 Geothermal
The Ground
A geothermal system uses the energy of the sun, stored in the earth, to keep you in comfort all year round. Even in the winter, when a blanket of snow covers the ground, the earth's temperature remains approximately 10°C (50°F) at only six feet below the surface. This means that you have a steady supply of heat to keep you in comfort, even in the depths of the coldest winter.
The Pipes
A series of pipes buried in the ground. An ethanol solution is circulated through the pipes to make them highly efficient conductors of heat. In the winter, the ethanol in the pipes absorbs the heat from the ground and, now warmed up, the fluid is pumped back through the geothermal unit in the house. In the summer, the heat transfer process takes place in reverse. The fluid in the pipes leaves the house in a warm state, but after circulating underground, is cooled as the pipes exchange heat with the cooler earth.
The Geothermal Unit
The underground loops connect to the main geothermal unit installed in your house, and is connected to your home's forced air (or water radiator) system. Compatible with your home's distribution system: See options to the left for details on NextEnergy geothermal systems.
Forced Air
As our top performer, the Tranquility 27™ forced-air heat pump delivers the highest efficiency ratings in the industry. Self regulating two stage technology allows the Tranquility 27™ to operate at the most efficient speed for all weather conditions. Equipped with an electronic variable speed fan motor (ICM2), the Tranquility 27™ controls system air flow to assure high operating efficiency and superior dehumidification.
Water to Water
NextEnergy's new Tranquility THW™ water-to-water R410A high temperature heat pump provides high temperature output (140°F), internal controls, and factory-installed options. The Tranquility THW™ includes a special high temperature scroll compressor coupled with heat exchangers designed specifically for water heating, which results in unmatched efficiencies and performance.
Water-to-water-in-floor
Designed for use in heating or cooling applications requiring high efficiency performance, the Genesis GSW is the perfect selection. Commonly used residential applications that require energy efficient water to water heat transfer, the Genesis GSW can be used to pre-heat or cool make-up air or can be installed as a stand-alone boiler / chiller in most hydronic heating applications such as radiant floors and fan coil heating / cooling.
The Distribution System
After the pipes have done the heat transfer, and the geothermal unit has done its work maximizing the heat value of the circulated fluid, the heat is then drawn off the heat exchanger in the unit and circulated throughout the house using the existing distribution system.
Cooling In Summer
In the summer, the process is reversed. The hot air in the house is essentially absorbed by the geothermal unit which now circulates much cooler pipe fluid. The heat is transferred first to the pipes then to the ground outside before returning, cooled, to the house.
Distribution
The geothermal unit is connected to the home's existing heating/cooling distribution system, whether it's gravity or forced air, water-based (typically with radiators) or water-to-water in-floor radiant.
Low Maintenance
Cleaning the electrostatic filter once a month is all that's needed to keep the system in good running order.
Quiet Operation
Pumps quietly circulate fluid through the heat exchanger. No combustion or forced-flame noise is heard. An outdoor air conditioning unit, often noisy, is not required.
Comfort
Geothermal systems eliminate indoor temperature swings and humidity changes that often occur with traditional systems. In addition, the occasional odour caused by combustion of fossil fuel will also be eliminated.
Long System Life
Geothermal units have a life expectancy of at least 20 years.
The Environment
Geothermal systems use a renewable resource, the earth, which is efficient and non-polluting. Replacing a fossil fuel system with geothermal immediately cuts your household energy emissions by 50%, the equivalent of taking four cars off the road. Federal and provincial governments recognize the important role that geothermal plays in reducing home energy use, and have created rebate programs to facilitate installation.
Savings
No other method of home heating and cooling can match geothermal as a reliable way to reduce sky-high heating and cooling costs. Significant monthly savings are realized after "going geo", particularly for larger homes and also for homes heated with oil or propane. (Homes heated with natural gas can expect substantial savings over a longer payback period.)
Any home converted to a NextEnergy system from oil or electric resistance will cut about 75% off its yearly heating and cooling costs.
If propane heating is replaced with a NextEnergy system, the savings are even better, at approximately 80%.
Using geothermal for heating and cooling changes the way you pay for energy. Because you are taking advantage of the natural heating (or cooling) capacity of the earth, on property you own, you are drawing upon a new resource that is essentially free.
Save on Installation with Government Rebates
The federal and provincial governments recognize the environmental contribution of home geothermal systems and their benefits as a clean, renewable and energy efficient method for home heating and cooling. For more information: ecoENERGY
Environment
Geothermal for your home has tremendous potential to reduce carbon emissions and significantly reduce our impact on global warming.
A geothermal system installed in an average-sized home, replacing a traditional energy source, reduces fossil fuel emissions by the equivalent of taking two cars off the road, or planting an acre of trees.
We live in a time of diminishing natural resources. Most recently we have seen the impact on fossil fuels such as oil, where demand now outstrips supply. Not only does this force prices to rise sharply, it takes its toll on the environment, every day.
Clean, renewable NextEnergy geothermal systems make use of the energy of the sun, stored in the ground, to heat and cool your home or business. This energy is limitless, easy to access, and always available. It is also totally non-polluting.
Comfort
An added benefit of geothermal for your home is that the system effortlessly maintains a steady ambient room temperature.
The difference is simple: conventional systems rely on high-heat sources such as combustion and this means heat is delivered in bursts to satisfy your thermostat. With geothermal, a lower temperature heat source is constantly providing heat. Fewer bursts. Reduced noise. More comfort. Similarly, with a forced air system, by removing the source of combustion less dry air is required for burning. Less dry air. Again, more comfort.
Independence
In uncertain times, self-reliance is always practical. And above all, geothermal is a practical solution based on a simple principle.
You own your land, and the earth has latent heating and cooling capacity. A geothermal system simply taps into that resource, one that you already own.
Freedom from the oil delivery truck, the propane fill up or the natural gas bill is now possible. The only energy required is electricity for the geothermal unit.
The advantage is control over your energy future. That means less worry, knowing that the price of "free" geothermal energy will never increase. |
