Geothermal
Geothermal
Heat Pumps
If you’re planning to build a new house, office building,
or school, or replace your heating and cooling system, you may want to consider
a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system. GHP systems are also known as ground-source, or water-source heat pumps (as opposed to air-source heat
pumps). Regardless of what you call them, energy-efficient geothermal heat pumps
are available today for both residential and commercial building applications.
A GHP system can be installed in virtually any area of the country and will save
energy and money. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GeoExchange
systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective
space conditioning systems available (source: "Space Conditioning: The Next
Frontier," EPA430-R-93-004, April 1993).
Articles and Publications
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A brief primer from the U.S. Department of Energy that explains geothermal heat pump technology and offers links to related publications.
Geothermal Heat Pumps Make Sense for Homeowners
A DOE fact sheet that provides a good introduction to geothermal heat pumps and
explains why they are a good choice for homeowners.
An Information Survival Kit
for the Prospective Geothermal Heat Pump Owner
Produced by Kevin Rafferty and the Geo-Heat Center, this "survival kit" provides
information to help determine whether GHP technology is suitable for your home.
It also provides answers to some common questions about this technology.
Links
Energy Star-Labeled Geothermal Heat Pumps
Information on geothermal heat pumps that have received the Energy Star
certification for energy-efficient performance. Includes a list of qualifying
products and a list of manufacturers that produce qualifying products.
Geo-Heat Center
Part of the Oregon Institute of Technology, the Center provides
technological information to a variety of audiences in an effort to expand the
use of geothermal energy.
Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
Provides extensive information regarding geothermal heat pumps, including consumer
brochures, technical reports, and a database of installers. The Web page contains
case studies, published articles, list of equipment suppliers,
and workshop schedules and locations. The GHPC has broad-based support and participation
from DOE, the utility sector, and geothermal associations and manufacturers.
International Ground
Source Heat Pump Association
Established in 1987 to advance geothermal/ground source heat pump technology on
a local, state, national, and international level. Provides a list of equipment
manufacturers, a state-by-state list of installers, and numerous design manuals
and brochures for contractors, homeowners, students, and the general public.
STATE--Technologies: Geothermal
A DOE website that provides information on geothermal technology, costs,
business and market opportunities, and more. |
