Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Advantages of Geothermal Guy Wanegar, CGD Connecticut Geothermal Association www.ctgeo.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)