This day and age, sustainability is more important than ever as our civilization faces a global climate crisis. As you probably know by now, much of this issue is attributed to burning fossil fuels as sources of energy, and although we all know this is a problem with direct consequences, it is difficult to imagine actually forgoing mainstream energy consumption by harnessing alternative energy sources. However, making a difference is easier than you may think. The answer to our energy problems may be right under our feet, in the form of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is derived from the earth’s center, making it a renewable resource with an unlimited supply. Currently, geothermal power is rising in popularity, adding to the viable options that enhance a more energy-aware culture. Currently, over 80% of the earth’s energy has been acquired by burning fossil fuels and the need for energy is expected to grow 50% by 2030. With energy needs rising and available carbon fuel sources depleting, turning to a renewable energy source will soon no longer be a choice, but a necessity.
At the moment, many American homes are making the switch to geothermal energy. Some get energy through a geothermal plant, where a power plant drills down through the earth’s crust anywhere between a few hundred feet to a few miles underground. Then pipe is laid, water is pumped down, heated, and pressurized (due to the heat) and that heat is converted into energy to run electricity, industrial applications and heating homes. Other homes get a geothermal heat pump installed directly into their home, where it works like a geothermal plant on a smaller scale. A loop, typically made of hi-density polyethylene, is buried in ground beside the home, going down many feet below the surface. Fluid, often water or environmentally friendly antifreeze, is circulated through the loop, bringing heat to the compressor inside the home, where the heat is released into the living area. The beauty of a geothermal heat pump is that it also works in the reverse direction, using the constant temperature of the earth to cool the home in the summer. Geothermal heat pumps can be expensive to install, but the value outweighs the cost when you consider the 25-50 year lifespan, the 72% reduction in emissions over standard heating systems, and 300%-600% efficiency in heating a home on a cold night. Geothermal heat pumps tend to pay for themselves in 2-10 years after you factor in reduced maintenance and operation costs. Of course, geothermal heat may not be for everyone and every home, but the increase in adoption of geothermal energy is a step in the right direction for our society. If you are considering installing a geothermal heat pump and live in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, contact thegeothermal specialists at Air Systems Services. Air Systems Services (http://www.airsystemservices.com) is a full service HVAC company serving the Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and Knightdale areas of NC, providing new system sales, installation and consulting. Call today at (919) 266-5755, or visit their website, http://www.airsystemservices.com, for more information and resources on geothermal systems.
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