1. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Advantages of Geothermal
Guy Wanegar, CGD
Connecticut Geothermal Association

2. Topics No Fossil Fuels Utilized Onsite Clean Systems
Lowest CO2 Emissions
Safe Systems
Energy Efficiency
Versatility
Energy Tracking
Success Factors

3. There are No Fossil Fuels Utilized Onsite
No fuel stored on site
No fuel piping on site
No fuel combustion on site
No worries about fuel deliveries during bad weather
Fewer worries about needing emergency service

4. Clean Systems No Odors No combustion (air quality)
Equivalent to planting 750 trees per geothermal heat pump installed

6. Carbon Dioxide
CO2 Emission values were taken from the US Energy Information Administration website
The only emissions caused by geothermal heat pump systems are emitted at gas-fired electric power plants
In Connecticut, about 53% of electricity is produced at Natural Gas fired power plants
The remaining electricity is produced at nuclear power plants – no CO2
Most (3/4) of the heat delivered by geothermal heat pump systems is ‘pumped’ from the earth – no CO2

7. Safe Systems No risk of fuel leaks or spillage
No risk of explosion from a gas leak
No Carbon Dioxide or Carbon Monoxide expelled on site
No Methane expelled on site

8. Energy Efficiency
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems run on electricity, but over 70% of the heat for heating comes from the earth.
Electric costs have historically been more stable, per Btu used, than fossil fuels.
When combined with solar PV, this is true renewable technology
When designed and installed properly, it will pay for itself in a short time

9. Operating Cost Estimates
Software was used to calculate the operating costs for an average home in Connecticut.
The operating cost for a typical geothermal heat pump system was compared to fuel oil, propane and natural gas, using current energy prices in Connecticut.

11. Cost Payback Everybody asks: what’s the payback?
At current energy prices, using the 30% IRS tax credit for residential installations, the payback is about ten to twelve years vs. propane and oil systems having conventional air conditioning.
Last year, the payback period was five to seven years vs. propane and oil, respectively.

14. Payback Next year’s payback - ?
And it’s not just about payback. These systems provide superior comfort, while being versatile and gentle to the environment.

15. Versatility Geothermal systems can heat and cool simultaneously
Commercial buildings can heat the outer rooms while air conditioning the inner rooms, without relying on 100% of the loop field.
Heat pumps transfer heat from one area to another, or to the earth.
Re: Making ice while heating water;
Chilling milk while producing hot water for washing the milking area.

16. Versatility
Geothermal heat pumps can transfer heat to water, air, or any similar substance, and remove heat just as easily.
Commercial applications can also take advantage of the many sizes (in BTU value) of geothermal heat pumps, sizing equipment for specific applications.

17. Energy Tracking
Geothermal systems are easily monitored to provide real-time energy use. A simple measurement of flow rate, temperature difference, and wattage number give concrete data on energy use
These calculations can provide insight as to when maintenance will need to be performed, or if a problem should arise.

18. Success Factors
Right-sized loop (enough heat-exchange loop in the ground to satisfy the heating and cooling loads)
Minimize fan watts (properly sized ducts)
Minimize pumping watts (properly sized pipes)
Properly sized pipes for radiant floor systems
Properly designed temperature set-points and delivery design for radiant floor systems (loops above floor decking, or within slab)