Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the stable temperature of the earth to provide heating and cooling for homes. A basic system consists of a ground loop buried underground, a heat pump, and a heat distribution system, either radiant floor heating or air distribution. Geothermal systems are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional systems, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. While initial costs are higher, geothermal sees energy cost savings of 30-70% annually and typically pays for itself within 3-5 years through lower utility bills.

1. Geothermal Heating and Cooling A Smart Feature of Apple Built Homes

2. The world's supply of fossil fuels IS NOT LIMITLESS.

3. Geothermal Energy A Green Alternative?

4. Green Potential

5. Putting Geothermal Energy to Use

6. Geothermal Heat System A basic Geothermal Heat System consists of three parts: The ground loop A heat pump A Heat distribution system

7. The Ground Loop

8. The Ground Loop - Closed

9. Vertical Closed Ground Loops

10. Horizontal Closed Ground Loops

11. “Slinky” Closed Ground Loop

12. Pond Closed Loop

13. The Ground Loop - Open In contrast to the closed loop systems, open loop pulls water directly from a well, lake or pond for conditioning purposes. Water is pumped directly into the heat pump where the heat is extracted and then is re-injected into the water source or return well. Depending on factors such as depth, volume, and water quality, bodies of surface water can be used as a source of water for an open-loop system. Ground water can also be used as a source, provided the water quality is suitable and all ground water discharge regulations are met.

14. The Heat Pump

15. Heat Pump Options Water-to-air The water-to-air heat pumps are designed to replace a forced air furnace and/or central air conditioning system. This system can produce heat during winter and air conditioning during summer. Water-to-water A water-to-water system heats water to be used in radiant floor heating and/or domestic hot water. Hybrid A hybrid system is capable of producing heated water and heated or cooled air simultaneously.

16. Heat Distribution System

17. Radiant Floor Heat

18. Putting it All Together

19. Heating Water

20. Environmental Incentives Geothermal energy is environmentally friendly and self-renuing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called geothermal the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available. Today there are more than 1,000,000 geoexchange systems in the United States. The current use of geothermal technology has resulted in the following emissions reductions: Elimination of more than 5.8 million metric tons of CO2 annually Elimination of more than 1.6 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually The impact of the current use of geoexchange is equivalent to: Taking 1,295,000 cars off the road Planting more than 385 million trees Reducing U.S. reliance on imported fuels by 21.5 million barrels of crude oil per year.

21. Economic Incentives Save 30% to 70% annually on utilities. High initial costs, but relativly short payback period, typically between 3 to 5 years. Geothermal heat pumps carry the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-labeled equipment can be financed with special ENERGY STAR loans. Some loans have lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or both. The life span of the system is longer than conventional heating and cooling systems. Most loop fields warranted for 50 years. Some electric companies offer special rates to customers that install geothermal systems. When upgrading a home’s energy efficiency, these improvements can be financed through "energy efficiency mortgages.”

22. For the Homeowner Consider the following before installing a geothermal heat system. You will need space outside your house for the ground loop. The ground will need to be suitable for digging a trench or borehole. What fuel is being replaced? If it's electricity, oil, LPG or coal the payback will be more favourable than gas. Heat pumps are a good option where gas is unavailable. Is the system for a new building development? Combining the installation with other building works can reduce costs. Have you installed insulation measures? Wall, floor and loft insulation will lower your heat demand and make the system more effective. To increase sustainability, buy green electricity, or install solar PV or some other form of renewable electricity generating system to power the system. Most geothermal systems are covered under your homeowner's insurance. Contact your insurance provider to learn about their policy.

23. Apple Built Homes The Ultimate in Home Comfort

24. Cooling System? As previously mentioned, a radiant floor heat distribution system does not allow for a cooling mode. However, (COMPANY’S) homes are built to a standard such that there is no need for such a system. (Built Green) homes are constructed using Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) that keep the home so well insulated that a cooling systems becomes obsolete.

25. Putting the Concept to Work

26. Laying the Ground Loop

27. The Heat Pump

28. The Distribution System Radiant In Floor Heat

29. Central Air

30. Laying a Foundation

31. Build Green! With the Radiant In Floor Heat System now in place, construction can begin on this GreenBuilt home.

32. A GreenBuilt Home is a Quality Built Home