Geothermal heating and cooling is a new technology that uses the earth to warm or cool your home. A sustainable, low carbon solution to the problem of temperature control, geothermal techniques are gaining popularity. Here’s how it works.
What is Geothermal Energy?
Down in the core of the earth, magma is constantly producing heat. This radiates out from the centre, warming the earth. Geothermal energy is this heat, which can be harnessed by drilling down and installing pipes which take water into the earth to be heated, or cooled. Systems often utilise underground thermal springs, so choosing the right site is important.
Three Different Solutions
High density polythene pipes are fed into the ground in one of three different configurations, depending on the site of your property. For some properties this will be a horizontal layout, where pipes go down a short distance and then run parallel to the ground for some time. For others this will be a vertical layout, where pipes go a long distance down before returning to the surface. If you have a nearby water source to use, then the pipes will visit the water and return via the earth. Geothermal systems can be set to run either as heating units, returning with the air warmed by the natural temperature of the earth, or cooling air conditioners that simply remove the heat from the air.
Check Your Property
Before thinking about installing a geothermal system you should check with a professional and ensure that there are no buried pipes under your property which may cause a problem. Ensure that all your other systems are working well by contacting a plumber such as http://www.rjplumbingandheating.co.uk/boilerServicing.htm to arrange a boiler service in Guildford, or check the Gas Safe register to find a qualified engineer near you.
Does it Add Up?
The cost of installing geothermal systems varies depending on the size of the property and where it is located, so a full estimate would be needed. Once installed though, systems quickly begin paying for themselves as they rarely use any energy to operate. This makes geothermal systems very attractive to both the penny wise and the environmentally concious consumer.
Possibly the greenest solution to temperature control, and with low to no running costs, geothermal energy is the heating and cooling system that genuinely doesn’t cost the earth.
