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Geothermal heating has been used since the time of the Roman Empire as a way of heating by utilizing sources of hot water and steam that exist near the surface of the Earth. The ultimate source of geothermal energy is believed to be from the radioactive residue that occurs deep within the Earth’s crust. Where geothermal resources are available, it is possible to distribute hot water or steam to multiple buildings.
In recent years, the term geothermal heating has frequently been used to refer to the heating and cooling that can be achieved with a geothermal heat pump. This technique is generally for residential use. It involves a refrigerant liquid being pumped through pipes in the ground, heating the liquid. This liquid is brought back into the house, and the heat exchanged. The same technique is used to cool the house.
Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the natural constant temperature of the earth. During winter when the ground temperature is warmer than the air above it, geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s soil (or groundwater) to recover the earth’s heat. In contrast, an air-source heat pump will remove heat from the cold outside air and thus requires more energy.
In the summer months, geothermal heat pumps deliver heat to the same relatively cool soil (or groundwater) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air. As a result, the heat is pumped over a smaller temperature difference with a geothermal heat pump and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use.
Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that encourages conservation of natural resources. Ge0thermal systems are estimated by experts to save homeowners 30-70 percent in heating costs, and 20-50 percent in cooling costs, compared to conventional systems Geo-exchange systems also save money because they require much less maintenance. In addition to being highly reliable, they are built to last for decades.
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