The earth is a massive solar collector that absorbs and stores heat from the sun. By recovering this free heat a geothermal heat pump achieves an efficiency level far beyond other heating and cooling systems. If you are interested in finding out if a  geothermal heat pump would work in your house, read on.

 

HOW THE CO-OP CAN HELP:

The co-op will do a complete analysis of the requirements for installing a geothermal heat pump in your house. It will include the following:

 

* Heat loss survey -From a set of plans or by taking measurements of an existing house, the BTU heating requirements will be calculated. The heat loss indicates the capacity or size of heat pump needed for this house.

 

* Loop design -Based on heating requirements, a closed loop pipe system is designed. Usually a vertical closed loop is recommended. It uses a system of bore holes, similar to wells. The number and depth of holes is based on the heat loss of the house. These will vary but a typical installation may have five, 160 ft. holes spaced 12 feet apart.

 

* Duct layout -Depending on the situation, the co-op will work with your contractor to design a duct system that will provide optimum efficiency and comfort. The duct system is a very important part of a heating/cooling system.

 

INSTALLERS:

The co-op has helped train independent contractors to be ground-source heat pump installers. They will give you a price for installation that will usually include labor and materials to backfill the bore holes, labor to make up the pipe loops, delivering the equipment to the site, duct materials and labor to install it, wiring, plumbing and purging the heat pump. 

 


DRILLERS:

Area well drilling companies are part of the team that makes geothermal heat pump systems affordable. Arrangements have been made with them to drill the bore holes, for vertical closed loop systems, at a special price.

 

HEAT PUMP EQUIPMENT:

The co-op is a dealer for Command-Aire heat pumps. Co-op members may purchase heat pumps and pipe from the co-op.

 

FINANCING:

Existing homes switching to geothermal heat pumps may qualify for $3000 financing at 5% for a maximum term of 5 years. This is not available for new construction.

 

TO PROCEED:

If you decide to install a geothermal heat pump, notify the co-op and your contractor. From that point on, your contractor will coordinate the entire installation.

 

WHO YOU PAY:

Somerset REC for pipe and equipment. Drilling company for bore holes. Contractor for installing the system.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

CALL SOMERSET RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AT 445-4106.