Doug Dougherty, president of the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) submitted a statement for the record regarding S. 2146, the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012 (CES), which is now before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Geothermal heat pump (GHP) sales have grown steadily in recent years, but manufacturers estimate that GHP installations account for only about 1 to 2 percent of the total market. As the economy improves, some industry experts predict sales of GHPs will command a far larger share of the market by 2016.

Many homeowners would love to take advantage of the energy savings that geothermal heat pumps (GHP) can provide, however, the high cost to install these systems can prevent some from making that purchase. Is there something that will help?

Geothermal systems can significantly reduce energy consumption in a traditionally built house, but when installed in conjunction with a tight thermal envelope, they can help a homeowner procure the coveted net zero energy label.

Winter temperatures in Maine can easily slide toward -15˚F at night, but in the coastal town of Penobscot, 2,500 rare tropical orchids are thriving at A New Day Farm. What’s keeping them alive? 

The Tranquility® 30 Digital (TE) Series geothermal heat pumps integrate digital communicating controls, two-stage capacity, variable-speed fan, and variable-flow geothermal source functions within a single package. The series delivers up to 30 EER and 4.8 COP.

Not all energy-efficient HVAC equipment qualifies for tax credits, but there are four renewable energy product categories that do — geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, and fuel cells. Though some seem beyond HVAC, they each have the potential to bring new revenue streams to contractors.

This Heating Showcase photo feature provides in-depth information on the features of each individual unit and also includes technical support information from the manufacturers.

Championed by the new California Geothermal Heat Pump Lobby Coalition (CalGeo), AB 2339 passed in the Senate on Aug. 28 with a 36-0 vote then returned to the Assembly the following day where it also passed unanimously with a 79-0 vote.

WaterFurnace International Inc. announced the Perfect Choice Savings event. Between Sept. 4 and Nov. 30, 2012, homeowners will have a choice between instant rebates up to $2,500, or special zero-percent financing.