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.

Geothermal Heat Pump for heating, cooling and hot water

Basic concept of Geothermal Heat Pump or Ground Source Heat Exchanger System for Heating, Cooling and providing Hot Water.

Installing Geothermal Heat Pumps

Because of the technical knowledge and equipment needed to properly install the piping, a GHP system installation is not a do-it-yourself project. To find a qualified installer, call your local utility company, the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association or the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium for their listing of qualified installers in your area. Installers should be certified and experienced. Ask for references, especially for owners of systems that are several years old, and check them.

The ground heat exchanger in a GHP system is made up of a closed or open loop pipe system. Most common is the closed loop, in which high density polyethylene pipe is buried horizontally at 4-6 feet deep or vertically at 100 to 400 feet deep. These pipes are filled with an environmentally friendly antifreeze/water solution that acts as a heat exchanger. In the winter, the fluid in the pipes extracts heat from the earth and carries it into the building. In the summer, the system reverses and takes heat from the building and deposits it to the cooler ground.

The air delivery ductwork distributes the heated or cooled air through the house's duct work, just like conventional systems. The box that contains the indoor coil and fan is sometimes called the air handler because it moves house air through the heat pump for heating or cooling. The air handler contains a large blower and a filter just like conventional air conditioners.

Most geothermal heat pumps are automatically covered under your homeowner's insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider to find out what its policy is. Even if your provider will cover your system, it is best to inform them in writing that you own a new system.

Evaluating Your Site for a Geothermal Heat Pump

Because shallow ground temperatures are relatively constant throughout the United States, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) can be effectively used almost anywhere. However, the specific geological, hydrological, and spatial characteristics of your land will help your local system supplier/installer determine the best type of ground loop for your site:

Geology
Factors such as the composition and properties of your soil and rock (which can affect heat transfer rates) require consideration when designing a ground loop. For example, soil with good heat transfer properties requires less piping to gather a certain amount of heat than soil with poor heat transfer properties. The amount of soil available contributes to system design as well — system suppliers in areas with extensive hard rock or soil too shallow to trench may install vertical ground loops instead of horizontal loops.

Hydrology
Ground or surface water availability also plays a part in deciding what type of ground loop to use. Depending on factors such as depth, volume, and water quality, bodies of surface water can be used as a source of water for an open-loop system, or as a repository for coils of piping in a closed-loop system. Ground water can also be used as a source for open-loop systems, provided the water quality is suitable and all ground water discharge regulations are met.

Before you purchase an open-loop system, you will want to be sure your system supplier/installer has fully investigated your site's hydrology, so you can avoid potential problems such as aquifer depletion and groundwater contamination. Antifreeze fluids circulated through closed-loop systems generally pose little to no environmental hazard.

Land Availability
The amount and layout of your land, your landscaping, and the location of underground utilities or sprinkler systems also contribute to your system design. Horizontal ground loops (generally the most economical) are typically used for newly constructed buildings with sufficient land. Vertical installations or more compact horizontal "Slinky™" installations are often used for existing buildings because they minimize the disturbance to the landscape.

Economics of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps save money in operating and maintenance costs. While the initial purchase price of a residential GHP system is often higher than that of a comparable gas-fired furnace and central air-conditioning system, it is more efficient, thereby saving money every month. For further savings, GHPs equipped with a device called a "desuperheater" can heat the household water. In the summer cooling period, the heat that is taken from the house is used to heat the water for free. In the winter, water heating costs are reduced by about half.

On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2,500 per ton of capacity, or roughly $7,500 for a 3-ton unit (a typical residential size). ). A system using horizontal ground loops will generally cost less than a system with vertical loops. In comparison, other systems would cost about $4,000 with air conditioning.

Although initially more expensive to install than conventional systems, properly sized and installed GHPs deliver more energy per unit consumed than conventional systems.

And since geothermal heat pumps are generally more efficient, they are less expensive to operate and maintain — typical annual energy savings range from 30% to 60%. Depending on factors such as climate, soil conditions, the system features you choose, and available financing and incentives, you may even recoup your initial investment in two to ten years through lower utility bills.

But when included in a mortgage, your GHP will have a positive cash flow from the beginning. For example, say that the extra $3,500 will add $30 per month to each mortgage payment. The energy cost savings will easily exceed that added mortgage amount over the course of each year.

On a retrofit, the GHP's high efficiency typically means much lower utility bills, allowing the investment to be recouped in two to ten years. It may also be possible to include the purchase of a GHP system in an "energy-efficient mortgage" that would cover this and other energy-saving improvements to the home. Banks and mortgage companies can provide more information on these loans.

There may be a number of special financing options and incentives available to help offset the cost of adding a geothermal heat pump (GHP) to your home. These provisions are available from federal, state, and local governments; power providers; and banks or mortgage companies that offer energy-efficient mortgage loans for energy-saving home improvements. Be sure the system you're interested in qualifies for available incentives before you make your final purchase.

To find out more about financing and incentives that are available to you, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) Web site. The site is frequently updated with the latest incentives. You should also check with your electric utility and ask if they offer any rebates, financing, or special electric rate programs.

Heating and Cooling Efficiency of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The heating efficiency of ground-source and water-source heat pumps is indicated by their coefficient of performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat provided in Btu per Btu of energy input. Their cooling efficiency is indicated by the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is the ratio of the heat removed (in Btu per hour) to the electricity required (in watts) to run the unit. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which indicates a heating COP of 2.8 or greater and an EER of 13 or greater.

Manufacturers of high-efficiency geothermal heat pumps voluntarily use the EPA ENERGY STAR label on qualifying equipment and related product literature. If you are purchasing a geothermal heat pump and uncertain whether it meets ENERGY STAR qualifications, ask for an efficiency rating of at least 2.8 COP or 13 EER.

Many geothermal heat pump systems carry the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and EPA ENERGY STAR label. Ask your contractor about special financing or incentives for purchasing energy efficient products, including ENERGY STAR qualified products.

Significant savings with geothermal heat pumps

When it comes to heating and cooling homes, schools and even penguins at Woodland Park Zoo, a growing number of people are turning to a source as old as the Earth itself: geothermal heat.

"It seems like the floodgates have opened," said Gerard Maloney, owner of Earthheat, a Duvall company that has been installing commercial and residential geothermal systems for more than 10 years. "When [gasoline] hit $4.50 a gallon, the phone started ringing off the hook."

Significant savings

The main attraction of geothermal heat is the savings.

Maloney estimates the cost of running a geothermal system in a 3,000-square-foot house would be about $700 a year, with an equivalent natural-gas system costing as much as $6,000 a year.

But Dave Sjoding, a renewable-energy specialist at Washington State University, said measuring the efficiency of geothermal systems varies because comparisons are affected by differences between types of high-efficiency furnaces, as well as the costs of competing fuels.

One analysis used by Maloney, however, estimates a 70 percent drop in home energy costs.

The Department of Energy estimates ground-source heat pumps use 25 to 50 percent less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems.

"We're really excited about this," said Monica Lake, project manager for the Woodland Park Zoo's penguin exhibit.

She said the zoo is using a $65,000 grant from Seattle City Light to help fund the $210,000 project. The zoo chose the geothermal system because it requires nearly zero long-term maintenance and because of the energy savings.

There is a catch. A geothermal system costs more to install. Maloney believes that may be the reason why geothermal systems haven't become widely popular.

"Our costs are usually about 50 percent more than conventional equipment," said Maloney, comparing a geothermal system with a high-efficiency furnace, hot-water heater and air-conditioner installation. "That 50 percent you'll generally see back in about five years."

He estimates the cost of providing a conventional natural-gas system, including a furnace, air conditioner and water heater, might be $10,000. A ground-source geothermal system probably would cost $15,000 to $20,000, he said.

Those high upfront costs also are cited as a major barrier by David Clement, Seattle City Light director of resource planning. Additional concerns include the space needed to install underground piping and a general ignorance that the systems even exist.

"Another thing that puts a damper on it is we enjoy relatively low-cost electricity," he said. "It's also partly a function of how they [potential buyers] just haven't seen much of it."

If I want to know more about geothermal heat - 50+ FAQs about Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal Heat Pump Installation Options

The ground heat exchanger in a GHP system is made up of a closed or open loop pipe system. Most common is the closed loop, in which high density polyethylene pipe is buried horizontally at 4-6 feet deep or vertically at 100 to 400 feet deep. These pipes are filled with an environmentally friendly antifreeze/water solution that acts as a heat exchanger.

There are four basic types of ground loop systems. Three of these — horizontal, vertical, and pond/lake — are closed-loop systems. The fourth type of system is the open-loop option. Which one of these is best depends on the climate, soil conditions, available land, and local installation costs at the site. All of these approaches can be used for residential and commercial building applications.

The installation of a GHP system is not for the do-it-yourselfer. Contact local utilities for references on licensed and experienced installers. In addition, many states have Heat Pump Councils which may provide additional referrals.

GHP Open-Loop Systems

This type of GHPS uses well(s) or surface body water as the heat exchange fluid that circulates directly through the Geothermal heat pump system (GHP). Once it has circulated through the system, the water returns to the ground through the well, a recharge well, or surface discharge. This option is obviously practical only where there is an adequate supply of relatively clean water, and all local codes and regulations regarding groundwater discharge are met.

Vertical Closed-Loop Installation

Large commercial buildings and schools often use vertical systems because the land area required for horizontal loops would be prohibitive. Vertical loops are also used
where the soil is too shallow for trenching, and they minimize the disturbance to existing landscaping. For a vertical system, holes (approximately four inches in diameter) are drilled about 20 feet apart and 100 to 400 feet deep. Into these holes go two pipes that are connected at the bottom with a U-bend to form a loop. The vertical loops are connected with horizontal pipe (i.e., manifold), placed in trenches, and connected to the heat pump in the building.