Geothermal Heating

The method of heating and cooling a building taking the advantage of the natural warmth stored in the earth is known as geothermal heating. The temperature of the earth is around 12.8 degree at the depth of 3m. Therefore when the temperature is above the temperature of the earth geothermal energy is used for cooling the building and in the colder climates it can be used for heating. The geothermal heating systems are also called ground-source heat pumps. Once installed geothermal heating system will consume less energy and also reduce the amount of pollution produced by fossil fuel systems.

Types of geothermal systems

* Closed loop geothermal system: In this system, loops of pipes are buried at a depth of 2m in the ground. The pipes are placed either horizontally or vertically. Water and anti-freeze are circulated through the heat exchanger or the heat pump and back out through the loops continuously. The closed loop systems have thermostat to keep the source temperature stable.
* Open loop system: In open loop geothermal system pipes draw water from nearby water well. This water is passed through the heat pump and released back into thewell.

Benefits of geothermal heating

Geothermal energy is an unlimited resource. This resource is constantly resupplied by the sun and the surrounding earth. The heat is rejected while cooling during summer. A geothermal system uses the Earth's thermal properties along with electricity to provide efficient heating system. Geothermal system gives out four times the energy for every one unit of electricity used. Water furnace geothermal system operates more efficiently than ordinary heating and air conditioning systems. Since the source of energy is from the earth the heating is even and constant which makes living comfortable during winter. Geothermal heating system is safe and reliable as there is no flame or odors. Geothermal unit is flexible as the same unit provides heating, central airconditoning and hot water. Geothermal heating system does emit carbon dioxide which is a major contributor to environmental air pollution.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are available in a wide array of designs to suit various sizes and soil condtions. These systems are available for homes, schools, complexes and can be also installed in old buildings. The systems have a long service life and are protected from harsh weather. This is because the unit is housed indoors and the loop is underground .Very few mechanical components make the system reliable and less prone to failure.

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