geothermal units that can heat your hot water, too.
5. It’s the perfect time to consider geothermal heating. Geothermal heating is one of the most desirable options for home heating right now. The systems currently on the market are some of the most affordable, energy-efficient, and easiest to install. What’s more, the federal government is offering tax incentives to homeowners who install them. In some cases, those credits add up to as much as $2,000. Even if you installed a geothermal system a year or two ago, you may still be eligible for tax credits if your unit meets the government’s Energy Star qualifications. Many state governments are also offering attractive tax incentives to homeowners who replace their older heating units with new geothermal systems.
For More Information About Geothermal Heating…
Contact Horizon Services and schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis. Horizon’s experienced comfort consultants will prepare a detailed assesment of your home and heating requirements and tell you if geothermal heating is a viable option for your house.
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