Mar
08
Posted by admin
There is a growing trend in our world today toward using cleaner, and more importantly, renewable resources. It is really no longer just a question of if we will eventually run out of oil, but when. Even so, our responsibility to help the environment has become more important now than even before. Even if the earths fossil resources last another 100 years, the time to do something is now, not later.
The most recent trend has seen more and more home owners looking at renewable energy to provide at least some of the power needs for their home. This has become a necessary and logical step in our evolution as a society, and a sound economic choice for todays homeowners. What are some of the renewable energy methods that can be used to provide power for your home? Let’s take a look at a few of the more common choices.
1. Solar Energy
Everything on the planet is powered by the sun in one form or another. The food on your table is the result of solar energy, and our civilization would perish without it. So the move to solar power makes perfect sense. Solar power can be used in different ways. You can run your home directly off of your solar panels on a sunny day, and rely more on the power grid to provide the electricity when the sun is down or on very cloudy days. When your solar panels are operating, any energy you are not using or storing goes back into the meter and into the power grid. This has the effect of actually causing your meter to spin backwards when you are using less power than you are producing. The second and most common method is to have your solar panels continiously charge a series of deep cycle batteries that your house will draw power from when the sun goes down. Again, any excess energy produced can be fed back into the grid and sold back to the power company.
2. Wind Energy
This renewable energy source is best used along with the solar power methods described above. In stormy weather, for example, the sun may not be shining through the cloud layers, but the wind will probably be blowing, and vice-versa on sunny days. This can help balance out the renewable energy sources which are available, and result in more power production.
3. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal heat pumps use the relatively constant temperature of the ground or water several feet below the earth’s surface as source of heating and cooling. In this instance, geothermal energy is not so much a producer of energy but an energy saver. And since a great deal of energy is consumed to heat or cool the average home, then this could be a very good option for you. When used either in conjunction with solar and wind power, or on its own, geothermal energy can easily save you thousands of dollars each year on your energy bills.
Feb
02
Posted by admin
Geothermal heat pumps circulate water or refrigerant through an underground network of pipes and through heat pumps located inside the dwelling. Geothermal heat pumps are similar to the heat pumps you might be familiar with, they only difference really is the use of the ground instead of outside air to provide heating and cooling. The way a geothermal heat pump works is by moving the heat from the earth into your house in the winter, and by removing the heat from your home and discharging it into the ground in the summertime.
Since geothermal heat pumps use renewable energy that is in the ground, these types of heat pumps are among the most efficient technologies available today for heating and cooling your residence. Although the initial investment in a geothermal heat pump will be more, they can indeed lower your energy bills by 30 to 40 percent. Also, geothermal heat pumps are very simple in design mechanically and since most of the system is below the ground, maintenance costs can be virtually nil.
Geothermal heat pumps are becoming more popular because of their durability, and the fact they are efficient, environmentally safe, and clean. Geothermal heat pumps not only will substantially lower your heating and cooling bills, but will also require minimal maintenance.
In summation, geothermal heat pump systems are not only environmentally friendly but will also greatly reduce the average homeowner’s utility bills.
Once you install your geothermal system, in most cases, you will start seeing savings immediately. Energy savings can range from 30% to 60% annually compared to conventional heating & cooling systems and depending on the state you live, there are incentives available from federal and state governments and some utility providers which can further reduce your overall system costs. By eliminating the high contractor installation costs and utilizing some of the rebates available, your geothermal system should pay for itself in less than five years. With today’s rising energy costs the investment you make today will pay dividends long into the future.
There is now a 30% government tax credit for homeowners that install geothermal heat pumps with no maximum limit!!!! Find available rebates for your state or territory HERE.
Save a lot of money by doing it yourself.. There are some good quality geothermal DIY kits at our partner site Ingrams Water and Air. Even though the initial cost may seem high, geothermal is one of the most efficient means of heating and cooling your home with the natural heating and cooling properties of the earth. The investments pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, and are low maintenance.
Some other reference material and DIY Guides;
RESIDENTIAL GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS: Heating And Cooling Using The Ground Below
Geothermal Heat Pumps: A Guide for Planning and Installing
21st Century Complete Guide to Geothermal Energy, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Electricity, Potential, Drilling, Photo Gallery, Geopowering the West, Department … National Renewable Energy Lab NREL (CD-ROM)
Geothermal HVAC
