Alternative Energy Technologies

Geothermal Heating & Cooling

We can utilize the naturally stable temperature of the earth to heat and cool our homes using geothermal heating and cooling. The earth’s temperature, usually around 55 °F (13 °C), can be used to either heat or cool a building. Depending on the climate, a heat pump can be used to either draw up or send down heat. These heat pumps act like solar hot water systems, using a liquid to transfer heat. For climates requiring cooling, the heat pump takes the heat from the building and transfers it via the fluid into the cooler earth. The opposite occurs when a home needs heating. The heat pump will draw heat from the earth and pump it up to the building to be used for either a forced air or radiant system. In some cases, geothermal heat can be used to generate electricity using a turbine rotated by dry steam. You may qualify for tax credits or rebates for purchasing and installing geothermal heat pumps. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see your area’s programs.