WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL?
Geothermal Heat Pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps, are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home and provide hot water. Geothermal uses the Earth, as opposed to outside air, as a heat exchanger. Below 4 feet, the ground stays at a constant temperature between 65 to 72 degrees in the southeast (68 degrees in Savannah). In heating, the geothermal heat exchanger takes heat from the Earth, transfers that heat to a refrigerant, and then distributes the heat into a structure through a duct system. The operation is reversed for cooling and heat is removed from the house and transferred to the water loop to be cooled by the Earth. The heat is transfered between the ground and the refrigerant by water that cycles from a heat exchanger on the refrigerant lines to the ground, through a closed loop system, and then back.
There are several configurations for the geothermal ground heat exchangers (Loops).
They can be run horizontally (space permitting), vertically, or in a pond.
SERVICES OFFERED
For over 15 years, we have been involved in the design and installation of geothermal systems for homes, businesses, schools, and military housing. The Earth Comfort Company, Inc provides consultation or complete turnkey installations for any size project (commercial or residential).
Our Focus is on seeing the building as a system and helping our clients to integrate the best practices to achieve the most energy efficient structure possible. Conservation is the first step to Energy Efficiency. Building Science is the study of how all the related components of a building work together.
For the latest information see Joseph Lstiburek's site www.buildingscienceconsulting.com.
Geothermal systems can be designed to meet any budget. We offer closed loop systems, ranging from a 19 EER system up to a 30 EER, dual capacity system that will last the life of your home, with a minimum of maintenance.
Whether you are a homeowner, developer, or heating and air professional we can deliver the geothermal services you need.