A: It's a "Win, Win, Win" situation. A Win for YOU, our customer, because you can expect a 30% to 70% reduction in your heating and cooling costs. A Win for the environment because this is use of a renewable energy - the earth. A Win for the utility because it offers unsurpassed cooling efficiency that helps us reduce summer peaks. That, paired with additional winter energy sales, increases our overall efficiency and helps keeps our prices as low as possible!

Q: Is geothermal heating and cooling new?

A: Not really. The basic technology has been around for more than 20 years, and many homeowners and businesses have been enjoying the benefits of geothermal heating and cooling for much of that time. Many improvements have been made in the materials used, the installation methods, and the efficiencies of the compressors, pumps and other equipment.

Q: How do geothermal systems work?

A: Geothermal heat pumps use the earth's energy storage capability to heat and cool your home, and to provide hot water. The earth is a huge energy storage device that absorbs 47% of the sun's energy, 500 times more energy than we need every year, in the form of clean, renewable energy. Geothermal heat pumps take this heat during the heating season, at an efficiency approaching or exceeding 400%, and return it during the cooling season.

Q: What are the main advantages of geothermal systems?

A: #1. Comfort! Even temperatures are maintained. #2. Savings. You can expect a 30% to 70% reduction in your heating and cooling costs. #3. Renewable. Geothermal systems transfer energy from the earth. They don't create it by burning a fuel. #4. Safety. Geothermal systems produce no carbon monoxide in the home and have no flame. #5. Quiet. No outdoor noise as there isn't an outdoor condenser.

Q: Who may benefit most from the installation of a geothermal system?

A: Those who want to reduce their use and cost of other fuels, are concerned for our environment, and want greater comfort than their current system.

Q: Are these systems useful in the newer, smaller, highly insulated homes?

A: Yes, geothermal systems will be proportionally lower in operating costs. As energy costs per BTU increase, the savings will be increasingly more significant and appreciated. The payback and return on investment will be about the same as a larger system.

Q: Does geothermal heating and cooling cost more?

A: That depends on how you measure cost. While they do cost more to install in homes than conventional systems, because of the ground loop piping, geothermal systems typically have the lowest life-cycle cost of any heating and cooling system. Heating and cooling costs for a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. home can run as low as $1 a day. Moreover, installation costs have declined substantially in recent years, and they're expected to continue to fall, as more builders and contractors offer geothermal systems, and as the industry develops innovative ways to install the systems faster and more efficiently. Altogether, geothermal systems are a sound investment. The amount they save the homeowner every month in energy costs is more than enough to offset their higher installation cost. Geothermal heating and cooling means extra savings on repair, maintenance, and hot water bills. The energy efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling adds value to the home.

Q: What effect would increased use of geothermal systems have on electricity cost and availability?

A: Geothermal heating and cooling uses less energy for cooling than any other cooling technology; therefore, the need for us to purchase expensive peak power in the summertime is reduced. Our overall efficiency is also increased as geothermal heating uses available generation capacity.

Q: Can these systems be used for commercial, industrial, or apartment requirements?

A: Yes, many systems are being installed using heat pumps that are connected to an internal loop, which is ultimately connected to the vertical or horizontal loop field. This eliminates most ducting and greatly simplifies zone control and internal load balancing. Many schools in Minnesota are installing geothermal heating and cooling technology as well as numerous other commercial/industrial businesses.

Q: What kind of pipe is used for the earth loop?

A: Polyethylene, which is the same pipe used for gas lines. Tests have shown the pipe to last for 100 years!