In order for green technologies to be used by the general population, they need to be both practical and cost effective. If a product is not practical, then no one but the most earthy crunchy will use it. If the product is not cost effective, then the general population will either not be able to afford it, or not believe it’s worth the money to buy it.
When my wife and I remodeled our last house, we tried to do it as environmentally friendly as possible. Unfortunately, not everything we did was as green as possible because budget was a factor. We ended up using the less costly options, unless there was going to be an eventual payoff. We chose high efficiency windows, opened and insulated all the walls, went with Energy Star appliances, and installed an attic fan rather than air conditioning. However, we made a few choices that were not completely ungreen, but could have been better.
Sustainable flooring ended up being about twice the cost of engineered flooring, so we ended up saving a few thousand dollars. The furnace we replaced was toward the efficient end of the spectrum, but it would have been an extra two thousand dollars to get the most efficient model. We also wanted to put in solar panels, but ended up choosing a functional master bathroom instead. Money is a factor for the general population, so compromises need to be made in order to accomplish actual goals.
Our end goal was to remodel an old beaten up house into something liveable. Being as green as possible isn’t always practical, especially if you’re running out of money. When you’re not able to go completely green, for whatever reason, it’s progress as long as you’re trending in the right direction.
Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.
Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.
In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.
There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.
When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!
Hank@GreenAirExpert.info
http://www.geothermalexperts.net