Geo-Thermal - Green Heating and Cooling
Based in Portage, MI and serving the greater Kalamazoo area
Geothermal systems operate by drawing heat and cold from the earth by pumping water from the system to the ground and back again. The earth stores large amounts of energy from the sun. By pulling this energy from the earth rather than burning fuel, the system is more efficient, reduces pollution, and is much cleaner and quieter.
Because geothermal systems do not burn large amounts of fuel (gas, oil, propane, coal) they operate at a lower cost and run much cleaner. Other systems may also use larger quantities of electricity, operating at a higher cost and running less cleanly.
Fuel costs are rising rapidly. Call Norris Heating and Air Conditioning today. We can show you savings on your mortgage, get special compensation from the government for clean air, provide better comfort for your home, and offer unbeatable service nobody else in town can match.
What is Buried in Your Yard?
With a geothermal heating and cooling system, your lawn becomes a permanent power plant for your home. You will enjoy the benefits of the most comfortable, reliable, energy and cost efficient heating, cooling, and water heating system available on the market today.
How Does Geothermal Energy Work?
The earth absorbs almost 50% of all solar energy and remains a nearly constant temperature of 50°F to 70°F depending on geographic location. Working with an underground loop system, geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize this constant temperature to exchange energy between your home and the earth as needed for heating and cooling. In winter, water circulating inside a sealed underground loop system absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the geothermal unit. Here it is compressed to a higher temperature and sent as warm air to your indoor system for circulation throughout your home.
Loop Systems
There are several loop configurations available. They can either be vertical, horizontal, or submerged in a nearby pond or lake. In many cases, a water well can be used instead.
The best application will depend on the characteristics of your property. Let us show you which type of loop system is best suited for your home.
GEO-THERMAL BROCHURE
Geo Thermal Comfort Systems (Adobe PDF)
Geothermal Heating and Cooling FAQs
Q: What is a geothermal heat pump?
A: A Geothermal Heat Pump is an electrically powered heating air conditioning system that uses the natural heat storage ability of the earth. In most areas the ground temperature 6 feet down stays a constant 68 to 72 degrees.
Q: How does it work?
A: Like any type of heat pump, it simply moves heat energy from one place to another. Your refrigerator works using the same principle. By using the refrigeration process, a Geothermal Heat Pump removes the heat from the home and transfers the heat to the ground and vice versa.
Q: How is heat transferred between the earth and the home?
A: The earth has the ability to absorb and store heat energy. To use that stored energy, that constant 68 to 72 degree temperature is extracted from the earth through a liquid medium (water) and is pumped to the heat pump or heat exchanger. In the winter, the heat is used to heat your home. In summer, the process is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred to the earth throughout the water.
Q: You mentioned heating and cooling. Does it do both?
A: One of the things that makes a heat pump so versatile is its ability to be a heating and cooling system in one. You can change from one mode to another, just like you do on a conventional heating and air conditioning system via a thermostat.
Q: What types of loops are available?
A: There are 2 main types of loops: open and closed. The closed loop is the most common. The same water is circulated throughout the entire system. An open loop is used when a water table, such as a river, lake or a pond is used for the water source.
Q: Where can the loop be located?
A: That depends on land availability and terrain. Most closed-loops are drilled vertically about 150 ft. per ton.
Q: How many pipes are in a hole?
A: Usually two polyethylene pipes between 3/4 and 1/1/4 inch, depending on location. Then the hole is almost filled with a type of grout called bentonite. This acts like a radiator in the ground for heat extraction and rejection.
Q: How long will the loop pipe last?
A: About 50 to 75 years. Polyethylene is inert to chemicals normally found in soil and has excellent heat conducting properties. PVC pipe should NEVER be used under any circumstances.
Q: How efficient is a geothermal heat pump?
A: Geothermal heat pumps are more than 3 times as efficient as the most efficient gas furnace, and more than 2 1/2 times more efficient than a 12 SEER air conditioner.
Tax Incentives and Rebates!
Replacement and New Construction Residential HVAC Systems:
- 30% of total installation eligible, no dollar cap*.
- Geothermal equipment must be Energy Star Rated
- Closed Loop with water heating: 14.1 EER, 3.3 COP
- Open Loop with water heating: 16.2 EER, 3.6 COP
- Direct Expansion with water heating: 15 EER, 3.5 C
Up to $600 in manufacturer rebates dependant on systems chosen. Click here for details on eligible products. Claim your rebate online.