Watch above or check out this at Foxnews!
TAMPA - As those high summer temps continue, so do the high electric bills. So how would you like to cut your air conditioning bills in half? One Bay Area company says it can help you do it by tapping into the earth. It's called a geo-thermal AC system, and it could bring savings of thousands of dollars a year.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Geothermal AC on Fox News
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Window of Opportunity
Renewable Energy Source [link]"There can be no doubt that a society rooted in the soil is more stable than one rooted in pavements." - Aldo Leopold
Monday, August 17, 2009
Plug into the Earth!
A lot of people don't realize there's a renewable energy source right beneath their feet!
Though heat pumps are gaining in popularity they are still relatively unknown despite their high efficiency. Aside from helping the environment, after an initial investment they can also drastically reduce your monthly energy bill. For more information about geothermal energy, you can check out http://EggComfort.com
Though heat pumps are gaining in popularity they are still relatively unknown despite their high efficiency. Aside from helping the environment, after an initial investment they can also drastically reduce your monthly energy bill. For more information about geothermal energy, you can check out http://EggComfort.com
Also check out my deviantart account!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hello Kitty Goes Green!
Make hello kitty happy and check out geothermal energy at http://EggComfort.com !
A fun artwork for Hello Kitty. If you like it, please follow me on my DeviantArt Gallery
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Geothermal Put Simply
While temperatures above ground change a lot from day to day and season to season, temperatures in the upper 10 feet of the Earth's surface hold nearly constant between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For most areas, this means that soil temperatures are usually warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer. Geothermal heat pumps use the Earth's constant temperatures to heat and cool buildings. They transfer heat from the ground (or water) into buildings in winter and reverse the process in the summer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. Although, most homes still use traditional furnaces and air conditioners, geothermal heat pumps are becoming more popular. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Energy along with the EPA have partnered with industry to promote the use of geothermal heat pumps.
Cost of Geothermal Heat Pump
Utilizing free energy from the earth beneath your feet, it is undeniable that geothermal is environmentally friendly and responsible. Geothermal heating and cooling uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes and businesses with 40% to 70% less energy than conventional systems. It also has the added benefit of providing free domestic hot water during the summer season and reduced cost for domestic hot water during the winter. All of these benefits sound good on top of "going green" but it all comes down to one final question. How much will this cost? Is geothermal "green" in both an investment perspective as well as an environment perspective?
Installation for geothermal heat pumps does have a high upfront cost. There are a lot of variables--where you live, the ground to be drilled, the square foot of the house--and though everyone agrees about its high initial expense, exactly “how much” remains vague at best. A good general idea for cost would be twice the price of a regular heat pump system with air conditioning. A geothermal heat pump costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, with the typically sized house needing a three-ton unit and putting the cost at roughly $7,500. Installation can bump the costs up to $10,000 or more depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment, and soil conditions.
On the flip side, the geothermal heat pumps offer high efficiency and low operating cost. Savings on the electric bill are immediate and considerable. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can save homeowners 30 to 70 percent on heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems. Average consensus is that it will take about 5-10 years to see a return in the investment but that utilizing geothermal energy could prove a good financial decision for the long-term homeowner. To encourage the switch to a renewable energy source, some utility companies and agencies may pay a rebate and energy Star-rated ground-source heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credit.
In the end, geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical problems and the underground piping used is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years. Quiet to operate and pollution free, geothermal heat pumps are an underused technology with a huge potential in the long run. Despite the debate on costs and the tough initial decision, figures indicate that 95% of heat pump owners would recommend a similar system to their friends or family.
Installation for geothermal heat pumps does have a high upfront cost. There are a lot of variables--where you live, the ground to be drilled, the square foot of the house--and though everyone agrees about its high initial expense, exactly “how much” remains vague at best. A good general idea for cost would be twice the price of a regular heat pump system with air conditioning. A geothermal heat pump costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, with the typically sized house needing a three-ton unit and putting the cost at roughly $7,500. Installation can bump the costs up to $10,000 or more depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment, and soil conditions.
On the flip side, the geothermal heat pumps offer high efficiency and low operating cost. Savings on the electric bill are immediate and considerable. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can save homeowners 30 to 70 percent on heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems. Average consensus is that it will take about 5-10 years to see a return in the investment but that utilizing geothermal energy could prove a good financial decision for the long-term homeowner. To encourage the switch to a renewable energy source, some utility companies and agencies may pay a rebate and energy Star-rated ground-source heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credit.
In the end, geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical problems and the underground piping used is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years. Quiet to operate and pollution free, geothermal heat pumps are an underused technology with a huge potential in the long run. Despite the debate on costs and the tough initial decision, figures indicate that 95% of heat pump owners would recommend a similar system to their friends or family.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Cost of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Utilizing free energy from the earth beneath your feet, it is undeniable that geothermal is environmentally friendly and responsible. Geothermal heating and cooling uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool homes and businesses with 40% to 70% less energy than conventional systems. It also has the added benefit of providing free domestic hot water during the summer season and reduced cost for domestic hot water during the winter. All of these benefits sound good on top of "going green" but it all comes down to one final question. How much will this cost? Is geothermal "green" in both an investment perspective as well as an environment perspective?
Installation for geothermal heat pumps does have a high upfront cost. There are a lot of variables--where you live, the ground to be drilled, the square foot of the house--and though everyone agrees about its high initial expense, exactly “how much” remains vague at best. A good general idea for cost would be twice the price of a regular heat pump system with air conditioning. A geothermal heat pump costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, with the typically sized house needing a three-ton unit and putting the cost at roughly $7,500. Installation can bump the costs up to $10,000 or more depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment, and soil conditions.
On the flip side, the geothermal heat pumps offer high efficiency and low operating cost. Savings on the electric bill are immediate and considerable. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can save homeowners 30 to 70 percent on heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems. Average consensus is that it will take about 5-10 years to see a return in the investment but that utilizing geothermal energy could prove a good financial decision for the long-term homeowner. To encourage the switch to a renewable energy source, some utility companies and agencies may pay a rebate and energy Star-rated ground-source heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credit.
In the end, geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical problems and the underground piping used is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years. Quiet to operate and pollution free, geothermal heat pumps are an underused technology with a huge potential in the long run. Despite the debate on costs and the tough initial decision, figures indicate that 95% of heat pump owners would recommend a similar system to their friends or family.
Installation for geothermal heat pumps does have a high upfront cost. There are a lot of variables--where you live, the ground to be drilled, the square foot of the house--and though everyone agrees about its high initial expense, exactly “how much” remains vague at best. A good general idea for cost would be twice the price of a regular heat pump system with air conditioning. A geothermal heat pump costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, with the typically sized house needing a three-ton unit and putting the cost at roughly $7,500. Installation can bump the costs up to $10,000 or more depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment, and soil conditions.
On the flip side, the geothermal heat pumps offer high efficiency and low operating cost. Savings on the electric bill are immediate and considerable. According to the EPA, geothermal heat pumps can save homeowners 30 to 70 percent on heating and 20 to 50 percent on cooling costs over conventional systems. Average consensus is that it will take about 5-10 years to see a return in the investment but that utilizing geothermal energy could prove a good financial decision for the long-term homeowner. To encourage the switch to a renewable energy source, some utility companies and agencies may pay a rebate and energy Star-rated ground-source heat pumps may qualify for federal tax credit.
In the end, geothermal heat pumps are durable and require little maintenance. They have fewer mechanical problems and the underground piping used is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years. Quiet to operate and pollution free, geothermal heat pumps are an underused technology with a huge potential in the long run. Despite the debate on costs and the tough initial decision, figures indicate that 95% of heat pump owners would recommend a similar system to their friends or family.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Geothermal Air-Conditioning in Classrooms
GEO Power System Inc. (headquartered in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan), a company specializing in developing houses that can use geothermal energy, is now engaged in the introduction of a geothermal ventilation system it calls the "GEO Power System" into public elementary and junior high schools in Fukuoka Prefecture. These schools are certified as "eco schools" (environmentally-oriented schools that demonstrate ecological techniques such as solar power generation, solar energy utilization, tree planting, energy conservation and resource saving) by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
The patented construction method is a highly efficient and high-performance ventilation system to harness geothermal energy, a clean natural energy which is stable throughout the year. Unlike other conventional geothermal ventilation methods, in this method an aluminum pipe is buried at a depth of up to five meters underground. The method is characterized by a double-pipe structure in which a thin pipe is fitted inside an outer pipe. In summer, cool air (14 to 16 degrees Celsius) is taken in while in winter, warm air (16 to 18 degrees) is taken into the pipe. The air in the pipe is then circulated inside the building, making it possible to substantially reduce the cost of air-conditioning. According to GEO Power System Inc., the system also has health benefits, as the health of occupants will not be injured by excessive air-conditioning, and the innate human body functions that regulate temperature will be improved.
The first stage of installation work is expected to be completed in March 2003. The geothermal ventilation system has already been introduced to a private university, a large kindergarten and a community center in Fukuoka Prefecture, but this is the first time that the system is introduced in public schools.
In summer of the year 2002 the Japanese government came up with a new policy to install air-conditioners in 300,000 classrooms at public schools, out of fear that higher urban temperatures due to the heat island effect (abnormal warming of the urban atmosphere due to the high concentration of heat-absorbing buildings and roads, and lack of greenery) would lower children's academic achievements. The Energy Conservation Center of Japan estimates that the air-conditioning of 300,000 classrooms, would result in over 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, the utilization of geothermal energy is seen as a promising means to promote the use of renewable energy that will not cause global warming.
The patented construction method is a highly efficient and high-performance ventilation system to harness geothermal energy, a clean natural energy which is stable throughout the year. Unlike other conventional geothermal ventilation methods, in this method an aluminum pipe is buried at a depth of up to five meters underground. The method is characterized by a double-pipe structure in which a thin pipe is fitted inside an outer pipe. In summer, cool air (14 to 16 degrees Celsius) is taken in while in winter, warm air (16 to 18 degrees) is taken into the pipe. The air in the pipe is then circulated inside the building, making it possible to substantially reduce the cost of air-conditioning. According to GEO Power System Inc., the system also has health benefits, as the health of occupants will not be injured by excessive air-conditioning, and the innate human body functions that regulate temperature will be improved.
The first stage of installation work is expected to be completed in March 2003. The geothermal ventilation system has already been introduced to a private university, a large kindergarten and a community center in Fukuoka Prefecture, but this is the first time that the system is introduced in public schools.
In summer of the year 2002 the Japanese government came up with a new policy to install air-conditioners in 300,000 classrooms at public schools, out of fear that higher urban temperatures due to the heat island effect (abnormal warming of the urban atmosphere due to the high concentration of heat-absorbing buildings and roads, and lack of greenery) would lower children's academic achievements. The Energy Conservation Center of Japan estimates that the air-conditioning of 300,000 classrooms, would result in over 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, the utilization of geothermal energy is seen as a promising means to promote the use of renewable energy that will not cause global warming.
Latest news from HVAC Tax Credit
05/12/2009
Egg Systems has been in the news for over 19 years showing the public how they can save money and the enviornment using Geothermal Technology. 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 fluid 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. As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.
Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling uses the Earth's constant temperature to achieve EER's (Energy Efficiency Ratings) in the 30's. The heating COP (Coefficient of Performance) is approaching 5. A 5 COP indicates that the Egg Geothermal Systems are producing 5 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed. The other 4 come from the Earth. That's why this technology is called "renewable".
Egg Systems has been in the news for over 19 years showing the public how they can save money and the enviornment using Geothermal Technology. 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 fluid 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. As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.
Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling uses the Earth's constant temperature to achieve EER's (Energy Efficiency Ratings) in the 30's. The heating COP (Coefficient of Performance) is approaching 5. A 5 COP indicates that the Egg Geothermal Systems are producing 5 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed. The other 4 come from the Earth. That's why this technology is called "renewable".
Using geothermal air conditioning in the city
Geothermal heat pumps can be installed in some urban and suburban areas if they utilize dedicated water systems not interconnected with the domestic water or sanitary systems.
Several houses, all the apartments in a building or an entire community could be looped into a network of ground water distribution and return, if conditions were right. In addition, vertical closed-loop systems can be installed in urban and suburban areas where the bore holes can be drilled in parking lots, open plazas, or even under the footprint of new buildings, if the bores are drilled and the loops installed before building construction begins. Open-loop, two-well systems can even be installed if land area is sufficient to permit proper well spacing, aquifer capacity is sufficient, and local regulations permit.
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
In short, it is technically feasible to use a geothermal heat pump in a city or a suburb. However, local government restrictions or local ground water or geologic conditions may limit its use, so be sure to check with your appropriate authorities
Several houses, all the apartments in a building or an entire community could be looped into a network of ground water distribution and return, if conditions were right. In addition, vertical closed-loop systems can be installed in urban and suburban areas where the bore holes can be drilled in parking lots, open plazas, or even under the footprint of new buildings, if the bores are drilled and the loops installed before building construction begins. Open-loop, two-well systems can even be installed if land area is sufficient to permit proper well spacing, aquifer capacity is sufficient, and local regulations permit.
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
In short, it is technically feasible to use a geothermal heat pump in a city or a suburb. However, local government restrictions or local ground water or geologic conditions may limit its use, so be sure to check with your appropriate authorities
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tropical Breeze Home Life
Published by Tropical Breeze Publications, Inc., Safety Harbor, Florida
September 1993
Buried Pipe Offers A Better Way To “Cool It”
By Jim Pochurek
Jay Egg is a bright young man on his way up the entrepreneurial ladder who has a tiger by the tail in the form of an 1,800-foot-lond polyethylene pipe he wants to bury in your back yard. His company, Egg Systems Inc., is an embryonic firm located in Oldsmar. He feels that his company is on the cutting edge of an industry whose time has come. That is, the conversion of the natural cooling and heating reservoir of Mother Earth into an affordable, environmentally friendly system to cool and heat your home.
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
First, let’s go back to the good old days. When folks lived in case, they were protected from heat and cold by the mass of earth that surrounded them. Civilization forgot about the natural resource for thousands of years. When folks got cold they donned their long johns, built a fire or generated some body heat. When they got hot, they shed layers of clothes and jumped into the water. Then, in the 1940s, and engineer again observed that just below the surface the earth’s temperature remains relatively constant throughout the seasons. It absorbs about half the sun’s energy that strikes it. The thin air around us is far less thermally absorbent. Thus, the earth could provide a higher temperature source in the winter and a cooler source in the summer months. The trick was to tap into this natural ground source of energy.
An electrically powered system was devised to tap into the earth’s energy. It worked. It was called a heat pump, and the rest is history. Basically, this is how such a system works. It has three components: a ground heat pump unit, the liquid heat exchanger medium (a closed loop pipe system), and the air delivery system (ductwork). The closed-loop is a continuous loop of polyethylene pipe or tubing buried in the ground. It’s filled with water or and anti-freeze solution and connected to an indoor heat pump, forming an underground loop.
Laid in trenches up to six feet deep, the tubing may be doubled up or laid like a slinky with no loss of efficiency. If properly installed, the polyethylene tubing will last over fifty years. About 500-600 feet of tubing will produce one ton of heat pump capacity. A well-insulated 2,000 square foot home would require 1,500 to 1,800 feet of tubing. The cool/warm air is distributed through the home via ductwork. As the ground source heat pump is located indoors, it’s life span is greatly increased.
Clearwater Air Conditioning Service
In general, the geothermal system costs about twice as much as a conventional heating/air conditioning system. It may reduce heating costs by 60%, reduce air conditioning costs by 25% in the summer, and provide hot water for normal household use.
Ground source heat pumps have less moving parts and creates less noise than outdoor units. Jay Egg grew up in Barstow, CA prior to joining the Navy and becoming a nuclear power qualified electrician. He was an instructor at the nuclear power school at the Orlando Naval Training Facility before leaving the service in 1987. He worked for several local companies in the heating and air conditioning career field, received his FloridaStateCertification, and got involved with thermal energy storage.
Seeing a strong need for commercial and residential geothermal energy use, he incorporated in 1991. Although his facility of 2,400 square feet in Oldsmar provides storage and sheet metal works for ducting, he already has the need to double his working area. He and his partner expect to triple their number of installations this year over the last twelve months and expect the business to grow considerably in the future. Egg said, “I love the geothermal technology. It’s the Cadillac of all air conditioning systems. I am proud of our company’s involvement.” He went on to state, “I would never recommend to reconvert a working system until it breaks. Then consider a retrofit job.” Because of the costs involved, geothermal systems are more ideally suited during the new construction process. He anticipates working with developers in the future, looking forward to installing a geothermal system for an entire subdivision. The underground tubing would be “snubbed out” for each building lot, at considerable savings over piecemeal, individual installation for those homeowners who want it. Egg said his geothermal system will be on display at the Architectural Design Center in Largo during the Image ’93 Program September 17-19. For more information, call Egg Comfort., (727) 848-0134 or go to http://www.eggcomfort.com
The geothermal way to save on energy bills
The geothermal way to save on energy bills
By Suzie Schottelkotte
Mulberry – When Jack Hathaway’s electric bill began averaging more than $200, he decided that he’d had enough. But he wasn’t about to sacrifice his air conditioning, so he began looking for ways to reduce his energy costs. Hathaway believes he’s found his answer in eight tons of coiled plastic tubing, measuring 8,000 linear feet, buried four feet under the ground. “It’s a geothermal system,” said Hathaway, 48. “My goal is to have an electric bill that’s less than $25, and I think that’s going to happen.” With Hathaway’s existing 1,590-square-foot house in Mulberry, reaching that goal seems plausible. But he’s adding an estimated 3,700 square feet of living space onto the back of his home and with a second floor, which creates a greater challenge. “We’re going to be building the addition using polystyrene foam blocks, which are highly efficient for energy,” said Hathaway, who lives at 3045 Dove Lane. “
Combining those together (with the geothermal system) should make for a very efficient house.” Jay Egg, a Tampa contractor who’s installing Hathaway’s system, said that the average geothermal system reduces a homeowner’s electric bill by half. “By comparison, the geothermal system costs about twice as much to install,” Egg said. “But you make up the difference in energy savings, most of the time within a few years.” The system costs about $11,000 for a 3,500-square-foot home, compared to an estimated $6,000 for a standard central heat and air system or heat pump. Geothermal technology isn’t new, said Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. in Tampa. “The technology has been around for quite awhile,” he said. “It’s been used quite a bit up North, but it’s gradually becoming more popular here.”
Clearwater Air Conditioning
The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home’s air transfer unit. In the unit, the water either heats or cools the air that’s blown into the home, depending on the season. Since the lower ground in Central Florida, beginning at three feet below the surface, maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees, water passing through pipes in the ground is heated or cooled to that temperature. “You can also tie in a hot water tank to this system, and use it to heat your water,” Egg said. The water circulation system is closed, meaning that the water never leaves the pipes, he said. “We’ve had people ask about leaks,” Egg said. “These pipes are made of high-density polyethylene, the same material that’s used for natural gas distribution lines. We use heat fusion to join the pipes. “Basically, you’re looking at a 300-year life span for this material,” he said. John Currier, manager of energy services for Tampa Electric Co., said that the utility has endorsed geothermal technology. “We think it has a lot of promise,” he said. “It’s a renewable resource because it’s a closed system coming out of the ground, and it reduces energy costs by as much as 50 percent.”
Instead of manufacturing the warm or cool air, as with conventional units, the system uses the ground to adjust the temperature, then blows the air into the home. “The only down side is the cost,” Currier said. “But it makes up for that in the low operating costs.” Ed Goggans, service manager for Lineberger Heating and Cooling Inc. in Lakeland, agreed that geothermal systems hold promise. “it sure sounds like a good system, and it wouldn’t require much maintenance,” said Goggans, whose company installs conventional heating and cooling systems. “I think we always need to look at new technology with an open mind.”
Tampa Geothermal Installation
Hathaway said he’s had no second thoughts about installing a system at his Mulberry home. I’ve known that it works, because my sister (in Highlands county) has been on a system like this for 15 years,” he said. “They’ve never had a problem. They have a really large house, and their utility bills are never more than about $90.” Hathaway expected to have the pipes installed this week, then he’ll begin construction on his addition. “I’m hoping to have the roof on the addition by the first of the year,” said Hathaway, a retired sales manager for Motorola, “if the weather cooperates.” Because of the size of Hathaway’s addition, he’s installing one air transfer unit for the existing house and a second unit for the addition. That will give him more temperature control in different parts of the house, and allow him to close off those areas that aren’t being used. The cost for the second unit, Egg said, is about $1,200. “You don’t have to install a separate unit, though,” Egg said. “You can do a zoned system with up to 20 zones per unit. But some people choose to have a second unit because it does afford greater control, and there’s less energy loss.”
By Suzie Schottelkotte
Mulberry – When Jack Hathaway’s electric bill began averaging more than $200, he decided that he’d had enough. But he wasn’t about to sacrifice his air conditioning, so he began looking for ways to reduce his energy costs. Hathaway believes he’s found his answer in eight tons of coiled plastic tubing, measuring 8,000 linear feet, buried four feet under the ground. “It’s a geothermal system,” said Hathaway, 48. “My goal is to have an electric bill that’s less than $25, and I think that’s going to happen.” With Hathaway’s existing 1,590-square-foot house in Mulberry, reaching that goal seems plausible. But he’s adding an estimated 3,700 square feet of living space onto the back of his home and with a second floor, which creates a greater challenge. “We’re going to be building the addition using polystyrene foam blocks, which are highly efficient for energy,” said Hathaway, who lives at 3045 Dove Lane. “
Combining those together (with the geothermal system) should make for a very efficient house.” Jay Egg, a Tampa contractor who’s installing Hathaway’s system, said that the average geothermal system reduces a homeowner’s electric bill by half. “By comparison, the geothermal system costs about twice as much to install,” Egg said. “But you make up the difference in energy savings, most of the time within a few years.” The system costs about $11,000 for a 3,500-square-foot home, compared to an estimated $6,000 for a standard central heat and air system or heat pump. Geothermal technology isn’t new, said Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. in Tampa. “The technology has been around for quite awhile,” he said. “It’s been used quite a bit up North, but it’s gradually becoming more popular here.”
Clearwater Air Conditioning
The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home’s air transfer unit. In the unit, the water either heats or cools the air that’s blown into the home, depending on the season. Since the lower ground in Central Florida, beginning at three feet below the surface, maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees, water passing through pipes in the ground is heated or cooled to that temperature. “You can also tie in a hot water tank to this system, and use it to heat your water,” Egg said. The water circulation system is closed, meaning that the water never leaves the pipes, he said. “We’ve had people ask about leaks,” Egg said. “These pipes are made of high-density polyethylene, the same material that’s used for natural gas distribution lines. We use heat fusion to join the pipes. “Basically, you’re looking at a 300-year life span for this material,” he said. John Currier, manager of energy services for Tampa Electric Co., said that the utility has endorsed geothermal technology. “We think it has a lot of promise,” he said. “It’s a renewable resource because it’s a closed system coming out of the ground, and it reduces energy costs by as much as 50 percent.”
Instead of manufacturing the warm or cool air, as with conventional units, the system uses the ground to adjust the temperature, then blows the air into the home. “The only down side is the cost,” Currier said. “But it makes up for that in the low operating costs.” Ed Goggans, service manager for Lineberger Heating and Cooling Inc. in Lakeland, agreed that geothermal systems hold promise. “it sure sounds like a good system, and it wouldn’t require much maintenance,” said Goggans, whose company installs conventional heating and cooling systems. “I think we always need to look at new technology with an open mind.”
Tampa Geothermal Installation
Hathaway said he’s had no second thoughts about installing a system at his Mulberry home. I’ve known that it works, because my sister (in Highlands county) has been on a system like this for 15 years,” he said. “They’ve never had a problem. They have a really large house, and their utility bills are never more than about $90.” Hathaway expected to have the pipes installed this week, then he’ll begin construction on his addition. “I’m hoping to have the roof on the addition by the first of the year,” said Hathaway, a retired sales manager for Motorola, “if the weather cooperates.” Because of the size of Hathaway’s addition, he’s installing one air transfer unit for the existing house and a second unit for the addition. That will give him more temperature control in different parts of the house, and allow him to close off those areas that aren’t being used. The cost for the second unit, Egg said, is about $1,200. “You don’t have to install a separate unit, though,” Egg said. “You can do a zoned system with up to 20 zones per unit. But some people choose to have a second unit because it does afford greater control, and there’s less energy loss.”
Rainy day activities for kids into nature
Sometimes to a kid, a rainy/wintery day can be the absolute worst! Trapped inside with nothing to do-especially when they would like nothing better than to be outside!
Here are some ideas for activities that might help keep them interested in creative learning, as well as keep them occupied until the weather breaks!
Tampa Air Conditioning Repair
1. Draw a nature park. Fill the park with whatever animals and plants come to mind, and then color them in.
2. Draw a spider web. Add the spider, and color it in. What does this spider eat? How big is it? where is it found in the world?
3. Make a tent with a sheet and chairs. Better load up for that expedition to wherever they are going!
4. Pick an animal they have never seen before out of a book and tell the child nothing about it. Have them draw and and make a fun report about it. What is it called? Where does it live? What does it eat? What are its predators? When the child is finished, compare and contrast with the actual facts regarding the animal.
5. Turn bath time into marine animal time! Load up that tub with just about anything safe and non-toxic, and leave it to the child's imagination to create a whole new underwater world.
Rainy days can be fun with a little imagination and some direction-feel free to use these ideas or create your own based upon them. Good luck!
Clearwater Geothermal Installation
Here are some ideas for activities that might help keep them interested in creative learning, as well as keep them occupied until the weather breaks!
Tampa Air Conditioning Repair
1. Draw a nature park. Fill the park with whatever animals and plants come to mind, and then color them in.
2. Draw a spider web. Add the spider, and color it in. What does this spider eat? How big is it? where is it found in the world?
3. Make a tent with a sheet and chairs. Better load up for that expedition to wherever they are going!
4. Pick an animal they have never seen before out of a book and tell the child nothing about it. Have them draw and and make a fun report about it. What is it called? Where does it live? What does it eat? What are its predators? When the child is finished, compare and contrast with the actual facts regarding the animal.
5. Turn bath time into marine animal time! Load up that tub with just about anything safe and non-toxic, and leave it to the child's imagination to create a whole new underwater world.
Rainy days can be fun with a little imagination and some direction-feel free to use these ideas or create your own based upon them. Good luck!
Clearwater Geothermal Installation
Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
February 22, 2009
Geothermal (GeoExchange) Heat Pump Technology is Poised to Support Economic Recovery and Long-Term Energy goals
Geothermal Tax Credits
The stimulus package is intended to create and save 3.6 million jobs and jumpstart the economy with economic recovery tax cuts and targeted investments. In addition to putting money back in the pockets of consumers and businesses, the package also includes provisions that will help achieve long-term goals, such as improving energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
Among those provisions, the plan calls for a disbursement of $6.9 billion to state and local governments for energy efficiency upgrades and the reduction of carbon emissions, which amounts to an average of $100 million to each state.
By investing a portion of this $100 million in rebates or low interest loans to homeowners who replace their old fossil fuel or electric furnaces with geothermal heat pumps, the country would definitely make progress toward the goals of the stimulus package. States that have invested in similar programs were able to create hundreds of green collar jobs while significantly increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Green Jobs. An additional state $2,000 rebate on the purchase of a geothermal heat pump – or the availability of low interest loans – could generate an additional 200 heat pump sales every month in a typical state, or 2,400 geothermal heat pump unit sales at the end of the first year. Further, every 18 heat pump installations can create one new job. By the end of the first year that means 133 new green collar jobs can be created (2,400 units divided by 18 installations per job). At $2,000 per unit, the total cost of a job creation/energy efficiency rebate program would be $4.8 million over the course of a year.
Every geothermal heat pump requires 24 hours of manufacturing labor and 32 hours of installation labor. Small businesses involved in the installation include heating and air conditioning contractors, electricians, plumbers, excavators and drilling machine operators. These businesses have the capacity and technical skills to begin installing green geothermal technology in more homes immediately.
Reduced Carbon Footprint. In addition to creating jobs, a rebate program and the ensuing installation of geothermal heat pumps would cut an average four metric tons of carbon emissions per year per unit due to the high energy efficiency of geothermal heat pump technology. This means that for the average unit life of 24.4 years, 97.6 metric tons of emissions could be eliminated over the lifetime of each unit, and 234,240 tons over the lifetime of every 2,400 units sold through a state rebate program.
A recent report published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory estimated that aggressive deployment of GHPs could achieve 35 to 40 percent of a recommended carbon reduction path for the U.S. building sector. The full report can be downloaded atornl232.geoexchange.org
If every state takes at least five percent of the funding available through the energy efficiency portion of the stimulus package and invests it in a geothermal heat pump incentive, there couldn’t be a more cost effective, greener way to put people back to work, save fossil fuel, reduce carbon emissions and save homeowners thousands of dollars per year for the next 24 years. It’s the stimulus that keeps on stimulating.
Tampa Geothermal Installation
Economic Recovery. The stimulus package funding is critical to a U.S. heating and air conditioning industry that has been hit hard by the recession. The collapse of the residential new construction market and the lack of consumer financing have slammed the industry over the past two years, and heating system sales were down to levels not seen since 1970.
Geothermal heat pumps are built by manufacturers in the United States at domestic plants in nine states, and geothermal heat pump systems are operating and saving energy in all 50 states and are being exported around the globe.
For more information contact EggComfort at http://www.eggcomfort.com or call (727)848-7545
February 22, 2009
Geothermal (GeoExchange) Heat Pump Technology is Poised to Support Economic Recovery and Long-Term Energy goals
Geothermal Tax Credits
The stimulus package is intended to create and save 3.6 million jobs and jumpstart the economy with economic recovery tax cuts and targeted investments. In addition to putting money back in the pockets of consumers and businesses, the package also includes provisions that will help achieve long-term goals, such as improving energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.
Among those provisions, the plan calls for a disbursement of $6.9 billion to state and local governments for energy efficiency upgrades and the reduction of carbon emissions, which amounts to an average of $100 million to each state.
By investing a portion of this $100 million in rebates or low interest loans to homeowners who replace their old fossil fuel or electric furnaces with geothermal heat pumps, the country would definitely make progress toward the goals of the stimulus package. States that have invested in similar programs were able to create hundreds of green collar jobs while significantly increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Green Jobs. An additional state $2,000 rebate on the purchase of a geothermal heat pump – or the availability of low interest loans – could generate an additional 200 heat pump sales every month in a typical state, or 2,400 geothermal heat pump unit sales at the end of the first year. Further, every 18 heat pump installations can create one new job. By the end of the first year that means 133 new green collar jobs can be created (2,400 units divided by 18 installations per job). At $2,000 per unit, the total cost of a job creation/energy efficiency rebate program would be $4.8 million over the course of a year.
Every geothermal heat pump requires 24 hours of manufacturing labor and 32 hours of installation labor. Small businesses involved in the installation include heating and air conditioning contractors, electricians, plumbers, excavators and drilling machine operators. These businesses have the capacity and technical skills to begin installing green geothermal technology in more homes immediately.
Reduced Carbon Footprint. In addition to creating jobs, a rebate program and the ensuing installation of geothermal heat pumps would cut an average four metric tons of carbon emissions per year per unit due to the high energy efficiency of geothermal heat pump technology. This means that for the average unit life of 24.4 years, 97.6 metric tons of emissions could be eliminated over the lifetime of each unit, and 234,240 tons over the lifetime of every 2,400 units sold through a state rebate program.
A recent report published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory estimated that aggressive deployment of GHPs could achieve 35 to 40 percent of a recommended carbon reduction path for the U.S. building sector. The full report can be downloaded atornl232.geoexchange.org
If every state takes at least five percent of the funding available through the energy efficiency portion of the stimulus package and invests it in a geothermal heat pump incentive, there couldn’t be a more cost effective, greener way to put people back to work, save fossil fuel, reduce carbon emissions and save homeowners thousands of dollars per year for the next 24 years. It’s the stimulus that keeps on stimulating.
Tampa Geothermal Installation
Economic Recovery. The stimulus package funding is critical to a U.S. heating and air conditioning industry that has been hit hard by the recession. The collapse of the residential new construction market and the lack of consumer financing have slammed the industry over the past two years, and heating system sales were down to levels not seen since 1970.
Geothermal heat pumps are built by manufacturers in the United States at domestic plants in nine states, and geothermal heat pump systems are operating and saving energy in all 50 states and are being exported around the globe.
For more information contact EggComfort at http://www.eggcomfort.com or call (727)848-7545
How to make an easy worm compost system.
Using worms in a compost is a fast and efficient way to create marvelous compost and fertilizing liquid. "Vermiculture" is gaining in popularity for many reasons, not the least of which is that worm compost bins are relatively small, odorless, and can be maintained in areas other than the yard. In cooler regions, worm composts can even be kept in the garage! A worm compost system is a simple way to reduce landfill waste and produce your own fertilizer at the same time.
To create a worm compost, the first thing you will need is a bin. Rubber storage bins are fantastic for this purpose, and they can be easily stacked for multiple bins. Wood, plastic, and metal can also be used, but most of these materials will eventually degrade and require replacement. When you have obtained your bin, ventilation holes will need to be drilled throughout the sides and top to provide air circulation for the worms. Contrary to popular opinion, worms require quite a bit of air flow and tend not to thrive in environments that are kept too wet. ALong these same lines, it is helpful if the bin is elevated (bricks will work nicely) to keep the air flow circulating. Needless to say, it is imperative that a top be used to cover the compost to keep it from completely drying out.
Tampa Air Conditioning Maintenance
Next, use strips of newspaper of newspaper, hay, leaves, or a similar material to provide fiber for the worms. Add a thin layer of clean dirt and thoroughly moisten. Leave your bin alone for about a day to allow the moisture to soak into the bedding, and your bin should be ready for the worms.
Worms are best obtained from a gardening club, as worms straight from your backyard are not typically recommended. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that the worms in your yard may not produce much composting material and they are likely to require deep tunnels which are impossible to create in a relatively shallow bin.
Clearwater Air Conditioning Service
Once the worms are in place, the maintenance of the bin is relatively simple. Lightly sprinkle the bin every other day or so with moisture, and feed your worms paper or vegetable waste.
That's pretty much it. You will see that as the worm population increases, the amount of material you place in the bin will disappear at faster and faster rates. As time goes on, you may consider increasing the number of bins as your worm population increases-and you may even one day find it difficult to keep up with your compost!
Tampa Geothermal
Having a worm compost system ensures that your garden will be on the receiving end of some absolutely fantastic fertilizer, while your local landfill will be receiving less waste from your household.
To create a worm compost, the first thing you will need is a bin. Rubber storage bins are fantastic for this purpose, and they can be easily stacked for multiple bins. Wood, plastic, and metal can also be used, but most of these materials will eventually degrade and require replacement. When you have obtained your bin, ventilation holes will need to be drilled throughout the sides and top to provide air circulation for the worms. Contrary to popular opinion, worms require quite a bit of air flow and tend not to thrive in environments that are kept too wet. ALong these same lines, it is helpful if the bin is elevated (bricks will work nicely) to keep the air flow circulating. Needless to say, it is imperative that a top be used to cover the compost to keep it from completely drying out.
Tampa Air Conditioning Maintenance
Next, use strips of newspaper of newspaper, hay, leaves, or a similar material to provide fiber for the worms. Add a thin layer of clean dirt and thoroughly moisten. Leave your bin alone for about a day to allow the moisture to soak into the bedding, and your bin should be ready for the worms.
Worms are best obtained from a gardening club, as worms straight from your backyard are not typically recommended. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that the worms in your yard may not produce much composting material and they are likely to require deep tunnels which are impossible to create in a relatively shallow bin.
Clearwater Air Conditioning Service
Once the worms are in place, the maintenance of the bin is relatively simple. Lightly sprinkle the bin every other day or so with moisture, and feed your worms paper or vegetable waste.
That's pretty much it. You will see that as the worm population increases, the amount of material you place in the bin will disappear at faster and faster rates. As time goes on, you may consider increasing the number of bins as your worm population increases-and you may even one day find it difficult to keep up with your compost!
Tampa Geothermal
Having a worm compost system ensures that your garden will be on the receiving end of some absolutely fantastic fertilizer, while your local landfill will be receiving less waste from your household.
Earth loops can cut your utility bills
Earth loops can cut your utility bills by Michael Dunn
The first time I heard the term “earth loops,” I figured it was some nutty new breakfast cereal for the granola crowd. ”How about a hearty bowl of Earth Loops? Oh, sure they taste like truck tires, but they’re crunchy and nutritious, and they won’t hurt the ozone layer!” Well, it turns out I was wrong. (Although I still think they’d be good with milk.)
Actually, earth loops are components of geothermal technology, which uses the ground as a heat-exchange medium. Because the ground absorbs energy from the sun and stores it deep beneath the surface, people can tap into that stored energy and use it to heat and cool homes. Here’s how it works: A series of polyethylene pipes filled with ordinary tap water is buried deep underground. (In cold climates, antifreeze may be added to the water.) Using a specially designed heat pump, the water is circulated through the pipes, which form one long, continuous “earth loop.” In the heating mode, the liquid in the pipes is cooler than the ground. In the cooling mode, the soil is cooler than the liquid. Because heat always moves from a warm area to a cooler one, heat is exchanged between them, said Paul Fink, territory manager for WaterFurnace Southeast.
WaterFurnace introduced the first closed-loop system to South Florida in 1990, and since then the company has installed about 400 residential units, Fink said. Last month, for example, the company installed a geothermal system at baseball star Dwight Gooden’s St. Petersburg home. The system works – and is energy efficient – because underground temperatures remain constant within geographical locations, he said. In the Tampa Bay area, for instance, the underground temperature is roughly 74 degrees year-round, compared with 70 degrees in the Panhandle and colder as you go north.
Unfortunately, the up-front costs are expensive – roughly $8,700 for a 3-ton vertical heat-pump system – and that’s one of the reasons builders have shied away from it. “Builders are a little bit scared of it,” said Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc., and Oldsmar company that installs the systems. “But people love it.” Fink put it more bluntly: “If a builder is progressive and concerned about energy and the environment,” he’ll try it. “Unfortunately, most builders don’t fall into that category. How can I put this subtly – they’re cheap as hell.” Palm Harbor builder Mike Connor of Schickedanz Bros. has installed two geothermal systems and said they “seem to work real well. From what we’ve seen, it looks like it offers pretty substantial savings.”
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
Geothermal systems work best for heating, so they’re more popular in Northern climates, Egg said. But the system can save Floridians $40 a month on air-conditioning bills, and because it recycles warm water, a household’s water-heating costs are virtually eliminated, he said. Geothermal systems recoup their costs in five to seven years, and the specially designed heat pump lasts four to five times longer than traditional heat pumps because it is housed indoors, he said. Egg, incidentally, has introduced a new kind of geothermal system to the Bay area in which the earth loops are shaped like a Slinky. They take up less space than traditional straight-pipe geothermal systems, so they can be installed in just about any yard, he said. Those interested in learning more about earth loops can contact EggComfort.com
Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.
Design Features
Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home.
Reduced Vandalism
The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft.
Durability
The underground loops carry warranties of 25 to 50 years. The pumps, which are safely located within the home, often last 20 years or more.
Maintenance
According to a study conducted for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), the maintenance costs are about one-third the cost of conventional systems. In fact, the only work necessary involves occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger and regular changing of the air filters.
Tampa Air Conditioning Maintenance
Unsurpassed Comfort
These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.
Improved Humidity Control
Geothermal heat pumps provide better humidity control than a tradition system, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth. These systems are ideal for individuals will allergy problems or lung problems.
Eliminate Emissions
These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home.
Low Environmental Impact
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.
Energy Savings
While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years.
Excellent Efficiency
With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs.
Customer Satisfaction
In a customer survey based on heating systems, geothermal heat pump users report higher customer satisfaction than any other customers surveyed.
Tax Credits
Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.
Geothermal Tax Credits
There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!
Design Features
Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home.
Reduced Vandalism
The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft.
Durability
The underground loops carry warranties of 25 to 50 years. The pumps, which are safely located within the home, often last 20 years or more.
Maintenance
According to a study conducted for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), the maintenance costs are about one-third the cost of conventional systems. In fact, the only work necessary involves occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger and regular changing of the air filters.
Tampa Air Conditioning Maintenance
Unsurpassed Comfort
These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.
Improved Humidity Control
Geothermal heat pumps provide better humidity control than a tradition system, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth. These systems are ideal for individuals will allergy problems or lung problems.
Eliminate Emissions
These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home.
Low Environmental Impact
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.
Energy Savings
While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years.
Excellent Efficiency
With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs.
Customer Satisfaction
In a customer survey based on heating systems, geothermal heat pump users report higher customer satisfaction than any other customers surveyed.
Tax Credits
Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.
Geothermal Tax Credits
There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!
Geothermal Tax Credit/Benefits
It's a great time to invest in geothermal heating and cooling technology. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 recently lifted the caps on tax credits to qualified geothermal heat pumps, which was previously set at $2000. Homeowners who install a geothermal ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pump qualify for this one time of up to 30% of the total investment, as long as the pump meets or exceeds EnergyStar requirements and installed after December 31, 2009. Business owners will receive a credit of 10% of the total investment. Units installed in 2008 are subject to a $2,000 cap, but those installed between 2009-2016 have no cap.
This substantial tax credit is just one of the many benefits of using geothermal technology to heat and cool your home. Geothermal systems use 25-50% less electricity than conventional systems. According to the EPA, geothermal pumps reduce energy consumption up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps, and up to 72% compared to standard air-conditioning. In humid areas, like Florida, geothermal heat pumps improve humidity control by maintaining 50% relative indoor humidity.
Geothermal Tax Credits
But it's not just the tax credit or energy savings that should peek your interest, geothermal heat pumps are also extremely durable and reliable. The underground piping carries warranties of 25-50 years, and the heat pumps are known to last twenty years of longer.
So, if you're looking for a reliable system that will also give you tremendous savings on your energy bill over the long-run, a geothermal heat pump may just be what you're looking for!
________________________________________________________________________
Did you know the earth can heat and cool your home while saving on energy costs over the long term?
Just below the earth's surface, the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year by absorbing half the sun's energy. Geothermal heat pumps tap into this natural ground source of energy reducing heating costs up to 60%, and cooling costs by 25% in summer months. GHP's have three components: a ground heat pump, a closed pipe system, and the air delivery system. Buried in the ground is the closed loop, which is a continuous loop of polyethylene pipe. It's filled with water or an anti-freeze solution and connected to an indoor heat pump, forming an underground loop. The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home’s air transfer unit. In the heating mode, the liquid in the pipes is cooler than the ground. In the cooling mode, the soil is cooler than the liquid.
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
Geothermal technology has been around for a while, but is gradually becoming more popular. A geothermal system costs about twice as much as a conventional heating and cooling system; however, the energy savings combined with the new tax credit on these systems, most people make their investment back in three to five years. In Florida, that could mean a savings of up to $40 a month on air conditioning bills.
These systems are extremely durable, and when properly installed, this tubing will last fifty years or longer.
This substantial tax credit is just one of the many benefits of using geothermal technology to heat and cool your home. Geothermal systems use 25-50% less electricity than conventional systems. According to the EPA, geothermal pumps reduce energy consumption up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps, and up to 72% compared to standard air-conditioning. In humid areas, like Florida, geothermal heat pumps improve humidity control by maintaining 50% relative indoor humidity.
Geothermal Tax Credits
But it's not just the tax credit or energy savings that should peek your interest, geothermal heat pumps are also extremely durable and reliable. The underground piping carries warranties of 25-50 years, and the heat pumps are known to last twenty years of longer.
So, if you're looking for a reliable system that will also give you tremendous savings on your energy bill over the long-run, a geothermal heat pump may just be what you're looking for!
________________________________________________________________________
Did you know the earth can heat and cool your home while saving on energy costs over the long term?
Just below the earth's surface, the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year by absorbing half the sun's energy. Geothermal heat pumps tap into this natural ground source of energy reducing heating costs up to 60%, and cooling costs by 25% in summer months. GHP's have three components: a ground heat pump, a closed pipe system, and the air delivery system. Buried in the ground is the closed loop, which is a continuous loop of polyethylene pipe. It's filled with water or an anti-freeze solution and connected to an indoor heat pump, forming an underground loop. The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home’s air transfer unit. In the heating mode, the liquid in the pipes is cooler than the ground. In the cooling mode, the soil is cooler than the liquid.
Tampa Geothermal Air Conditioning
Geothermal technology has been around for a while, but is gradually becoming more popular. A geothermal system costs about twice as much as a conventional heating and cooling system; however, the energy savings combined with the new tax credit on these systems, most people make their investment back in three to five years. In Florida, that could mean a savings of up to $40 a month on air conditioning bills.
These systems are extremely durable, and when properly installed, this tubing will last fifty years or longer.
5 easy green tips for kids
5 easy green tips for kids
1. Turn off the lights when leaving a room, or better yet-reduce the need for electricity by opening those curtains and letting the light come in!. Light bulbs require electricity, and often electricity is produced from power plants that use fossil fuels. This is an easy way to save energy, and everyone can help.
Tampa Geothermal
2. Recycle. It is easier now more than ever to recycle, and nearly everything can be reused paper to glass. Utilize existing bins, or create your own and have a little fun learning to sort through the different types of products we use on a daily basis.
3. Only use as much water as you need. Turn off faucets when not directly in use, and keep an eye (or ear!) out for dripping or leaky fixtures. Water is another resource, and conserving it is another way to "go green!"
4. Use shopping bags when going to the grocery store. Have fun decorating cloth bags, and then remember to take them with you on your next outing. Reducing the need for plastic bags is a great way to conserve.
5. Make a compost. Composting is a great way to reduce waste in landfills and a wonderful way to naturally fertilize your garden!
Clearwater Air Conditioning
1. Turn off the lights when leaving a room, or better yet-reduce the need for electricity by opening those curtains and letting the light come in!. Light bulbs require electricity, and often electricity is produced from power plants that use fossil fuels. This is an easy way to save energy, and everyone can help.
Tampa Geothermal
2. Recycle. It is easier now more than ever to recycle, and nearly everything can be reused paper to glass. Utilize existing bins, or create your own and have a little fun learning to sort through the different types of products we use on a daily basis.
3. Only use as much water as you need. Turn off faucets when not directly in use, and keep an eye (or ear!) out for dripping or leaky fixtures. Water is another resource, and conserving it is another way to "go green!"
4. Use shopping bags when going to the grocery store. Have fun decorating cloth bags, and then remember to take them with you on your next outing. Reducing the need for plastic bags is a great way to conserve.
5. Make a compost. Composting is a great way to reduce waste in landfills and a wonderful way to naturally fertilize your garden!
Clearwater Air Conditioning
Geothermal System is Really Cool
The Tampa Tribune – Home Saturday, November 12, 1994
Geothermal system is really cool by Beth Dolan
Tampa – You pick up the oddest things in the strangest places. Like the fact that the temperature of the earth in Central Florida, 3 feet below the surface, is a constant 72 degrees F. Now, maybe I heard that years ago, but if I did I sure had forgotten it. But during a tour of the Brittany model on the Street of Dreams in Avila a few weeks ago, Custom Craft Homes’ Ernest Lashlee touted the house’s geothermal heating and cooling system. He said it is successful, in part, because a portion of the system is buried into the ground. Lashlee touted the comfort as well as the energy efficiency of the system. The day was warm, and inside the air was delightful.
Comfort and efficiency
“There’s nothing that even comes close to the efficiency and comfort of the system,” says Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. of Oldsmar, which distributes and installs geothermal systems. Unlike those in standard heating and cooling systems, the compressors for the geothermal units are inside the house. The closed system of pipes that transport recirculated water to cool or heat a home are buried in the yard or on the bottom of a body of water, such as the Intracoastal Waterway or Tampa Bay.
“When the temperature is 90 degrees outside and other heat pumps are struggling, or on days when regular pumps (turn) on and off, the geothermal systems provide constant comfort,” says Egg. “It’s a happy medium … low enough to help cool and high enough for heating.” The inside location of the compressor promotes longevity of the system, reduces outside noise and eliminates maintenance, except for monthly filter changes, Egg says. He’s quick to add that the unit still requires refrigerant to operate. “Without that,” he says, “the system is not efficient enough to properly heat or cool. It actually works because the recirculating water inside the system pulls heat from the ground to heat the house and returns heat to the ground from inside the house to cool it.” Egg’s systems have dehumidifiers that aid in drying houses while keeping the temperature within the constant. “They alleviate that cold and clammy feeling you get when you run standard systems, trying to remove the humidity,” he says. The geothermal heating and cooling systems, Egg says, have received government baking. “The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy endorse it as the cleanest and most energy efficient technology available in the world today for air conditioning and heating.”
Saving energy and money
According to a 1993 EPA report, “By aggressively promoting these technologies wherever they are cost effective, utilities could save 28 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and offset the need for 113 typically sized (300 megawatts) electric power plants in the year 2000. They could also reduce annual gas demand by over 825 million therms.” And utility companies aren’t the only ones that save when geothermal heating and cooling are used. “Any house is a candidate,” Egg says, “and any house that has one installed will see an immediate return on its investment by lower heating and cooling bills.” Homeowners, he says, will generally see a return on the installation cost in under five years. “Tampa Electric Co. also offers $350 rebate for anyone in their service area who replaces an existing pump with a geothermal heat pump,” he adds. Egg notes that installation of the system takes about a week and that it needn’t disrupt an already perfectly landscaped yard. “Some homeowners don’t mind having their yards ripped up to install the ‘slinky’ type of system, but for a little bit more, you can have a vertical system installed, which will look like a few rows of sprinkler pipe have been installed.”
Homeowners who live on the water can use the systems, too. “We have no problems with Swiftmud or the Army Corp of Engineers,” he says, “since we have EPA endorsements, and there’s no consequence to any waterway to have piping on its bottom.” Want to see one in action? For more information, call (727)848-7545 or visit www.EggComfort.com
Geothermal system is really cool by Beth Dolan
Tampa – You pick up the oddest things in the strangest places. Like the fact that the temperature of the earth in Central Florida, 3 feet below the surface, is a constant 72 degrees F. Now, maybe I heard that years ago, but if I did I sure had forgotten it. But during a tour of the Brittany model on the Street of Dreams in Avila a few weeks ago, Custom Craft Homes’ Ernest Lashlee touted the house’s geothermal heating and cooling system. He said it is successful, in part, because a portion of the system is buried into the ground. Lashlee touted the comfort as well as the energy efficiency of the system. The day was warm, and inside the air was delightful.
Comfort and efficiency
“There’s nothing that even comes close to the efficiency and comfort of the system,” says Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. of Oldsmar, which distributes and installs geothermal systems. Unlike those in standard heating and cooling systems, the compressors for the geothermal units are inside the house. The closed system of pipes that transport recirculated water to cool or heat a home are buried in the yard or on the bottom of a body of water, such as the Intracoastal Waterway or Tampa Bay.
“When the temperature is 90 degrees outside and other heat pumps are struggling, or on days when regular pumps (turn) on and off, the geothermal systems provide constant comfort,” says Egg. “It’s a happy medium … low enough to help cool and high enough for heating.” The inside location of the compressor promotes longevity of the system, reduces outside noise and eliminates maintenance, except for monthly filter changes, Egg says. He’s quick to add that the unit still requires refrigerant to operate. “Without that,” he says, “the system is not efficient enough to properly heat or cool. It actually works because the recirculating water inside the system pulls heat from the ground to heat the house and returns heat to the ground from inside the house to cool it.” Egg’s systems have dehumidifiers that aid in drying houses while keeping the temperature within the constant. “They alleviate that cold and clammy feeling you get when you run standard systems, trying to remove the humidity,” he says. The geothermal heating and cooling systems, Egg says, have received government baking. “The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy endorse it as the cleanest and most energy efficient technology available in the world today for air conditioning and heating.”
Saving energy and money
According to a 1993 EPA report, “By aggressively promoting these technologies wherever they are cost effective, utilities could save 28 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and offset the need for 113 typically sized (300 megawatts) electric power plants in the year 2000. They could also reduce annual gas demand by over 825 million therms.” And utility companies aren’t the only ones that save when geothermal heating and cooling are used. “Any house is a candidate,” Egg says, “and any house that has one installed will see an immediate return on its investment by lower heating and cooling bills.” Homeowners, he says, will generally see a return on the installation cost in under five years. “Tampa Electric Co. also offers $350 rebate for anyone in their service area who replaces an existing pump with a geothermal heat pump,” he adds. Egg notes that installation of the system takes about a week and that it needn’t disrupt an already perfectly landscaped yard. “Some homeowners don’t mind having their yards ripped up to install the ‘slinky’ type of system, but for a little bit more, you can have a vertical system installed, which will look like a few rows of sprinkler pipe have been installed.”
Homeowners who live on the water can use the systems, too. “We have no problems with Swiftmud or the Army Corp of Engineers,” he says, “since we have EPA endorsements, and there’s no consequence to any waterway to have piping on its bottom.” Want to see one in action? For more information, call (727)848-7545 or visit www.EggComfort.com
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