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You use more than half of your energy consumption for heating and cooling your home. Most of the power comes from electricity which is often created by fossil fuels. These fossil fuels, like coal or natural gas, are nonrenewable sources. Geothermal energy for homes helps mitigate fossil fuel usage.
Thermic energy works by using heat close to the earth''s surface. The system pumps water or refrigerant through the pipes below ground. The temperature is constant at about 50℉ to 60℉. During the winter, the water absorbs the warmth, to heat your house. The process is then reversed in the summer.
Here are the steps the system goes through:
2. When it is cold, the water warms up as it travels underground.
3. Once above ground, the heat is transferred to your house.
4. After the building is heated the water cools down and is pumped back underground. Then the cycle starts again.
5. On a summer day, the water cools the building and then is pumped underground. The heat then goes to the pipes.
Geothermal energy is an eco-friendly source of power for your residence. Here are a few more advantages of geothermal energy for homes.
Geothermal pumps can run anytime since their fuel source is constant. The earth''s internal temperature remains the same and is a renewable source. Unlike solar or wind it doesn''t rely on outside factors to run. Plus, geothermal sources are more flexible. It''s easier to increase or decrease heat production depending on your needs.
Thermal power releases less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fuel sources. Geothermal power plants produce about 5.7 g of carbon dioxide. Lowering emissions is critical in minimizing the impacts of global warming. As earth temperature rises, more severe storms occur and wildlife habitats are disrupted.
Many industrial processes, such as manufacturing textiles, rely on fossil fuels. They need the energy to assemble products and heat the buildings. In 2015, about 30% of all energy used by the industrial sector was natural gas. So, switching to non-solar energy reduces the number of fossil fuels consumed.
Geothermal heat pumps have a long life expectancy of about 15 years. This saves costs and reduces the need for consistent repairs. However, to keep your system running longer, complete regular maintenance. Start by changing your filter every month and cleaning the fan. Also, have a professional inspect your unit.
Here are a few tasks they can perform:
Despite the efficiency and environmental impacts, thermic energy has some disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider before using geothermal energy for homes.
Geothermal energy does require certain conditions. For example, it relies on areas where hydrothermal resources are available. Many of these sites have been identified in the western United States. With this lack of access, it''s harder to provide geothermal energy to all homes. Other considerations include the earth''s temperature and rock type. You need to find temperatures that produce steam and stones you can easily drill through.
These systems do risk causing minor earthquakes. This is because water is drilled into a well at a high-pressure level. South Korea experienced an earthquake when developing its geothermal system. To prevent this risk, it''s important to develop strict operation guidelines.
These systems can cost about $2500 per installed kW. In addition, other energy sources, such as solar, receive financial incentives. Yet, for heat energy, there aren''t as many available. Plus, solar offers lower project risks. These factors can raise the price of geothermal energy. Although, in the long run, it''s sustainable and requires less maintenance.
Working with these systems comes with certain risks. For example, employees are exposed to dust and very hot steam. This could lead to repository issues or potential burns. Although, taking proper safety precautions can minimize these risks.
Thermal power is mainly used to heat and cool houses or as hot water. It can function as your furnace, air conditioner, or water heater. Plus, with its energy efficiency, you can save money on your utility bills. For example, ground pumps use about 75% less energy than traditional heating sources. You can even use thermic power to warm up a pool.
In addition, power plants can use it to generate electricity. We use this to charge our electronics and appliances.
Geothermal energy is a renewable source that can limit our reliance on fossil fuels. We rely on these fuels to heat our homes and provide electricity. Yet, they can harm the environment. That''s why it might be time to use geothermal energy for homes. Just keep in mind factors, such as location and price.
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Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.
Geothermal energy is heat that comes from the subsurface of the earth — a region of the mantel where temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Geothermal power plants tap into this thermal heat to generate electricity. We can also use this energy to heat or cool homes directly through a residential geothermal energy system.
Residential geothermal systems use a heat pump to exchange heat with the earth to heat a home in the winter and cool it in the summer. These systems have significant environmental advantages. First, geothermal energy is a clean source of energy and the system requires only a small amount of electricity to operate. Also, geothermal energy is accessible 24 hours a day, making it a reliable energy source with an extremely low carbon footprint.
Selecting the best geothermal system for your home depends on your local climate, how much land you have available, and soil conditions. If you’re interested in using geothermal energy in your home, it’s essential to understand the different options available, including closed-loop, open-loop, and hybrid systems.
This type of geothermal energy system is the most common, and it typically includes two different loops made of plastic tubing. The first is the refrigerant loop, which is installed inside your home. The second is the water loop, which is typically buried underground.
As the fluid circulates in the outside tubing, the ground heats it. Then, the fluid goes into the home where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant loop. Of the closed-loop systems, there are three varieties to know:
In this geothermal system, you install the tubing vertically in the ground. If your property has limited land available — or you want to minimize the impact on your landscaping — this option may be ideal. However, if you live in an area with rocky ground, digging holes between 100 and 500 feet deep may prove too difficult.
Of all the closed-loop systems, vertical systems are considered the most expensive to install. However, the total cost will depend on multiple factors, including environmental factors, regulations, and square footage. Consult with a professional to receive an accurate cost estimate.
For this type of geothermal system, you install the tubing horizontally, which tends to be more effective than vertical installations. However, this requires more land than a vertical system. Plus, with the tubing closer to the surface of the ground — around 3.5 to 6.5 feet — it’s more likely to be affected by weather conditions. Therefore, it’s usually not recommended for homeowners who see long or cold winters.
This closed-loop geothermal system is typically cheaper than its vertical counterpart, making the initial installation more affordable. Contact a professional to learn more about specific land requirements and pricing.
Do you have a body of water on your land? If so, you can choose this geothermal energy system, where you install the tubing at the bottom of a pond or lake. The tubing is laid in a coil, also called a “slinky” closed loop at least 8 feet under the water’s surface to prevent winter freezing.
This geothermal system is ideal when it is a viable option because it tends to be less expensive than other installations. The price varies depending on how close the water body is to your home.
Similar to a pond/lake loop system, an open-loop system requires water via a well or a surface body of water. The liquid gets directed into the tubing and to the heat pump, where the heat is exchanged with the refrigerant loop. Then the water returns to the ground through the well or surface discharge. This option is best for homeowners who have an adequate supply of clean water and can meet all local codes and regulations.
On average, open-loop systems are cheaper to install than closed-loop ones, allowing you to save up to 60% on the costs. Keep in mind, however, that these systems also require more maintenance than other geothermal systems, including filter changes, water softening, and well testing.
About Geothermal power for individual homes
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