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 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.
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.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight university teams have been selected to compete in the 2012 National Geothermal Student Competition.
Modine Manufacturing Co. announced that it has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire privately-held Geofinity Manufacturing of Surrey, British Columbia. Modine said this acquisition will provide it with a full line of geothermal heat pumps in both water-to-water and water-to-air models.
Maryland recently became the first state to recognize geothermal heating and cooling as a renewable energy source. This has many leaders in the geothermal industry hoping this helps serve as a motivator to the other 49 states.
Saving 30 to 40 percent on a home energy bill can be a challenge, but David Hutchins is helping some of his customers do just that. As owner and president of Bay Area Air Conditioning Inc. in New Port Richey and Crystal River, Fla., Hutchins is in what he describes as a heat pump market.
Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) recently released a one-page flyer titled “The Geothermal Spectrum,” which describes each of the three ways individuals can access the Earth’s heat including geothermal heat pumps, direct use, and geothermal power.
ClimateMaster recently announced its Trilogy™ 40 series has exceeded 40 EER at ground-loop conditions and been certified by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
