The idea of geothermal heat might make you think of volcanic hot springs. While it may appear that geothermal heating is only found in distant Nordic environments, it is a workable, effective, low-emissions heat source for homes all around the world and one that is gaining appeal.
What is Geothermal Heating?
Geothermal heating works by using geothermal heat pumps to extract heat energy from just a few feet beneath the earth’s surface and convert it to warm air (GHPs). They are also known as Geo-exchange, earth-coupled, ground, or water-source heat pumps and are by far the most efficient way to heat and cool a home. They are powered by a small amount of electricity (never natural gas) and are driven by a small amount of electricity (never natural gas).
That’s right, geothermal heat pumps can not only replace your inefficient, polluting gas furnace, but they can also serve as an air conditioner—and in some cases, they can even drive your hot water heater at a low cost.
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How Does Geothermal Heating and Cooling Work?
About half of the energy emitted by the sun is absorbed by the earth’s surface. Geothermal energy is created through this, as well as the radioactive decay of minerals. Residential geothermal heating is accomplished by burying liquid-filled pipes several feet beneath the surface. This is usually done in your yard or under your driveway.
This trapped heat energy is absorbed by the liquid in the pipes/tubes and sent to the geothermal heat pump in your basement. The GHP extracts the heat from the liquid and transfers it to the home via forced-air ducting, much like a furnace.
Geothermal heat systems are up to four times more efficient than regular furnaces since they don’t burn fossil fuels and use very little electricity to run. You can also learn about renewable energy in Nigeria.
How long does Geothermal Heating last?
Geothermal heat pumps have a far longer lifespan than conventional heat pumps. They normally last between the age of 20 and 25 years. Traditional furnaces, on the other hand, often last 15 to 20 years, while central air conditioners endure 10 to 15 years.
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How effective is Geothermal Heating?
A geothermal heat pump operates at a constant rate of roughly 400 percent. When compared to a fuel furnace that operates at 78-90 percent, it is clear which is superior. These are the most energy-efficient heating systems available, saving you the most money on your energy cost.
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3 Geothermal Heating Systems
Geothermal heating systems come in a range of configurations. There are a few different configurations for geothermal heating:
- Closed-Loop System
Continuous underground pipelines filled with a liquid solution transport geothermal energy to the heat pump in this configuration. This system can be configured in either a vertical or horizontal configuration.
- Vertical
Because it requires less outdoor area, this is the most prevalent type of geothermal heat system. A good driller will frequently drill holes, and the continuous piping loops will be put vertically.
- Horizontal
The continuous pipe for the closed-loop system is laid out in a horizontal configuration in this model. Because it can be installed using a backhoe rather than a drilling rig, it has the potential to lower front-end expenses.
- Open-Loop System
The heat source for this geothermal system is groundwater. An open-loop system transfers geothermal energy by pumping groundwater directly to the heat pump, rather than using a liquid circulated in closed pipes.
- Pond/Lake Hybrid System
The pond/lake hybrid is a type of open-loop system that relies on a large pond or lake to provide geothermal energy. The heat pump is connected to the pond or lake water.
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Is Geothermal Heating Too Good To Be True? No!
A prevalent misunderstanding about geothermal heating is that it is only available in certain areas. While regions near volcanic activity (often found along tectonic plate boundaries) produce more geothermal energy and are often home to utility-scale geothermal electric power plants, homes anywhere can benefit from residential geothermal technology to heat and cool their home at a low cost with very few emissions.
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Conclusion
Geothermal heating might be good for your home. For lunch use, these systems have proven to be cost-effective in terms of energy savings, reduced emissions, and increased property resale values. Additionally, geothermal systems can frequently be linked with other home systems to chill the air or heat water for fixtures, resulting in even greater savings. Remember that the idea that geothermal heating is limited to specific niche regions is largely incorrect.
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