ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.

Department of Energy recognize geothermal systems as the
most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool a home.
The systems move heat from the earth rather than using an
energy resource to create heat. Unlike other comfort systems,
geothermal systems do not emit carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Geothermal systems
do not rely on outside air, so the units keep the air inside of
buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants and
other allergens.

INSTALL A GEOTHERMAL
SYSTEM AND:
• Lower bills up to 70 percent.
• Have minimal maintenance costs.
• Most of your hot water for free.

A COST COMPARISON OF HOME

HEATING AND COOLING: ANNUAL
OPERATING COST*
System 1,500 Sq. Ft. Home 2,500 Sq. Ft. Home

Earth-Coupled Heat Pump $386 $644

LP Furnace and A/C $1,220 $2,014

Gas Furnace and A/C $1,356 $2,241

Air-Source Heat Pump $705 $1,133

* Energy use data based on calculations reflecting a home average construction

and insulation R-values. Geothermal heat pump SEER 19 COP 4.5, air source
heat pump SEER 13 HSPF 8. LP (propane) and natural gas AFUE 80%. Standard
A/C SEER 10. Utility rates based on $0.066 per kWh, $1.85 per therm natural gas,
$1.25 per gallon propane.
Tax Credit: visit www.doe.gov for geothermal tax credit details.

For more information, contact the

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas at

1-800-482-1277 GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

Save Energy.
or visit www.smartenergytips.org.

Save Money.
Live Comfortably.
1 Cooperative Way / Little Rock, AR 72209 / (501) 570-2200
www.aecc.com www.smartenergytips.org

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 THE GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Geothermal systems are electrically powered
systems that take advantage of the earth’s
55-degree ground temperature to provide
heating, cooling, and hot water for homes
and commercial buildings. Since geothermal
systems are transferring heat instead of creating
it, they are more efficient and lower bills
significantly, up to 70 percent.
ENJOY NATURAL COMFORT
Replace your heating and air conditioning unit with one that’s
green and environmentally friendly. The geothermal heat pump
uses the constant temperature of the earth to keep your home
toasty during the winter and cool in the summer.
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HOW IT WORKS
Geothermal systems, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners
and air-source heat pumps are designed to move heat. These
closed-looped systems efficiently provide both hot and
cold amenities.
All require small amounts of electricity to move heat from
one location to another by using a compressor, evaporator
coil and refrigerant.
During the winter, geothermal systems move heat into your
home courtesy of Mother Earth and from higher refrigerant
temperatures. A closed-loop system returns a cold byproduct to
the earth to be warmed again.
During the summer, the opposite effect happens to the
refrigerant when the geothermal unit is switched to the cooling
mode. The hot byproduct in the closed-loop system is returned
back the earth to be cooled again. But, before heading back to
the earth, heat BTUs are removed and used to heat your water
at virtually no cost.
DURABILITY
Geothermal systems can last for several years. The unit is
housed indoors and the loop is underground.
INSTANT COMFORT
Regardless of the season, a geothermal system moves
conditioned air throughout your home or business, creating an
even comfort level. Systems are designed for quiet operation
and no thermostat manipulation is required.
LOW MAINTENANCE
Geothermal systems have fewer mechanical components,
making them more reliable and less prone to failure. The
ground loop has an expected life of more than 50 years and
requires no maintenance.
LOW COST HOT WATER
During the summer, when the system is in a cooling mode,
most of your hot water needs are produced free. In winter,
the system uses the heating mode to heat a portion of your
hot water.
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