Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association

WaySearch 4248 Park Glen Road Minneapolis
Minnesota USA
55416
Contact Person: James Strandlund
Phone: 952.928.4651
Fax: 952.929.1318

The Minnesota Geothermal Heat Pump Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to further advancing the geothermal heat pump technology in the state of Minnesota. The organization is comprised of many industry professionals from contractors, engineers & designers, well drilling contractors, loop field contractors, heat pump manufacturers & distributors, electric utilities, and associates to the industry. The primary goal of the association is to provide the industry with training to insure proper design and installations as well as educating the public about the technology. The other main focus of the association will be to work with state and local officials on regulations and other issues that could affect either the geothermal industry, the environment, or the consumer.

Are Geothermal heat pumps the way to go?

Are Geothermal heat pumps the way to go?

Tim and I are considering the great benefits of Geothermal heating At first I was quite skeptical of the whole "Heat Pump," but I am finding myself changing my tune. After listening to some very convincing arguments, we are now strongly looking into the option. I do have to admit that the upfront costs is quite shocking. $20,000 on top of a new home can add up quickly. But after further research we are finding that the government is subsidizing 30% of the cost, plus we could save about 30-40% in our energy bills.

I still would like to run some of our own numbers, but if the cost of the Geothermal Heating raises our mortgage costs, and lowers our Energy costs at the same time, could it be a wash? And at the same time add resell value to your home?

As part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, tax incentives for the installation of Geothermal heating and cooling systems were extended. The new legislation covers installations from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016. Homeowners who install Geothermal systems during this time may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed cost in tax credit in the year the system is placed into services with no cap on the credit.
"Geothermal systems cost approximately $20,000. Therefore, this new credit could be worth over $7,000 to tax payers," said Carolyn Rolfes, President of Potterhill Homes. "Add this to the savings on heating and cooling that Geothermal owners see from the first month and there has never been a more appealing time to intall this kind of system."
Potterhill Homes offers a Geothermal system upgrade on almost all their homes. See an associate for information. Homeowners considering installing a Geothermal system should consult their tax accountant for verific

Geothermal heat pump drilling

The Geodrill 4R drill rig (patent pending) is compact and powerful. The system is mounted to a central drill chamber (depth = 1.2 metres, diameter = 1.0 metre). The drilling chamber is pre-positioned and remains in the ground providing a clean environment for maintenance needs.

The rotary ring connects the drill rig to the drill chamber so that the system can be rotated 360°. The angle of inclination is also adjustable, with a range between 35 to 65 degrees. Number, layout and position of the heat pipes are planned in advance.

In a second step heat pipes and thermal cement grout hoses are installed. To make sure that the heat pipes work properly, a pressure test is conducted. While the grout hoses are removed heat conductive thermal grouts secure the heat pipes from bottom to top in the borehole. This also prevents their thermal "short-circuits".

The operation of the system is user-friendly. A skilled and well trained geothermal drilling team is able to install heat pipes up to a length of approx. 100 m per day.

Geothermal heat pump Workshop Set for Sept. 26th

Geothermal Workshop Set for Sept. 26th

Join us for a free workshop on Saturday, September 26 from 10-11:30 am. Learn why geothermal heat pumps are 3-5 times more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems and can pay for itself in as little as 6 years. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes and speak with experts in geothermal and heat pump design and installation. Don’t have the space for a geothermal loop? Learn about heat pump options that rival the efficiency of geothermal, as well as dual-fuel and other high efficiency systems. Discuss the environmental impacts of geothermal and new refrigerant standards. Registration is free, but space is limited. Call 877.636.3366 or e-mail info@starksinc.com to register or for more information.

Michelle O\'Dell - Green by Design | 19551 N. Dixie Highway | Bowling Green, OH 43402

The Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pump Technology

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.

A geothermal heat pump system takes advantage of the free, renewable energy source found in your own backyard to efficiently and economically heat and cool your home. As a result, the system reduces energy costs for the homeowner-sometimes as much as 70 percent. What's more, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides homeowners with a federal renewable tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment of a geothermal system installation completed before Dec. 31, 2016. This incentive, along with utility rebates and other tax incentives, can make geothermal systems more affordable than ever before.

Unlike ordinary air conditioners or heat pumps, whisper-quiet geothermal systems use no noisy outdoor units that disturb the outdoor environment or neighbors and require less maintenance than ordinary outdoor units subject to the wear and tear of weather, extreme temperatures and vandalism. Once installed, the average system lifespan exceeds 24 years-compared to 15 years for an ordinary system.

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. In many cases, the monthly savings a geothermal system offers can offset any monthly loan payments for the system's installation, and the long-term return on investment is likely to be higher. At the same time, the many benefits the system offers may help increase the resale value of your home.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed geothermal heat pumps as the best systems for temperature control!

Geothermal Heat Pump Cost

The cost of a geothermal (ground-source or water-source) heat pump can run $3,000 -$8,000, and the more expensive models may include options such as a two-stage compressor or a hot water heater. Excavation and installation costs can bump total costs up to $10,000 -$25,000 or more, depending on depth of pipes, type of equipment and soil conditions.



Discounts:

Utility companies and other agencies may pay a rebate on an energy-efficient geothermal heat pump; check with your local power company .Energy Star-rated geothermal heat pumps may qualify for up to a $2,000 federal tax credit in 2009.

!!! -> The US Department of Energy provides guidelines for selecting and installing a geothermal heat pump system.