Geothermal 101

ThumbnailGeothermal Basics

An overview of the potential of Geothermal Energy including sources, geothermal heat pumps, geothermal power plants, hot dry rock technology, direct use and district heating using geothermal energy...

steam rising from geothermal power plantGuide to Geothermal Power Plants

Our Guide to Geothermal Power Plants explains the technologies in use and and being developed with clear explanations, animated illustrations and video. Geothermal power plants generate electricity using steam...

pros and cons iconThe Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy

There has been an ongoing debate pertaining to the pros and cons of geothermal energy. Before we can begin to discuss the advantages and disadvantages we need to have a clear understanding of that exactly geothermal energy is...

 

Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pumps

loop iconHow Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pumps Work

A clear explanation of how geothermal ground-source heat pumps work to move heat from underground and how refrigerants can upgrade the temperature to heat your home or busines. "Heat pumps move heat from one place to another".....

scissorsGeothermal Energy: Cut Bills and Emissions

Geothermal technology delivers healthy returns to both the environment and the bottom line. Geothermal systems can deliver vast quantities of power at all times: There’s no waiting for the wind to blow or sun to shine....

calculatorGeothermal Savings Comparative Calculator

Our geothermal calculator will automatically show average monthly and annual operating costs and provide comparative figures for a geothermal system against two other heating, cooling and hot water systems....

illustration of vertical loops for dx installationDirect Exchange (DX) Geothermal Heat Pumps

In direct exchange (DX) geothermal heating and cooling systems refrigerant circulates through underground copper tubing so the heat exchange is immediate and super efficient compared to water source geothermal systems...

coil of copper tubingConcerns about Copper in DX Geothermal Systems

IA common concern about Direct Exchange (DX) geothermal systems is that the copper tubing may corrode and leak refrigerant into the soil creating an environmental hazard. Misinformation and rumours are in no short supply...

screwdriver and wrench iconGeothermal Retrofits

In many cases a geothermal retrofit will work well, especially if it is replacing a furnace that fits into existing ductwork. Government rebates for retrofits make the option considerably more attractive...

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Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pump Equipment

While the basic principles of geothermal heating with ground source heat pumps haven't changed much in 50 years, the technology has, with radically improved efficiency and functionality. The biggest step forward has been in compressor technology...

house with cutaway showing vertical loop

Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Configurations

The various loop configurations for geothermal ground source heat pumps, design considerations with pros and cons of each. In nearly all cases the loop piping is made of flexible, high-density polyethylene that is warranted for 50 years...

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Geothermal Manufacturers

A list of manufacturers of geothermal systems and components, mostly geoexhange ground source heat pumps. We've provided contact information and linked to their websites whenever available for your convenience....

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Geothermal Cooling: Use the Earth for Home Comfort

We looked to sunny Florida to see how efficient geothermal cooling could be. Geothermal cooling systems work the much the same as a regular air-conditioning system but with increased efficiencies...

screwdriver and wrench iconGeothermal Heat Pump Maitenance & Troubleshooting

A geothermal heat pump (GHP) maintenance checklist and troubleshooting geothermal systems: servicing piping, pumps, headers, and water. Geothermal heat pump systems have few moving parts, and because ...

tank of R-22Geothermal Manufacturers Converting to Chlorine-free Refrigerants

For years, the refrigerant of choice has been R-22, also known as HCFC-22 (short for hydrochlorofluorocarbon) or Freon 22. But R-22, when released into the atmosphere, eats away at the ozone layer. In 1990, the US federal Clean Air Act was amended...

scales of justiceGeothermal Ground Source Heat Pumps vs. Air to Air

Is a ground source heat pump more efficient than an air to air heat pump? A ground-source heat pump, with its underground piping loop, is able to tap a warmer, more stable heat source. For purposes of comparison...

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Residential Geothermal FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and answers about residential geothermal systems and ground source heat pumps. Also included are some less frequent questions that should be asked...

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Open Loop Geothermal FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and answers about open loop geothermal systems and ground source heat pumps. Includes answers about water requirements, water temperatures, discharge disposal and more.

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Closed Loop Geothermal FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about closed loop geothermal systems. Includes answers about length and depths required for horizontal loops and vertical boreholes as well info on pipe quality and other installation questions...

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Geothermal Heat Pumps Gaining Ground

Even without financial incentives from the government or energy ground-source heat pumps have the lowest life-cycle costs in several cost studies of heating and air-conditioning systems...

 

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