Using Geothermal Technology To Reduce Your Utility Bills
Less than 1% of U.S. homes have geothermal systems, and that’s decades after the technology emerged as a significant energy saver. The biggest hurdle is the upfront price. A geothermal system can cost twice as much as a new conventional gas or electric system. To get their money back, homeowners might need to stay in the house at least three years, and maybe as long as 10. Or, they need a buyer who understands the advantages.
A typical installation might require as many as four 150-foot holes drilled in the soil. A loop of plastic pipe is then inserted into the holes, covered with dirt and connected to inside gear that looks much like a conventional furnace. The inside unit pumps water into the ground, causing it to emerge at a constant ground temperature, typically 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That water is used to precondition refrigerant for increased efficiency and lower energy usage.
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