 Geothermal Energy
When most people think of geothermal energy they think of huge spikes driven into the earth to generate energy using heat from the earth. It is the thermal energy from the earth's core, which is stored in the rock in the earth's crust.
But for domestic use, the Earth can provide heat at an affordable price. Ground-source heat pumps use the diffuse low temperature resource which is available everywhere. The heat pump, moves heat from one place to another, transfers heat from the soil to the building in winter and from the building to the soil in summer.
What are the benefits?
All geothermal and ground source heat pumps work without any combustion, making them safer than man alternatives, as well as lower operating costs and minimal maintenance costs. In addition they provide the following benefits over conventional heating systems.
- Unobtrusive - there are no exposed external units or noise
- No emissions except for the minimal energy used by the pump to drive water around the system
- No fuel handling/storage requirements
- Long lifetime
- Lower maintenance and running costs
- Significant reduction in consequential Carbon Dioxide
Although ground source heat pumps require space to lay the loops of pipe, so you will need a garden, although you don't need much space. The running costs are minimal and will operate year round.
For more information on ground source heat pumps, check out our Stove Shop Renewables website or call for more information. |
