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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

8:27 AM

http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=243
&video_id=2

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OnGoodman 13 seer heat pump

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 Air Source Heat
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
8:32 AM

Current Specification Effective Date: Apr il 1, 2006

Air-s ourc e heat pumps originally qualified for the ENERGY S TAR label in April, 1995.
ENE RGY STA R qualified electric air-s ourc e heat pumps have higher Seasonal Energy Efficienc y Ratio
(SEE R) and Energy E fficiency Ratios (E ER) than today's standard models, mak ing them about 9% more
efficient than non-qualified models . They also have a higher Heating and S eas onal Performanc e Factor
(HSP F), which measures the heating effic iency of the h pump.

Pasted from <http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=EP>

What else should I look for when buying an air-source heat pump?
• Though these products can be more ex pensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid bac k
over time through lower energy bills.
• When buying new equipment, siz ing and installation are as important as produc t quality .
• You can get better heating and c ooling performanc e at home with E NERGY STAR home sealing (ins ulation
and air s ealing) and duct sealing.
• Consider regular maintenanc e to maintain your heating and cooling sy stem performance.
Finding Qualified Equipment:
The Cons ortium for Energy Efficienc y (CEE ) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Ins titute
(AHRI) have developed an online database whic h identifies high efficiency equipment that has been tes ted
to A RI 210/240 and verified by AHRI. Please note that Directory lists the products that meet the
performance levels specified in the ENE RGY STAR Central A ir Conditioner and A ir-Source Heat P ump
specification. How ever, only those products that have been listed by ENERGY STAR partner are
officially recognized as ENERGY STAR qualified. Pleas e s ee the ENERGY S TAR P artner List for more
information.
To help understand how to use this online database, we have created a quic k guide to help you with the
various fields used in this online database.
Search CEE -ARI Online Databas e

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Air-Source Heat Pumps

An air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home, especially if you live in a w arm climate. When
properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the
electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel, like in
combustion heating systems.
Although air-source heat pumps can be used in nearly all parts of the United States, they do not generally perform w ell over
extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures. In regions with sub-freez ing winter temperatures, it may not be cost effective to
meet all your heating needs w ith a standard air-source heat pump.
However, new systems w ith gas heating as a backup are able to overcome this problem. There is also a "C old Climate Heat
Pump" w hich shows promise, but is currently facing man cturing problems. In addition, a version called the "Reverse C ycle
Chiller" claims to be able to operate efficiently at below-freez ing temperatures.

In cooling mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the indoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from
the air in the house. After the gas is compressed, it asses into the outdoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the outside air.
The pressure changes caused by the compressor and the expansion valve allow the gas to condense at a high temperature
outside and evaporate at a lower temperature indoors.
How They Work
A heat pump's refrigeration system consists of a compressor and tw o coils made of copper tubing (one indoors and one outside),
which are surrounded by aluminum fins to aid heat tran In the heating mode, liquid refrigerant in the outside coils extracts
heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. The indoor coils release heat from the refrigerant as it condenses back into a liquid.
A reversing valve, near the compressor, can change the rection of the refrigerant flow for cooling as w ell as for defrosting the
outdoor coils in winter.
When outdoor temperatures fall below 40°F, a less-efficient panel of electric resistance coils, similar those in your toaster,
kicks in to provide indoor heating. This is why air-source heat pumps aren't alw ays very efficient for heating in areas with cold
winters. Some units now have gas-fired backup furnaces instead of electric resistance coils, allowing them to operate more
efficiently
The efficiency and performance of today's air-source heat pumps is one-and-a-half to two times greater than those available 30
years ago. This improvement in efficiency has resulted from technical advances and options such as these:

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In heating mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the outdoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from
the outside air. After the gas is compressed, it passes into the indoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the inside of the
house. The pressure changes caused by the compressor and the expansion valve allow the gas to evaporate at a low temperature
outside and condense at a higher temperature indoors.
• Thermostatic expansion valves for more precise control refrigerant flow to the indoor coil
• Variable speed blowers, w hich are more efficient and can compensate for some of the adverse effects of restricted ducts,
dirty filters, and dirty coils
• Improved coil design
• Improved electric motor and two-speed compressor designs
• Copper tubing, grooved inside to increase surface area.
Most central heat pumps are split-systems—that is, they each have one coil indoors and one outdoors. Supply and return ducts
connect to a central fan, which is located indoors.
Some heat pumps are packaged systems. These usually have both coils and the fan outdoors. Heated or cooled air is delivered to
the interior from ductwork that protrudes through a w all or roof.
Selecting a Heat Pump
Every residential heat pump sold in this country has an EnergyGuide Label, which features the heat pump's heating and cooling
efficiency performance rating, comparing it to other a lable makes and models.
Heating efficiency for air-source electric heat pumps is indicated by the heating season performance factor (HSPF), which is the
total space heating required during the heating season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the
heat pump system during the same season, expressed in att-hours.
Cooling efficiency is indicated by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is the total heat removed from the
conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the
heat pump during the same season, expressed in watt-hours.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rates both the efficiency of the compressor and the electric-resistance
elements. The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of between 8 and 10.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates a heat pump's cooling efficiency. In general, the higher the SEER, the higher
the cost. However, the energy savings can return the higher initial investment several times during the heat pump's life.
Replacing a 1970s vintage, central heat pump (SEER = 6) with a new unit (SEER=12) w ill allow the use of half the energy to
provide the same amount of cooling, cutting air-conditioning costs in half. The most efficient heat pu have SEERs of betw een
14 and 18.
To choose an air-source electric heat pump, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, w hich is awarded to those units w ith SEERs of 12
or greater and HSPFs of 7 or greater. If you are purch g an electric air-source heat pump and are uncertain w hether it meets
ENERGY STAR qualifications, look on the bright yellow EnergyGuide label for an efficiency of 12 SEER/7HSPF or greater. For units
with comparable HSPF ratings, check their steady-state rating at -8.3 degrees C, the low temperature setting. The unit w the
higher rating w ill be more efficient.
Consider buying a heat pump with an HSPF of at least 7.7. In September 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy will begin
enforcing a new standard that will require central hea mps to have a minimum rating of 7.7 HSPF. In warmer climates, SEER
is more important than HSPF; in colder climates, focus on getting the highest HSPF feasible.
These are some other factors to consider when choosing and installing air-source heat pumps:
• Select a heat pump with a demand-defrost control. This w ill minimize the defrost cycles, thereby reducing supplementary
and heat pump energy use.
• If you're adding a heat pump to an electric furnace, the heat pump coil should usually be placed on the cold (upstream) side
of the furnace for greatest efficiency.
• Fans and compressors make noise. Locate the outdoor un away from windows and adjacent buildings, and select a heat
pump with an outdoor sound rating of 7.6 bels or lower. You can also reduce this noise by mounting the unit on a noise-
absorbing base.
• The location of the outdoor unit may affect its efficiency. Outdoor units should be protected from high w inds, which can
cause defrosting problems. You can strategically place a bush or a fence upw ind of the coils to block the unit from high
winds.
See the section on Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems for information about choosing a contractor, and see
the section on Sizing Your Heating and Air C onditioning System for proper siz ing techniques.
Performance Issues with Heat Pumps
According to a report on research funded by ENERGY STAR‚ more than 50% of all heat pumps have significant problems w ith low
airflow, leaky ducts, and incorrect refrigerant charge.
There should be about 400–500 cubic feet per minute (cfm) airflow for each ton of the heat pump's air-conditioning capacity.
Efficiency and performance deteriorate if airflow is much less than 350 cfm per ton. Technicians can increase the airflow by
cleaning the evaporator coil or increasing the fan speed, but often some modification of the ductw ork is needed. See the sections
on Minimizing Energy Losses in Ducts and on Insulating Ducts.
Refrigeration systems should be leak-checked at installation and during each service call. m heat pumps and packaged heat
pumps are charged with refrigerant at the factory. They are seldom incorrectly charged. Split-system heat pumps, on the other
hand, are charged in the field, w hich can sometimes result in either too much or too little refrigerant. Split-system heat pumps
that have the correct refrigerant charge and airflow u ly perform very close to manufacturer's listed SEER and HSPF. Too
much or too little refrigerant, however, reduces heat-pump performance and efficiency.
For satisfactory performance and efficiency, a split-system heat pump should be within a few ounces of the correct charge,
specified by the manufacturer. The technician must mea airflow prior to checking refrigerant charge because the refrigerant
measurements aren't accurate unless airflow is correct. When the charge is correct, specific refrigerant temperatures and
pressures listed by the manufacturer will match temperatures and pressures measured by your service technician. Verify these
measurements with the technician. If the manufacturer's temperatures and pressures don't match the measured ones,
refrigerant should be added or withdraw n, according to standards specified by the EPA.

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Pasted from <http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12620>

Yes, air source heat pumps (ASHP) c an qualify for a tax credit.
How much : 30% of the c ost (inc luding installation/labor costs), to $1,500.
Timing: Tax credit in effec t in 2009 and 2010. Must be install in y our "principal res idenc e"
between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
De tails: Split S yst ems: HS PF >= 8.5, EER >= 12.5, SE ER >= 15 ( SEE R/EER/HSPF?)
Package Systems: HSPF >= 8, EE R >= 12, SE ER >= 14 ( Split v s Pack age?)
Find qualifie d Ther e isn' t a single lis t of qualified products, but there are two partial lists :
mode ls: 1) CEE -AHRI Online database

• Sc roll down the page to the chart. For the "Residential Air-S ourc e Heat P umps" row,
click on the link in the right-hand c olumn to " Find Q ualify ing Equipment"
• At the bottom of the first c olumn, click "Y es" for "E ligible for Tax Credit"
2) Non- AHRI CAC/AS HP P roduct Lis t [Exc el] [pdf] - you' ll need to c heck this list for
produc ts that meet the r equirements above.
How to ap ply: File Tax Form 5695 with your tax retur n.

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1242925301>

By moving heat from one area to another, a heat pum p warm s your home in winter and cools it
in summ er using just one system. Also called air-to-air, an air source heat pump is usually
effective as a heater down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. For temperature below 30 degrees,
a supplemental heat source is needed. For colder clim ates, consider a dual-fuel or add-on heat
pump, which pairs an electric-powered heat pum p with a fossil-fuel furnace (natural gas,
propane or oil).
Typical costs:
• It runs about $500 -$1,500 to install a self-contained through-the-wall or window unit air-
source heat pum p in a single room (no ductwork is required). More expensive units
have a greater heating and cooling capacity, and this ce range may include
installation. Lower prices are do-it-yourself installation, particularly for window units
(which are relatively easy to install).
• Expect to pay about $2,000 -$5,000 for a split system (one piece of equipm ent is
located outdoors, another indoors) electric heat pum p an average home (3 ton
capacity). Higher-priced models have options such as a two-stage compressor for more
power when additional heat is needed, or include a hot water heater as part of the
system . These systems require the same type of ductwork as central heat and air, and
adding ductwork is often cost-prohibitive.
• For home without ductwork, professional installation of a ductless mini-split electric air-
source heat pum p system (an outdoor compressor and m ounting one or more indoor
units) for an average home (3 ton capacity) runs about $4,500 -$6,000 or more,
depending on the num ber of indoor units or zones installed.
What should be included:
• Air-source heat pum ps work best in climates where temperatures rarely drop below
freezing. Through-the-wall or window units are usually a single self-contained unit, but
can only heat or cool a single room. For a standard single-fam ily home, a typical split-
system air-source heat pump system has two parts, an indoor unit th a coil (providing
electric resistance heat) and a blower that pushes warm or cool air through the house,
and an outdoor unit with another coil, fan and a compressor or pump. There are also
"packaged" air-source systems that combine the standard indoor and outdoor units into
a single outdoor cabinet which is typically installed the roof. The US Department of
Energy provides a detailed overview.
• Sim ilar to ductless air conditioning, a ductless mini-split heat pump system consists of
an outdoor compressor or condenser and multiple indoor air-handling units. The indoor
units are linked to the outdoor unit by a conduit system. Mini-split heat pumps are
flexible in terms of creating a number of heating-cooling zones within a home, each with
its own thermostat. The indoor units can be mounted in the floor, wall or ceiling. They
are usually less intrusive than window air conditioners but don't necessarily have the
built-in look of ducted central system s. The US Department of Energy lists the
advantages and disadvantages of mini-split heat pum ps.
Additional costs:
• In an older home, adding an electric heat pum p m ight r hiring an electrician to
upgrade the electrical panel to 200 amps, which can cost an additional $1,300 -$3,000.
Discounts:
• Utility companies and other agencies m ay offer rebates when you purchase an energy-
efficient air source heat pum p; check with your local company or search for
rebates listed at EnergyStar.gov.
• Some energy-efficient heat pumps qualify for a $300 federal tax credit, through 2009.

Pasted from <http://www.costhelper.com/cost/home-garden/air-heat-pump.html>

HSPF is an abbreviation for Heating Seasonal Perform ance Factor. It is the m ost com monly used
m easure of the heating efficiency of heat pumps. (The ng efficiency of a heat pump is m easured
by its SEER.)
Technically speaking, the HSPF is a heat pum p's estimated seasonal heating output in BTUs divided

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 by the amount of energy that it consumes in watt-hours.
The im portant takeaway from this definition is that the HSPF is a seasonal m easure (meaning that it
takes into account the fact that the heat pumps rarely for as long as is optimal during Spring and
Fall). A heat pump with a high HSPF is more efficient a heat pum p with a low HSPF.
New heat pumps manufactured after 2005 are required to have an HSPF of at least 7.7. The m ost
efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of 10.

Pasted from <http://www.furnacecompare.com/faq/definitions/hspf.html>

Air Source He at Pump Informational Websites

How Air-Source Heat Pumps Work by the U. S. Department of Energy

Electric Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are a type of heat pump which utilize outside air as a heat source to
heat or cool. Air source heat pumps are more efficient than oil, gas, and electric heating in mild
clim ates but they are less efficient than ground source heat pumps. W hy? Ground source heat
pumps receive energy from the ground which is warm er than the outside air in winter. Air source
heat pumps cost less to install than ground source pum they avoid the installation cost of a
ground loop.
A heat pum p transfers heat energy from a cooler to a warmer location. A heat pump uses the
refrigeration process and transfers low temperature energy to a refrigeration loop, compresses
the refrigerant to a high temperature, and transfers this heat to the hot water and heating
distribution syste. In the sum mer this same energy rem it from the hom e. System s normally
range from a single 4kW unit to multiple units with a controller producing around 300kW.

Pasted from <http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/index.php/2009/home-improvement-websites?redir=no>

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Geothermal Heat
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
8:36 AM

Geo the rmal he ating and cooling use s the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes and
b usinesses with 4 0% to 70% less energy than conve ntion sys tems. While con venti onal furnaces and bo ilers burn a
fuel to ge nerate h eat, g eothe rma l he at pumps use elect i city to si mply move heat from the earth in to build ings,
a llowing much hig her efficiencies. Th e most efficien t fuel -burning he ater can rea ch efficien ci es aro und 9 5%, but a
g eothe rmal heat p ump can move up to 4 units of heat for eve ry un it of e lectricity n eeded to p ower the sys tem,
re sulting in a practical equivalence o f over 4 00% effi i ency. To learn more about g eotherma l he ating and coo ling,
s elect a topic from th e Resources me nu above.

Pasted from <http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68:geothermal-heating-and-

cooling&catid=370:front-page>

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

The biggest benefit of GHPs is that they use 25%–50% less electricity than conventional heating or cool ng systems.
This translates into a GHP using one unit of electricity to move three units of heat from the earth. According to the
EPA, geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumpti n—and corresponding emissions—up to 44% compared
to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning
equipment. GHPs also improve humidity control by maintaining about 50% relative indoor humidity, making GHPs
very effective in humid areas.
Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations.
Because the hardw are requires less space than that needed by conventional HVAC systems, the equipment rooms
can be greatly scaled down in size, freeing space for productive use. GHP systems also provide excellent "zone"
space conditioning, allowing different parts of your home to be heated or cooled to different temperatures.
Because GHP systems have relatively few moving parts, d because those parts are sheltered inside a building,
they are durable and highly reliable. The underground ping often carries warranties of 25–50 years, and the heat
pumps often last 20 years or more. Since they usually door compressors, GHPs are not susceptible to
vandalism. On the other hand, the components in the living space are easily accessible, which increases the
convenience factor and helps ensure that the upkeep is done on a timely basis.
Because they have no outside condensing units like air nditioners, there's no concern about noise outside the
home. A two-speed GHP system is so quiet inside a house that users do not know it is operating: there are no tell-
tale blasts of cold or hot air.

Pasted from <http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12660>

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, said geothermal is 50
percent to 70 percent more efficient for heating than other systems. The U.S. Department of Energy says that a
ground-source heat pump uses 25 percent to 50 percent less el ctricity than conventional heating and cooling
systems.

Roberg said that the maintenance costs for geothermal the cost of traditional heating and cooling
systems. The payback on geothermal systems, which used to be about seven years, is now typically four years,
she said. Recently passed federal renewable energy incentives now include $2,000 per year tax credit.

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Green Edge
But even with these benefits, geothermal heating and cooling still remains a relatively niche product, with about 50,000 units installed a year in the U.S.,
according to the Department of Energy.

One reason is the upfront cost. All told, a geothermal heating and cooling installation, including duct work, will be about 50 percent more expensive than
fossil fuel-based system, Roberg said.

Drilling is typically the biggest portion of the bill cause it can cost tens of thousands of dollars alone. The geo-exchange pumps themselves for homes can
cost between $17,000 to $30,000, according to Butler.

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 A "vertical" loop of a ground-based, or an open-loop ground-source heat pump.
(Credit: WaterFurnace International)

Experts warn that installations of these systems are very site specific--poor installation of ducts, for example, can lead to an underperforming unit.

Also, certain regions appear to be better suited for geothermal-exchange technology; some developers have reported that pumps that spend most of the year
pumping heat underground, and little time pulling heat out, don't perform as well over time.

In its analysis of its first six geothermal systems (click for PDF), Harvard identified a number of installation challenges related to the design of wells and
understanding the water resources underground.

A more subtle challenge is the status quo. Homeowners o aren't aware of geothermal systems will install what contractors--also unfamiliar with the
technology--will recommend.

Ansin of developer MassInnovation, encountered this institutional skepticism first hand while renovating an abandoned shoe factory in Fitchburg, Mass.

He was looking at spending a significant portion of his overall budget--about $500,000--on a standard industrial furnace and chiller when he had a chance
encounter with a driller friend who suggested that geothermal heat pumps might be cheaper.

Ansin had never heard of geothermal, but once he looke into it, he realized that it could be both cost-effective and allow him to differentiate his buildings in
a way other than just location. The facility, called Anwelt Heritage Apartments, is marketed as an eco-friendly building that uses a ground-source heat pump
and a solar array.

The system is about half as expensive as the traditional set-up, said Ansin, who is now part owner of a drilling ou fit. He passes the lower utility costs to
people in the 86 residences, who pay less than a half of what they were paying in utility bills.

He's very enthusiastic about the technology but admits that the geothermal industry is immature compared to the traditional heating and cooling business.

"Even though heat pumps and geothermal space conditioning has been around for a while, it's still considered very much a new market and as such, there
aren't nearly enough contractors and engineers," he said, adding that an installation can require coordinating different contractors. "Unfortunately, until you
have a one-stop-shopping solution, it's not going to become nearly as biquitous as it could be."

Pasted from <http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10131539-54.html>

• 30% Tax Cre dit For Ge othermal

• There are many great reasons to install an ECONA R GeoS stem, and the list keeps growing. The federal government has
passed a couple of very important pieces of legislatio within the last couple of years. The intent of the legislation is to
encourage the use of efficient, environmentally friendly energy sources—geother mal included. The encouragement (and benefit
to home and business ow ners) comes in the form of substantial tax credits.
• The Energy Impr ovement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) offers a tax credit of 30% to homeow ners w ho install a
geothermal (ground source heat pump) system on their p The property must be residential property w ithin the United
States, but does not need to be the primary residence. Please note that the tax credit excludes geothermal systems used solely
for sw imming pools and/or hot tubs. The 30% tax credit counts tow ard the heat pump, ground loop and related equipment.
Labor costs for excavating and installing the loopfield, installing the heat pump, and any other plumbing, w iring and/or ducting
needed to make the system w ork are also included. The must meet or exceed current ENERGY STAR requirements,
and be placed into service after December 31, 2007. H.R. 1424 caps the credit at $2,000.The American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 sw eetens the deal for geothermal. Everything basically stays the same, except that the $2,000 cap to
the tax credit has been eliminated. Now you can install a GeoSystem and take full advantage of the 30% tax credit! This
legislation is good for installations placed into service from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016.

Pasted from <http://www.econar.com/programs.htm>

Also called ground-source or geo-exchange, a geothermal heat pump is an electrically powered heating and cooling system that transfers heat
between your home and the earth by circulating fluid through long loops of underground pipe. This works because temperatures just below the
ground surface are relatively constant all year round. Heat pumps do not generate heat, they move it around. Heat pumps work best in relatively
mild climates, where the temperatures do not often dro below freezing. Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient methods of
heating, but have high initial costs.
Typical costs:
• The cost of a geothermal (ground-source or water-source) heat pump can run $3,500 -$7,500, and the more expensive models may
include options such as a two-stage compressor or a hot water heater. Excavation and installation costs can bump total costs up to
$10,000 -$25,000 or more, depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment and soil conditions.
What should be include d:

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 • Generally the entire geothermal heat pump and all mech components are located in an indoor unit (somewhat similar in appearance
to an air conditioning unit). Typically a geothermal h pump is inexpensive to operate and has no noisy outdoor equipment. The US
Department of Energy provides a general overview of how geothermal heat pumps work, as well as illustrating the various types of
geotherm al heat pumps.
• Installing a geothermal system usually involves digging holes 150 to 250 feet deep. Pipes can be buried in soil, installed under a water
source (such as a lake) or bored inside a rock shelf. average installation takes 1-3 days, but this varies considerably depending on the
length and depth of the pipes, soil conditions and the type of equipment required. Generally, installing a geothermal heat pump requires
professional training and is not encouraged as a do-it-yourself project, since poor installation techniques c hurt the system's efficiency.
House-Energy.com provides a quick installation overview.
• Terms such as "ground-source" or "geothermal" are often used interchangeably, but some folks argue that true geothermal systems take
heat directly from natural sources (hot springs, geysers, volcanic hot spots) and are generally used for larger commercial or industrial sites,
while ground-source heat pumps are reversible air conditioners that use groundwater or the soil to cool and heat a home or other building.
Discounts:
• Utility companies and other agencies may pay a rebate an energy-efficient ground-source heat pump; check with your local power
company or search for rebates listed at EnergyStar.gov.
• Energy Star-rated ground-source heat pumps may qualify for up to a $2,000 federal tax credit in 2009.
Shopping for a geothermal he at pump:
• Major manufacturers include Water Furnace and FHP. The US Department of Energy provides guidelines for selecting and installing a
geotherm al heat pump system. Referrals for both manufacturers and contractors are available from GeoExchange.org.
• Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) include in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's
length and type of experience; and be sure the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. Check whether there are
any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

Pasted from <http://www.costhelper.com/cost/home-garden/geothermal-heat-pump.html>

What Is A Geo thermal Heat Pump?

Homeow ners in virt ually every region of the count ry are enjoying a high level of comfort and significantly reducing their energy use today by heat ing and
cooling their homes with geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). Click on the graphic below for a s hort video describin how this great t echnology works .
GeoExchan ge HVAC
Watch more videos here.
This marvelous technology relies primarily on the Earth’s natural thermal energy, a renewable resource, to heat or cool a home or commercial building. The
only additional energy GHP s ystems require is the smal unt of electricit y they employ to concentrate what Mother Nat ure provides and t hen t o circulate
high-quality heating and cooling throughout the building.
Homeow ners who use GHP systems give them superior ratings because of t heir abilit y to deliver comfort ably warm air, even on the coldest winter days, and
because of their extraordinarily low operating cost s. additional benefit, GHP sys tems can provide inexpensive hot water, either to supplement or
replace entirely the output of a conventional, domestic wat er heater.
Geothermal heating and cooling is cost effective because it us es energy s o efficiently. This makes it very environment ally friendly, t oo. For these reasons,
agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy recognize it.
Read more: What Is A Geothermal Heat Pump?

Join Our Indust ry !

Geothermal heating and air conditioning is rapidly growing throughout North America. Interested in joining us ? Engineers and system designers can
become Cert ified GeoExchange ® Designers through the Association of Energy Engineers th t raining provided by the International Ground Source Heat
Pump Association.
Heating and air conditioning contractors, drilling companies and excavators can expand business opportunities by taking IGSHPA Accredited Installer
Training or IGSHPA Accredited Driller Training. This t also includes training in heat fusion of high dens ity polyethylene (HDPE) geothermal pipe and
fitting.
For more information, contact AEE at htt p://www.aeecenter.org/certificat ion/ and IGSHPA at http://w ww.igshpa.okstate.edu/t raining/training.htm

Pasted from <http://www.geoexchange.org//incentives/incentives.htm>

GEOTHERMAL or GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

Heat pumps move heat from one place to another - from outside to inside a home, for example. That's why they're called "heat
pumps."
We explained the way that they work in the section "C entral HVAC." Here's a simplified version of how a heat pump works:
All heat pumps have an outdoor unit (called a condenser) and an indoor unit (an evaporator coil).
A substance called a refrigerant carries the heat from one area to another. When compressed, it is a high temperature, high-
pressure liquid. If it is allowed to expand, it turns a low temperature, low pressure gas. The gas then absorbs heat.
In the winter the normal heat pump system extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it inside where it is circulated through your
home's ductwork by a fan.
Even cold air contains a great deal of heat; the temperature at which air no longer carries any heat is well below -200 degrees
Fahrenheit. But the coldest temperature ever recorded in the lower 48 states was -70 degrees, recorded at Roger Pass, Montana on
January 20, 1954. Obviously in such weather, a heat pump would have to work pretty hard to produce 68-degree temperatures
inside your home.
That's why geothermal heat pumps are so efficient.
Geothermal heat pumps are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but instead of using heat found in outside air, they rely on the stable,
even heat of the earth to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water.
From Montana's minus 70 degree temperature, to the highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. - 134 degrees in Death Valley,
California, in 1913 - many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes. A few feet below the earth's surface,

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however, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Although the temperatures vary according to latitude, at six feet
underground, temperatures range from 45 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ever been inside a cave in the summer? The air underground is a constant, cooler temperature than the air outside. During the
winter, that same constant cave temperature is warmer than the air outside.
That's the principle behind geothermal heat pumps. In nter, they move the heat from the earth into your house. In the
summer, they pull the heat from your home and discharge it into the ground.
Studies show that approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable energy from the
ground. The earth's constant temperature is what makes heat pumps one of the most efficient, comfortable, and quiet
heating and cooling technologies available today. While they may be more costly to install initially than regular heat pumps, they
can produce markedly lower energy bills - 30 percent to 40 percent low er, according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, who now includes geothermal heat pumps in the types of products rated in the EnergyStar® program. Because
they are mechanically simple and outside parts of the ystem are below ground and protected from the weather, maintenance costs
are often lower as well.
As an added benefit, systems can be equipped with a device called a "desuperheater" can heat household water, which circulates
into the regular water heater tank. In the summer, heat that is taken from the house and would be expelled into the loop is used to
heat the water for free. In the winter, the desuperheater can reduce water-heating costs by about half, while a conventional water
heater meets the rest of the household's needs. In the g and fall w hen temperatures are mild and the heat pump may not be
operating at all, the regular water heater provides hot water.
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How Do They Compare?
Surveys taken by utilities have found that homeowners geothermal heat pumps rate them highly when compared to
conventional systems. Figures indicate that more than percent of all geothermal heat pump owners would recommend a similar
system to their friends and family.
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Cost
As a rule of thumb, a geothermal heat pump system cost about $2,500 per ton of capacity. The typically sized home would use a
three-ton unit costing roughly $7,500. That initial cost is twice the price of a regular heat pump system that would probably
cost about $4,000, with air conditioning.
You will have to, however, add the cost of drilling to this total amount. The final cost will depend on whether your system will drill
vertically deep underground or will put the loops in a horiz ontal fashion a shorter distance below ground. The cost of drilling can run
anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, or more depending on the terrain and other local factors.
Added to an already built home an replacing an existing HVAC unit, an efficient geothermal system saves enough on utility bills that
the investment can be recouped in five to ten years.
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Durability
Geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical components than other systems,
and most of those components are underground, sheltered from the weather. The underground piping used in the system is often
guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years and is virtually worry-free. The components inside the house are small and easily accessible for
maintenance. Warm and cool air are distributed through ductwork, just as in a regular forced-air system.
Since geothermal systems have no outside condensing units like air conditioners, they are quieter to operate.
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How Do They Work?
Remember, a geothermal heat pump doesn't create heat by burning fuel, like a furnace does. Instead, in winter it collects the
Earth's natural heat through a series of pipes, called a loop, installed below the surface of the ground or submersed in a pond or
lake. Fluid circulates through the loop and carries the heat to the house. There, an electrically driven compressor and a heat
exchanger concentrate the Earth's energy and release it inside the home at a higher temperature. Ductwork distributes the heat to
different rooms.
In summer, the process is reversed. The underground loop draws excess heat from the house and allows it to be absorbed by the
Earth. The system cools your home in the same way that a refrigerator keeps your food cool - by drawing heat from the interior, not
by blowing in cold air.
The geothermal loop that is buried underground is typically made of high-density polyethylene, a tough plastic that is extraordinarily
durable but which allows heat to pass through efficiently. When installers connect sections of pipe, they heat fuse the joints, making
the connections stronger than the pipe itself. The flu in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that
circulates through the pipes in a closed system.
Another type of geothermal system uses a loop of copper piping placed underground. When refrigerant is pumped through the loop,
heat is transferred directly through the copper to the earth.
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Types of Loops
Geothermal heat pump systems are usually not do-it-yourself projects. To ensure good results, the piping uld be installed by
professionals who follow procedures established by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Designing the
system also calls for professional expertise: the leng h of the loop depends upon a number of factors, including the type of loop
configuration used; your home's heating and air condit oning load; local soil conditions and landscaping; and the severity of your
climate. Larger homes requiring more heating or air conditioning generally need larger loops than smaller homes. Homes in climates
where temperatures are extreme also generally require loops.
Here are the typical loop configurations:
Horizonta l Ground Closed Loop s
This type is usually the most cost effective when trenches are easy to dig and the size of the yard is adequate. Workers use
trenchers or backhoes to dig the trenches three to six feet below the ground in w hich they lay a series of parallel plastic pipes. They
backfill the trench, taking care not to allow sharp ro r debris to damage the pipes. Fluid runs through the pipe in a closed
system. A typical horizontal loop will be 400 to 600 f for each ton of heating and cooling.
Vertica l Gro und Closed Loops
This type of loop is used where there is little yard space, when surface rocks make digging impractical, or when you want to disrupt
the landscape as little as possible. Vertical holes 150 to 450 feet deep - much like wells - are bored in the ground, and a single loop
of pipe with a U-bend at the bottom is inserted before the hole is backfilled. Each vertical pipe is then connected to a horizontal
underground pipe that carries fluid in a closed system to and from the indoor exchange unit. Vertical loops are generally more
expensive to install, but require less piping than horizontal loops because the Earth's temperature is more stable farther below the
surface.
Pond Clo sed Loops
This type of loop design may be the most economical when a home is near a body of water such as a shallow pond or lake. Fluid
circulates underwater through polyethylene piping in a ed system, just as it does through ground loops. The pipes may be coiled
in a slinky shape to fit more of it into a given amount of space. Since it is a closed system, it results in no adverse impacts on the
aquatic system.
Although they are less applicable to California, there are other loop systems described at the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium's

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Although they are less applicable to California, there are other loop systems described at the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium's
Web Site. These include an Open Loop System in which ground water is pumped into and out of a building, transferring its heat in
the process; and Standing Column Well Systems, which can be up to 1,500 feet deep and can also furnish potable water.
In a few places, developers have installed large community loops, which are shared by all of the homes in a housing project.
To date, geothermal heat pumps are an under-used technology, merely because few people are aware of it's potential. The
Department of Energy's Office of Geothermal Technologi how ever, wants to increase installations of geothermal systems to about
400,000 a year by 2005. If the goal is reached, that would mean that 2 million systems would be in service, saving consumers over
$400 million per year in energy bills and reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 1 million metric tons of carbon each year.

Pasted from <http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.ht ml>

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Comparison
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
8:40 AM

Combustion-Based Systems
Until the last few years, combustion-based systems have been the preferred heating systems for home and business owners because of their moderate
installation and operating costs, and w ide availability in the market place. Unfortunately, there are a number of serious safety and related maintenance
concerns with these systems.
Some combustion-based systems present an explosion hazard if the stora or delivery of their fuel is not carefully controlled. Explosions due to
improperly installed or maintained gas pipes and deliv y systems are often in the news. Since these systems require a flame to operate, failures or
improper installation of system components (for example, heat exchanger, damper, chimney, or flue) can result in property loss to fire. Fortunately,
smoke detectors have saved many lives that might have lost to fires caused by combustion-based heating systems.
In addition to heat, combustion-based heating systems also create by-products such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a ult of the incomplete
burning of fuel in combustion-based systems. Incorrectly installed systems, chimneys that are blocked by birds nests, or downdrafting can cause carbon
monoxide to remain inside of buildings. This is especially dangerous in modern, well-sealed buildings, where it is difficult for outside co bustion air to
reach the furnace, and where carbon monoxide can be tr d and build up over time. Furnaces, w ater heaters, and other appliances must be properly
vented outside.
Combustion-based systems that deliver heat through ducts present casional "blasts" of hot air. This not only reduces comfort directly, but tends to
dehumidify the air. The addition of a central humidifier (with its associated installation, operating, and maintenance costs) can correct this humidity
problem.
Combustion based central heating systems are often coupled with low-efficiency central air conditioners. This raises insta lation and operating costs
significantly, w hile adding an entirely separate unit o be maintained.
Heat Transfer Systems
Non-combustion or heat transfer systems include air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). Air-source heat pumps operate by
capturing heat from outdoor air and transferring it inside of a home or business, while geothermal systems capture and transfer heat from the earth.
Nearly all heat transfer systems can be reversed, prov ding central cooling as well as heating. Some heat pumps and most GHP systems also provide
domestic hot w ater at low operating costs.
Heat Pumps
Beginning in the 1970s, air-source heat pumps came into common use. They have the vantage of no combustion, and thus no possibility of indoor
pollutants like carbon monoxide. Heat pumps provide central air conditioning as w ell as heating as a matter of course. And they are installation-cost
competitive w ith a central combustion furnace/central conditioner combination.
Heat pumps operate by moving or transferring heat, rat r than creating it. During the summer, a heat pump captures heat from inside a home or
business and transfers it to the outdoor air through a condensing unit. During the winter, the process is reversed. Heat is captured from outdoor air,
compressed, and released inside.
Much less electricity is used to move heat rather than reate it, making heat pumps more economical than resistance heating. However, in all but the
most moderate climates, the heating ability of the heat pump is limited by freezing outdoor temperatures. So electric resistance heat is used to
supplement outdoor-air-source heat pump during the coldest weather, preventing "cold blow."
Depending on climate, air-source heat pumps (including their supplementary resis ance heat) are about 1.5 to 3 times more efficient than resistance
heating alone. Operating efficiency has improved since the 70s, making their operating cost generally competitive with combustion-based systems,
depending on local fuel prices. With their outdoor uni subject to weathering, some maintenance should be expected.
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
More recently, even more advanced and efficient heating and cooling systems have emerged using heat transfer to and from the earth. Sometimes called
geothermal or ground-source heat pumps, these systems move or transfer heat like the air-source heat pumps. However, they exchange heat w ith the
earth rather than the outdoor air.
Since earth temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, GHP systems operate more efficiently than air-source heat pumps and
generally without the use of resistance heat. And because they are working from those constant earth temperatures, there are no blasts of hot air or
"cold blow" as with other systems.
Nearly all GHP systems on the market have the ability o provide low-cost domestic hot water, further increasing their oper ting efficiency. Thus, GHP
systems are generally 2.5 to 4 or more times more efficient than resistance heating and water heating alone, and have no combustion or indoor air
pollutants.
Since there is no outdoor unit (as with air-source heat pumps or the central air conditioners used with combustion-based systems), no weather-related
maintenance is required.
Although their installation cost is somewhat higher due to the required underground connections for heat transfer to and from the earth, GHP systems
provide low operating and maintenance cost and greater comfort.
Conclusions
When comparing heating systems, safety, installation c t, operating costs, and maintenance costs must be considered. To simplify the selection
process, installation, operating, and maintenance cost can be combined into a life-cycle cost — the cost of ownership over a period of years. The tabl
below compares the various types of central heating sy ems:

Pasted from <http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:comparing-systems&catid=370:front-page>

Conclusions
When comparing heating systems, safety, installation c t, operating costs, and maintenance costs must be considered. To simplify the selection
process, installation, operating, and maintenance cost can be combined into a life-cycle cost — the cost of ownership over a period of years. The table
below compares the various types of central heating sy ems:
Compare Safety Installation Cost Operating Maintenance Cost Life-Cycle
Cost Cost
Combustion-based A Concern Moderate Moderate High Moderate
Air-Source heat pump Excellent Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
GHP Excellent High Low Low Low
Consumers who take the necessary steps to insure the safety
of combustion-based systems (frequent inspection and
maintenance, smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors,
and other safety precautions) may wish to consider these
moderate life-cycle cost systems. Others should consider
more advanced heat transfer systems — heat pumps (with
their moderate installation, operating, and maintenance
costs), orGHP systems (with their low operating and
maintenance costs and high levels of comfort).
A recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
showed that GHP systems generally have the low est life-cycle
cost of all systems available today. The study also shows that
GHP systems have the lowest impact on our environment. And
consumers rank their comfort and satisfaction with GHP
systems higher than all others. While a higher initial
investment is required, the investment is paid back th ough
low energy bills (enhancing resale value), excellent family
saf ety, and real comf ort.

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Pasted from <http://www.geoexchange.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:comparing-systems&catid=370:front-page>

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Efficiency Ratings
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
9:09 PM

Efficiency Recommendation
Product Type Recommended Best Availablea
EERb COPc EERb COPc
Closed Loop 14.1 or more 3.3 or more 25.8 4.9
Open Loopd 16.2 or more 3.6 or more 31.1 5.5
a
The best available coefficient of performance (COP) an t available energy efficiency ratio (EER) for the open-loop system apply
to different mo dels.
b
EER is the cooling capacity (in Btu/hour) of the unit divided by its electrical input (in watts) at standard (ARI/ISO) conditions of 77°F
entering water for closed-loop models and 59°F entering water for open-loop systems.
c
COP is the heating capacity (in Btu) of the unit divided by its electrical input (also in Btu) at standard (ARI/ISO) conditions of 32°F
entering water for closed-loop models and 50°F entering water for open-loop equipment.
d
Open-loop heat pumps, as opposed to closed-loop models, utilize "once-through" water from a well, lake or stream.
Back to Top
Cost-Effectiveness
Example
25,000 ft² Office Building
Performance Air-Source Heat Gas Furnace Air-source Recommended Level Best Available
Pump AC GSHP GSHP
Heating/Cooling Efficiency 11.0 EER/ 11.0 EER/ 14.1 EER/ 25.8 EER/
2.9 COPa 90% AFUE 3.3 COPa 4.9 COPa
Annual Cooling Energy 37,700 kWh 37,700 kWh 30,700 kWh 20,400 kWh
Use
Annual Heating Energy 29,800 kWh 1,970 therms 12,600 kWh 10,900 kWh
Use
Annual Energy Cost $4,050 $3,050 $2,600 $1,900
Lifetime Energy Costb $43,000 $32,000 $27,000 $20,000
Lifetime Energy Cost — $11,000 $16,000 $23,000
Savings
a
The modeled 2.9 coefficient of performance (COP) heati ciency of the air-source heat pump is halfway between the cold
weather (17°F) and standard, mild weather (47°F) rating co nditions o f a new high-efficiency (FEMP-recommended and ENERGY STAR
model. Similarly, the modeled cooling efficiencies of th air-so urce heat pump, gas furnace, and air-source air co nditioner all represent
models that just meet the FEMP-recommended and ENERGY STAR qualifying levels.
b
Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted valu of the annual energy costs based on average usage and assumed equipment
life of 15 years. (GSHPs generally last lo nger than this, but 15 years is used since this is the expected life of the air-source
equipment.) The assumed electricity and gas prices are $0.06/kWh and $0.40/therm, the average Federal energy prices in the U.S.
Future energy price trends and a discount rate of 3.3% are based on Federal guidelines (effective from April 2001 to March 2002).
Metric Conversions:
1 Ton = 12,000 Btu/h
1,000 Btu/h = 293 watts
°F = (1.8 * °C) + 32
1 Foot = 30.5 cm
Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: This example uses a well-known energy simulation program, DOE2, to model the fo scenarios.
Annual energy use is based on average heating and co oling load conditions in Washington, DC, where cooling predominates in
commercial buildings. Calculations are based on a prototype 25,000 sq. ft. two-story building whose envelope parameters and lighting
density just meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-99. The modeled building's window coverage is 40% o f gro ss wall area.
Occupant density is o ne perso n per 200 square feet. To pro perly evaluate different alternatives, a thorough modeling analysis such as
this one using DOE2 is recommended. To co mpare systems with different purchase and annual energy co sts (as estimated from
DOE2, for example), FEMP's (BLCC) software is recommended.Building Life-Cycle Co st
Using the Cost-Effectiveness Table: In the example shown above, a SGHP with an EER of 14.1 .3 COP is cost-effective
relative to the modeled air-so urce heat pump system if its installed purchase pric no mo re than $16,000 higher. The same GSHP is
cost-effective relative to the modeled 11.0 EER / $90 AFUE nace combination if the price is not more than $5000 more
($32,000 - $27,000). The Best Available model, with an EER of 25. and a COP of 4.9, is cost-effective if its price is no more than
$23,000 above the price o f the air-source heat pump system.

Pasted from <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_groun heatpumps.html>

Case Study: Fort Polk's Conversion to GSHPs

At Fort Polk, Louisiana, the space conditioning system f 4,000 military family housing units, occupying 5.6 million square feet)
were converted from air-source heat pumps (or, in so me cases, central air/gas furnace co mbinatio ns) to GSHPs with the help of an
energy saving perfo rmance co ntract (ESPC).
A total of 6,600 tons of cooling was installed to supply the 4,000 units. Approximately 75% of the new GSHPs included hot gas
desuperheaters* to supplement domestic hot water heating. As is comm n with major retrofit projects, other efficiency measures,
such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), lo w-flow shower heads, and attic insulatio n, were installed alo ng with the GSHPs.
Including all these measures, the total cost o f the pr ject came to appro ximately $19 million.
An independent evaluation revealed that the project resulted in a 25.6 million kWh, or 32.4%, savings in electricity for a typical
meteorological year. Peak electrical demand was also r ed, by over 6.5 MW, or just under 40% of the pre-retrofit peak demand.
Natural gas savings average 260,000 therms per year. In additio n, the ESPC allowed the Army to effectively cap its future
maintenance costs for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in family housing at about 77% of the pre-retrofit levels.
The total value of all energy and maintenance savings is approximately $3 million per year, part of which is paid to the energy
service company that financed and installed the retrofit equipment.
*A desuperheater is a type of heat exchange coil at the o utlet o f an air-conditioning compressor that permits the transfer of heat
to service ho t water. Desuperheaters provide substantial water heating saving when air co nditioning is o ccurring, since heat

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 to service ho t water. Desuperheaters provide substantial water heating saving when air co nditioning is o ccurring, since heat
no rmally transferred to the ground can be utilized for water heating.

Each data point represents the electric use of 200 hom (one electrical feeder) on a given day.
Back to Top
For More Information
• DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Help Desk and web site have up-to-date information on energy-efficient
Federal procurement, including the latest version of these recommendations.
Phone: (877) 337-3463
• FEMP provides some GSHP technical and procurement resources.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Web site has information on ground source heat pumps,
including a listing o f complying models.
Phone: (800) 782-7937
• The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) publishes Ground-source Heat Pumps: The Introductory
Guide and Closed Loop/ground-source Heat Pump Systems: Design and Installation Standard. IGSHPA also runs a certification
program for ground-so urce heat pump installers.
Phone: (800) 626-4747
• The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) publishes several manuals and
reports related to GSHPs, including Design of Geotherm Systems for Commercial and Institutio nal Buildings, which offers
design and evaluatio n guidelines for GSHPs in commercial buildings.
Phone: (800) 527-4723
• The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium has educational material, financing information and case studies on ground-source
heat pumps.
Phone: (800) 255-4436
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this
reco mmendation.

Pasted from <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_groundsource_heatpumps.html>

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_eccalculators.html

Government Energy Efficiency Site

Your Current System New System

Elec tric - F orced Air Furnac e Electric - Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump
0.06 / kWh 0.06 / kWh
100 270
64 64

Your Current System New System

3,413 3,413
27.47 10.17
1,683.91 623.42

Pasted from <http://energyexperts.org/calcs/fuelcalc/default.asp>

Results Annual Cooling cost with Air-2-air Geothermal

.06*13531=811.86

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2000 hrs of cooling and .06/kwh .06*13531=811.86
Sy stem 1 System 2
Annual Energy Used (kWh) 13531 5912
Operating Cost/year ($) 811.88† 354.75

Pasted from <http://energyexperts.org/calcs/ac_calc/acmain.asp>

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Calculations
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
8:16 AM

Inputs
Your Current System New System
Heater Type Electric - Standard Heat Electric - Ground Source (Geothermal)
Pump Heat Pump
Fuel Cost $ 0.06 / kWh .06 / kWh
Heater Efficiency % 180 270 820.19/.06=13,669.8333 kWh Electric
Dist Efficiency % 73 100
360/.06=6,000.0 kWh Ground
Results
Your Current System New System kWh used for Heating Seasons
BTU* /Unit of Fuel 3,413 3,413
Space Heating Cost 13.38 6.51
($ Per Million Btu)
Results Annual Cooling cost with Air-2-air Geothermal
Operating Cost/year 820.19 360
($) 2000 hrs of cooling and .06/kwh
System 1 System 2
Pasted from <http://energyexperts.org/calcs/fuelcalc/default.asp>
Annual Energy Used (kWh) 13531 5912
Operating Cost/year ($) 811.88† 354.75

Pasted from <http://energyexperts.org/calcs/ac_calc/acmain.asp>

Inputs
Your Current System New System
Heater Type Electric - Wall or Baseboard Natural Gas - Forced Air Furnace Results Old 80% Old 85%
Fuel Cost $ 0.06 / kWh 1.24 / Therm System 1 System 2
Heater Efficiency % 100 78 Annual Energy Used 25714 11598
Dist Efficiency % 73 73 (kWh)
Operating Cost/year 1,542.86 695.91
Results ($) †
Your Current System New System Cooling Cost
BTU*/Unit of Fuel 3,413 100,000 Pasted from
<http://energyexperts.org/calcs/ac_calc/acmain.asp>
Space Heating Cost 24.08 21.78
($ Per Million Btu)
Operating Cost/year ($) 1,476.10 1,335.11

25714+11598=37312
Pasted from <http://energyexperts.org/calcs/fuelcalc/default.asp>

37312/2=18656
Ave. Cooling kWh used

1400/.06=23333.3333 Heating season

Ave. kWh used on current system

Excel
CIS 101 RESEARCH REPORT

Prepared for
David Kampmann

Prepared by
Kelly Wilken
HVAC

April 20, 2010

 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS VS. GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS

When heating or cooling your home, you want it to be comfortable. Making a home

comfortable and affordable requires thought and planning. So, when buying a new heating and

cooling unit, what is the best option? You hear a lot about heat pumps, that they are efficient and

can save you money. This report will compare functionality and cost of ownership between two

different heat pumps, the air-to-air heat pump and a geothermal heat pump.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

Air to air or air source heat pumps use the outside air as its heat source whether it is

heating or cooling an area. The heat pump will transfer heat energy from a cooler area to a

warmer location. It operates similar to a standard air conditioning system, except in addition to

cooling, it will also heat your home. The heat pump extracts heat from the air. It compresses the

refrigerant to a high temperature and transfers the heat from one place to another. In the summer

it takes the heat from your home and moves it outside. In the heating season, it takes the heat

from outside and moves it inside to be distributed through an air handler.

Air-to-air heat pumps are very effective in warm climates. In areas where it gets below

30⁰ F., an air source heat pump will require a back-up system. A suitable back-up could be

electric heat or a fossil fueled system that uses natural gas, propane or oil. Below 30⁰ F, it costs

more to extract heat from the colder air. You can run an air source heat pump below 30⁰ F, but

will lose the cost efficiency gained from utilizing a heat pump.

Efficiency is a key factor when selecting an air source heat pump. Efficiency is rated in

two forms. One is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which rates the efficiency of

the compressor and the electric resistance elements. The most efficient air source heat pumps

have an HSPF rating of 8-10. The second rating is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
Kelly Wilken
Page | 1
used to rate the efficiency of the cooling system. The most efficient air source heat pumps will

have a SEER rating between 14 and18. Heat pumps costs are relative to their efficiency, higher

efficiency rated systems have a higher cost.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

Ground source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps run off electricity and transfer heat

from the earth. This is accomplished by circulating a fluid through piping below the ground’s

surface. These pipes are installed in long closed loops. This system works well because the

ground's temperature does not change. At 6 feet below the earth's surface the temperature stays

between 45⁰F and 75⁰F. Unlike the air-to-air heat pump, when using a ground source heat pump

a backup system is not required, regardless of outside air temperature.

With a ground source system, there is no outside unit. The main system resides inside the

home and is not much larger than a standard furnace. The system contains only a compressor,

heat exchanger and blower. The compressor is similar in size to a refrigerator or deep freeze

compressor. The only equipment outside is the long underground piping loops. The length of

these pipes could be a disadvantage if you do not have a lot of yard space. The piping can be

installed horizontally or vertically, vertically being a more expensive option. Not having an

outside unit means there is only one system to maintain. You also have the option to attach a hot

water system to your GSHP, taking the place of a standard water heater. The biggest drawback to

this type of system is the initial setup costs, with the biggest cost being the drilling or digging of

the closed loop system.

The biggest advantage of a ground source heat pump is the energy savings it provides.

Ground source heat pump’s SEER ratings range from 15-25. Savings can increase even more

Kelly Wilken
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when utilizing the system to heat your domestic water. Geothermal heat pumps are a very

environmentally green option for heating and cooling a home.

The advantages of geothermal energy are that once the initial investment is paid for, and
energy is relatively free. And it's clean. There is little or no reliance on power from gas or
electricity to provide heat, which is one of the main uses of energy in the home. The main
need for electricity to run this system is for pumps to pump the water through the system.
The advantages of geothermal energy are that it is cheap, once the ground works are done
and incredibly green energy. There are no emissions from the provision of heat for the
home and water (Marshall)

Cost Analysis

For cost analysis comparisons, I used 3 tons of capacity for both the air source and

geothermal heat pumps, using 2,000 hours of heating and 2,000 hours cooling. A common 80%

efficiency system is used to show the overall savings by installing one of these energy saving

options. An air source unit will cost around $1,800/ton of conditioning. The air source unit could

cost somewhere around $500-$2,500 to install. A typical geothermal unit will cost around

$2,500/ton of conditioning with installation costing $10,000-$30,000. With the large range of

costs, I called a local HVAC company, Central Heating & Air, and got an installation quote for

both systems. The quotes indicated a total install cost of $7,500 for the air source system and

$18,000 for a geothermal system. Cost could be lowered depending on current local and federal

government rebate programs

After comparing total cost of ownership, after 8-9 years you would breakeven owning a

geothermal system compared to an air source system. Both systems in the comparison are

generally energy efficient systems. Upgrading from an older furnace and central air system to a

geothermal system would generate greater savings. Over the long term, a geothermal system will

be kinder to your bank account and our plant.

Kelly Wilken
Page | 3
 REFERENCES

California Energy Commission. Consumer Energy Center. 2006. 15 April 2010

<www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.html>.

Cost Helper. February 2009. 15 April 2010 <www.costhelper.com/cost/home-garden/geothermal-

heat-pump.html>.

LaMonica, Martin. CNET News. 14 January 2009. 15 April 2010 <http://news.cnet.com/8301-

11128_3-10131539-54.html>.

Marshall, Chris. "Geothermal Energy Facts: Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons." 27 April 2008.
Articlesbase. 15 April 2010 <www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles>.

U.S. Department of Energy. 18 May 2009. 15 April 2010

<http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12620>.

Washington State University. Energy Experts. 2010. 15 April 2010

<http://energyexperts.org/CalculatorsTools/HeatingCostCalculator.aspx>.

Kelly Wilken
Page | 4
 AIR SOURCE vs. GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
Kelly Wilken
First year of Ownership
System Cooling Electricity Cost per Savings
System Type Cost Kwh Heating Kwh $/Kwh Year Anually
Air source $ 7,500 13531 13669 0.06 $ 1,632.00 $ (917.28)
Geothermal $ 18,000 5912 6000 0.06 $ 714.72 $ 917.28
Current $ - 18656 23000 0.06 $ 2,499.36 $ (1,784.64)

System Energy Cost per Year

$2,499.36
$2,500.00
$1,632.00
$2,000.00
$1,500.00 $714.72
$1,000.00
$500.00
$-
Air source Geothermal Current

Total Cost of Ownership Over 10 Years

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Air source $ 9,132 $ 10,764 $ 12,396 $ 14,028 $ 15,660 $ 17,292 $ 18,924 $ 20,556 $ 22,188 $ 23,820
Geothermal $ 18,715 $ 19,429 $ 20,144 $ 20,859 $ 21,574 $ 22,288 $ 23,003 $ 23,718 $ 24,432 $ 25,147
Current $ 2,499 $ 4,999 $ 7,498 $ 9,997 $ 12,497 $ 14,996 $ 17,496 $ 19,995 $ 22,494 $ 24,994

Total Cost of Ownership Over 10 Years

$30,000

$20,000
Air source
$10,000
Geothermal
$-
Current
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Years