Geothermal Benefits Video Hits 50,000 Views!
Hey, guys and gals! We’re happy to announce that our video, “Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling,” has hit 50,000 views on YouTube! So, what does this mean? Well, it means that we’re succeeding in our mission - at least to some degree. More and more homeowners are expressing interest in learning about, investing in, and installing geothermal heat pumps in their homes. However, there is no success without you - the homeowner, the contractor, the industry expert, or perhaps the casual reader. You make it all possible. Since we first posted the video (just over two years ago), a lot has changed in the realm of geoexchange. We’ve had tremendous experiences with homeowners and contractors across the country. We’ve talked with industry experts and green energy bloggers. We’ve had the chance to give away some awesome toys provided by awesome companies. And best of all, we’ve had the opportunity to share it all with you!
In expressing our gratitude for your continued support, we’ve included the original video with a full transcript (for those of you who like to read along). Enjoy!
A geothermal heat pump system uses the ground you already own to heat and cool your home for less. Geothermal works by using the difference in temperature between the outside air and the ground. The ground is like your own solar panel, absorbing 50% of the sun’s energy, which keeps the ground temperature at a constant 55 degrees. When the summer sun produces those 95 degree days, the ground remains at its constant 55 degree temperature. In the winter, ground temperature remains around 55 degrees, even with the snow. To exploit these temperature differences, holes are drilled anywhere from 50 to 100 feet deep to house a system of piping known as the loop field. These holes are filled with a grout to improve heat transfer with the earth. The loop field is brought into the home where it connects with the geothermal heat pump. The system circulates a water mixture through the entire loop. In the winter, the water absorbs the heat from the earth, which is then compressed by the heat pump to a warmer temperature and distributed throughout the home as heat. For every unit of electricity used in this process, four units of heat are produced. The most efficient gas furnaces are 94% efficient; geothermal is 400% efficient. The operating cost of a geothermal system can be up to 70% less than conventional systems. In the summer, the same process is reversed, except now the ground acts as a heat sink instead of a heat source. Heat and humidity from the home are pulled out and rejected back into the earth. Cool air is distributed throughout the home, providing air conditioning. The geothermal heat pump is also equipped with a desuperheater, which is used to preheat hot water, saving you even more money. Geothermal heat pumps operate extremely quietly, and often use the same thermostat system. They can be installed as a retrofit or a new construction. Stop paying the propane, heating-oil, coal, and natural gas companies increasing fuel prices. Cut your home’s dependence on fossil fuels, your carbon footprint, and combat rising fuel costs. Geothermal Genius encourages you to learn more about why switching to geo is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.
