Logo
What is geothermal energy?
 
 
Geothermal energy is defined as heat from the Earth. "Geothermal" comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). So, geothermal means earth heat. It is a clean, renewable resource that provides energy in the United States and around the world. It is considered a renewable resource because the heat emanating from the interior of the Earth is essentially limitless. The heat continuously flowing from the Earth’s interior is estimated to be equivalent to 42 million megawatts of power. The interior of the Earth is expected to remain extremely hot for billions of year to come, ensuring an inexhaustible flow of heat. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs): Geothermal heat pumps are devices that take advantage of the relatively constant temperature of the Earth's interior, using it as a source and sink of heat for both heating and cooling. When cooling, heat is extracted from the space and dissipated into the Earth; when heating, heat is extracted from the Earth and pumped into the space. Geothermal heat pumps can be used anywhere on Earth, and are considered by the EPA to be one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.
 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said Geothermal systems are, "the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today."
 
While they sometimes cost more to install in homes than conventional systems because of the ground loop piping, geoexchange systems typically have the lowest life-cycle cost of any heating and cooling system. Heating and cooling costs for a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. home can run as low as $1 a day.
 
Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the system adds value to the home. The National Association of Realtors relies on the Appraisal Journal to help you determine the total value of your home. An October 1998 article printed in the Journal states that a home's value increases by $10 to $25 for every $1 reduction in utility bills. That's a lot of equity to build just by choosing geoexchange!
 
"Energy Efficient Mortgages," also known as EEMs, make it easier for borrowers to qualify for loans to purchase homes with specific energy-efficiency improvements. Lenders can offer conventional EEMs, FHA EEMs, or VA EEMs.
 
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), schools are a particularly attractive place for the use of technology. Across the country, schools using geoexchange right now are saving an estimated $25,000,000 in energy costs-which can be used instead for better educational equipment and more teachers. These schools also save a half-billion pounds of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions per year.
 

Should all of the nation's schools convert to geoexchange, the EPA has estimated that we could reduce oil imports by 61 million barrels annually, and provide the same environmental benefits as planting 8 million acres of trees or converting nearly 4 million cars to zero-emission vehicles. If the same comparison were made across all commercial and residential segments, the potential for environmental benefit would be staggering.
 
This is a "How it Works" movie.
 
The Geoexchange Movie requires a Flash 5+ plug-in and is best viewed at a resolution of 1024 x 768 or above.

Pick your connection speed and monitor resolution to view the movie:

If you are unable to view the movie, click on the icon below to install the Flash 5 plug-in into your browser. This will happen automatically.
This is a Geoexchange Slide Show
 
The Geoexchange Slide Show requires a Flash 6+ plug-in and is best viewed at a resolution of 1024 x 768 or above. If you do not have the plugin click here. This process takes 2 clicks and installs immediately and automatically.


Please use the yellow buttons on the slide show to fast forward, stop, rewind, pause, play, or view keyword shortcuts.

 
 
 
Cost Comparison of Geothermal to other energy supplies to Heat and Cool your home on a yearly basis along with domestic hot water:
Home Size
With a
Geothermal System
With a
Natural Gas System*
With a
Propane/Oil System**
1,800 sq. ft.
$500
$2,130
$2,800
2,400 sq. ft.
$620
$2,600
$3,500
3,000 sq. ft.
$760
$3,150
$4,200
4,000 sq. ft.
$1,000
$4,000
$5,600
(*) Based on 90% efficient gas furnace, gas water heater, and electric central air conditioning.

(**) Based on 90% efficient propane furnace, propane water heater, and electric central air conditioning.