Geothermal systems -- highly efficient and friendly
The weather in North Dakota can be extreme – ranging from oppressive
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The earth has a handy property that makes geothermal systems possible: year-round temperature stability. |
highs in the 100s to freezing lows below zero. If you’re considering building a new home, there’s a simple solution that uses the abundant, natural energy the earth stores to heat and cool the home. It’s called the geothermal system or ground source heat pump.
The earth has a handy property that makes geothermal systems possible: year-round temperature stability. Picture a long pipe that loops underground. Pour ice water into one end of the pipe, and warmer water comes out the other end. The earth’s stable temperature is warmer than the water and gives some of its heat to it. Likewise, warm water going in would come out cooler. This simple piece of physics is what makes the geothermal system work. Fluid cycles through a “loop field,” gathering up heat in the winter. A compressor concentrates this natural energy and uses it for home heating. In the summer, the process is simply reversed.
Geothermal systems come in many different styles to fit the differing needs of our members. Best of all, along with being highly efficient, it’s environmentally friendly.
“There’s never been a better time to install a geothermal system,” says Doug Mork, member services director for Capital Electric. “Projections for gas prices indicate that operating a geothermal system will cost one fifth to one eighth that of a gas system. Right now, it’s still well in advance of the upcoming heating season. With adequate notice, contractors would have plenty of time to install the equipment.”
Mork says the initial investment of a geothermal system may cost anywhere in between $5,000 and $10,000 more than a conventional gas system. Because of soaring gas prices, he says members will likely see the payback in as short as three to five years.
“These systems are not an expense, they are an investment. They add to the value of your home,” he says. “They are three to four times more efficient than conventional resistance-style heat, like baseboard heaters and plenum heaters. They are low-cost to operate. And they are extremely efficient for air conditioning.
“For new installation, it’s a no-brainer,” Mork says. “For a retrofit into an existing home, it’s also an easy decision. If consumers have a high-cost gas system and want to increase the efficiency of their heating and get an extremely high-efficient air conditioning system as well, they should seriously consider adding geothermal to their current system.”
For more information on geothermal systems, call Doug or Josh at 223-1513 today. Freezing temperatures are just around the corner!
The editors gratefully acknowledge Basin Electric Power Cooperative for material used in this article.