Ground Source Heating
Ground source heating is the coolest renewable energy source that you’ve never heard of. It has a huge potential to reduce the world’s dependence on coal, gas and oil for heating purposes. The technology has been around for decades and has been proven to be very effective.
It all depends on a simple fact. A few metres underground the earth remains at a nearly constant 10 to 15 degrees. This temperature stays very stable, regardless of whether it’s winter or summer. You can use this stable temperature to cool your home in the summer, and heat it in the winter.
On this page:
How Does it Work?
Where is this Technology Used?
Is it Efficient?
Is it Economical?
What are the Drawbacks of Ground Source Heating?
Some Interesting Facts
How Does it Work?
Workers lay a series of pipes in the ground, anywhere from one to four metres deep. The pipes may be laid vertically or horizontally. Typically large industrial projects use horizontal pipes while homeowners use vertical pipes. The advantage of vertical pipes is that they take up less room and can be installed in a small back yard.
After the pipes have been installed a pump begins to circulate water through them. In the winter, cold water is pumped through the pipes. Underground, the water comes into contact with the warmer earth and is heated up. This water is then pumped up into your home. There, a machine condenses the heat and then distributes it through your house. During the summer the process is reversed, with warm water being sent underground to be cooled.
Where is this Technology Used?
Ground source heating is used around the world, from Africa to Iceland. However, the three countries who make the most use of this renewable energy source are China, The United States and Sweden. While China primarily uses ground source heating to warm up water for bathing, the USA and Sweden both use it for heating and cooling.
As this form of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) doesn’t require much space, most people can install a system in a small yard. Furthermore, the technology is very versatile. It works equally well for residential projects and large industrial ones.
In 1992 Norway decided to use ground source heating to heat its new airport, to be situated on the outskirts of Oslo. After they installed a massive ground source HVAC system, Norwegian officials stated that they recovered the cost of the system in a mere two years! Clearly this type of heating is extremely viable for even the largest projects.
Is it Efficient?
The American EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that ground source pumps can save you anywhere from 30 to 70% on your heating costs. In the summer you can expect to save about 20 to 50% on your cooling bill.
In addition to saving money, these systems also have the added benefit of not contributing to global warming. Ground source HVAC systems don’t burn any fossil fuels, nor do they emit greenhouse gases. Not only that, but they don’t waste any water either. After the pipes are filled, the same water continues to circulate through the system for years.
While the pump that sends the water through the ground does require electricity, it’s still significantly more efficient than a traditional HVAC system. In fact, a ground source heating system is a perfect match for a Solar Panel system! Its low energy demands can be met by a set of solar panels, which will make the heating system in your home 100% energy efficient.
Is it Economical?
Most systems will cost somewhere from 11,000 to 15,000 Pounds. That’s a lot of money to spend at one time. However, the large reduction in your heating bill means you will quickly recoup the money. Depending on how much you currently pay to heat your home, your ground source HVAC system will pay for itself after 7 to 10 years.
Once you’ve installed the system it’s going to last for generations. The pipes are made out of high quality materials and can easily last fifty years or more. The pump wears out faster, but it can be replaced without having to replace the pipes.
What are the Drawbacks of Ground Source Heating?
The largest drawback doesn’t have to do with the technology but with the installation. If the pipes are incorrectly installed they can quickly wear out and break. When that happens you’ll be forced to reinstall the entire system, at a cost of thousands of pounds. That’s why it’s crucial to find a competent firm to install the system for you.
Of course the other drawback is the high price tag. Despite the potential long term savings, an upfront cost of 11,000 Pounds or more is still a very expensive proposition. Furthermore, unlike solar panels, ground source heating systems are made up of relatively simple materials and they aren’t decreasing in price at a significant rate.
Some Interesting Facts
There are already more than 1,000,000 ground source heating pumps installed across the world. Every year they generate more than 12 GW. That’s equivalent to the power output of six large power plants, like the one used to power New York City. Furthermore, every year the United States installs 80,000 new units and Sweden installs 27,000.
You’ll also be pleased to find out that installing a ground source HVAC system in your yard is a painless process. No noisy equipment is required and you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors. You may also be surprised to learn that you can use a ground source system to heat your pool! That’s just another way that this versatile renewable energy source can help you to save money.
More reading
- Are solar panels worth installing?
- What are the costs involved with solar?
- Calculate your potential solar panel earnings
- Running a business? Considered installing commercial solar panels?
Sources
http://energyblog.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/17/10-myths-about-geothermal-heating-and-cooling/
http://www.energydigital.com/top10/2718/Top-Ten:-Geothermal-Energy-Locations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_heating
http://www.greenmatch.co.uk/geothermal-energy
http://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/what-is-geothermal-hvac
http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk/ground-and-air-source-heating/
http://www.caddet-re.org/html/298art1.htm
http://www.climatecentral.org/blogs/helpful-energy-comparisons-anyone
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