When it comes to Geothermal, people often have many questions. There is a lot of information to absorb when it comes to geothermal and Alpine Geothermal is here to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us with your specific questions.

What is geothermal technology?

The earth acts like a giant solar panel absorbing nearly half the sun’s energy. This energy is stored within the earth, causing the ground temperature to stay a relatively warm (approx. 50 degrees F) and constant temperature throughout the year. Geothermal technology taps into this energy, utilizing it to not only heat your home or commercial building in the winter but also keep it cool in the summer.

How do geothermal systems work?

Geothermal heating systems rely on pipes drilled into the ground for operation. A non-toxic mixture of water and antifreeze is circulated through the pipes, into the earth, and back up to the surface. As the water circulates, it picks up the earth’s natural heat. The water then goes through a ground-source heat pump, the heart of the system, which concentrates the energy picked up from the earth. The heat is then transferred to ductwork or radiant floor heating loops (depending on the type of system desired), to heat the entire house. During the summer months, the process is reversed; heat is extracted from the air within the house and transferred back to the earth. The process can also send heat back to your hot water heater, essentially providing free hot water in the summertime.

Where can geothermal systems be installed?

Geoexchange systems, which are typically installed in homes and commercial building (such as schools and office buildings), rely on relatively shallow holes (typically no deeper than 400 ft) and can be installed at any location. This type of system can be retro-fitted into an existing building or easily installed in new construction. Geothermal Power Plants, which utilize deep holes to extract super-heated steam from the earth, are limited to specific locations such as Geysers Power Plant in California.

What are the environmental benefits of geothermal systems?

According to the U.S. EPA, geothermal systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective heating system available. Geothermal systems do not burn any fossil fuels nor produce carbon dioxide during operation. Running off electricity instead of natural gas, they use 50% less energy than conventional systems.

As the systems use only electricity, natural gas is displaced from heating use. Natural gas is then more available for electrical production, which is cleaner than coal. Natural gas power plants produce 45% less CO2 than coal-fired plants, and do not have heavy metals discharge associated with coal.

What are the economic benefits of geothermal systems?

While a geothermal system costs more to install than a conventional natural gas system, the savings over time as energy costs increase are significant.  Currently returns on the geothermal investment are 3-7 years.