The Delaware Nature Society's Ashland Nature Center location uses a geo-exchange system to meet its heating and cooling needs!
What is Geo Exchange?
Geo-exchange systems, sometimes referred to as geothermal systems or water-source heat pumps, use the constant temperature of the earth to control the climate in homes and other buildings. A low-energy pump circulates water through underground pipes, matching the temperature of the building with that of the ground a few feet below the earth's surface.
Geo-exchange Addvantages
Geo-exchange units have a number of advantages over traditional heating and cooling systems. For example, they:
Use 25-50% less electricity than conventional heating and cooling units.
Produce up to 44% fewer emissions than air-source (forced-air) heat pumps.
Are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.
Maintain the indoor humidity at about 50%.
Operate quietly, with no blasting air vents or loud compressors.
Generally return costs in 5-10 years of energy savings.
When you consider that heating and cooling make up more than 40% of your home's total energy use, increasing your climate control efficiency by 25-50% with a geo-exchange system can amount to huge savings. Plus, geo-exchange systems boast long system life and warranties. All of these advantages come together to make geo-exchange a great way to improve home comfort, save energy, and help the environment!
Learn more about Geo-Exchange Systems:
For some fast and easy ways to lower your heating and cooling bill without spending a dollar, check out the Green Living Heating and Cooling Page.
