Frequently Asked Questions
What is geothermal?
'Geo' is defined as 'of the earth.' 'Thermal' is defined as 'having to do with heat.' 'Geothermal' is defined as 'energy from the earth.' In this case that energy is used to condition your home.
What if I don’t think I have geothermal energy where I live?
'You do. Once you penetrate the earth’s surface to a depth of 5 feet you can harvest the earth’s energy. The average temperature at a 5 foot depth in the northwest is 47 degrees F.
How does the geothermal system work?
It works just like an air to air heat pump, but instead of using an outside condenser the ground actually becomes the condenser/evaporator. A water and antifreeze mixture is circulated through a sized length of pipe at a slow velocity. While this solution flows through the underground piping it either warms or cools itself depending if you are heating or cooling inside the home. This constant change in temperature through the volume of solution is the basic principal of geothermal. No more fossil fuels to burn.
How does the heat pump work when it is below freezing outside?
No matter what the air temperature is outside, the earth’s average temperature at the five foot depth that your loop is buried at is always around 47 degrees F. Water circulating at this depth absorbs heat from the earth and is then pumped into the geothermal heat pump where the heat is transferred from the water to the home. In case of extemely cold temperatures an auxiliary heat source will input the BTU's needed to keep the home comfortable. This hybrid heat option can be provided with gas or electric back up. Estimated run times for the auxiliary heating equipment is under 12 hours per year in the northwest.
How is geothermal 400% efficient?
For years 80% and 90% gas furnaces have been the standard. What that means to the homeowner is that for every dollar you spend on gas or electricity you only get 80 or 90 cents worth of heating. Not only that but with gas and electric you are also polluting the atmosphere. With geothermal every dollar you spend gets you four dollars worth of heating or cooling and there is no venting so there is very little pollution.
How much does it cost?
The initial cost of a geothermal system is becoming more affordable everyday as the market gets more competative and gas prices continue to rise. Combine the current utlility rebates with state and federal tax incentives and the return on your investment is quickly realized. Combine those incentives with the fact you could save up to 70% on current monthly heating bills and you just put yourself in a position to save money every month for the rest of your life owning that property. Go to our rebate link to find out about incentives in your area.
Northwest Geothermal. LLC
11904 North Emerlad Drive. Hayden, ID 83835
1-208-819-1413
11904 North Emerlad Drive. Hayden, ID 83835
1-208-819-1413