Residential
A GSHP system can be installed in a residential structure of any size,
anywhere, whether it is single-family or multi-family. GSHPs can be installed
on almost any size lot: under lawns, landscaped areas, driveways, or the
house itself. An existing house can be retrofitted with a GSHP using the
ductwork that is already there. Your dealer/installer will be able to
determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.
Home builders and homeowners can both take advantage of the special financing
that is offered in many locations on a GSHP either through the utility
or manufacturer.![large house](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117235330im_/http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/images/geothermal/residential.gif)
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) have both endorsed ground source heat pump systems as among the
most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating, cooling, and
water heating systems available. In a 1993 report, the EPA concluded that
geothermal technologies represent a major opportunity for reducing national
energy use and pollution, while delivering comfort, reliability and savings
to homeowners.
Ground Source Heat Pumps offer great benefits:
- Can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system
- Some can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating
tank water
- Made of mechanical components that are either buried in the ground
or located inside the home
- About the same size as a traditional heating/cooling unit
- Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty
- Can cut energy consumption by 20 to 50% and reduce maintenance costs
- Keep the air warmer in the winter (90 -105¡ F) and at a more
consistent temperature throughout the home, eliminating the hot and
cold spots common with other systems
- Very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside
the home
- No noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities
- No exposed equipment outdoors; children or pets cannot injure themselves
or damage exterior units
- No open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage
tanks
GSHPs offer great savings:
- One of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems
available today
- Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and
cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners
- Save money in operating and maintenance costs
- Investments recouped in only a few years
- Positive cash flow; energy savings usually exceed the cost of the
system
- Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their customers who
purchase GSHPs. To see what your state has to offer click
here.
- Many heat pump manufacturers, local utilities, and lending institutions
have special financing for homeowners who are installing GSHPs
GSHPs are environmentally friendly:
- Conserve natural resources by providing climate control efficiently
and thus lowering emissions
- Minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration
systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged
- Uses underground loops to transfer heat, with no external venting
and no air pollution
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