The word geothermal comes from the Greek words "geo" (earth) and "therme" (heat). It is energy generated by heat stored beneath the Earth's surface. We can use this energy to heat and cool our homes as well as provide hot water.

ENERGY INSIDE THE EARTH

While temperatures above ground change a lot from day to day and season to season, temperatures in the upper 10 feet of the Earth's surface hold nearly constant between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For most areas, this means that soil temperatures are usually warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer. Geothermal heat pumps use the Earth's constant temperatures to heat and cool buildings. They transfer heat from the ground into buildings in winter and reverse the process in the summer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Energy along with the EPA have partnered with our industry to promote the use of geothermal heat pumps.

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP (GSHP)

A GSHP system is the mechanical system that takes the energy from the earth and converts it into the energy used to heat and cool your home. GSHP System can be installed in a residential structure of any size, anywhere, whether it is single-family or multi-family. GSHPs can be installed on almost any size lot: under lawns, landscaped areas, driveways, or the house itself. An existing house can be retrofitted with a GSHP using the ductwork that is already there. Custom Mechanical Services will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed. We will be able to determine which type of system installation will work best for your home. We will provide a quote that is specifically designed for your home.

TYPES OF INSTALLATIONS

Custom Mechanical Services only installs the most efficient and environment friendly systems. We offer two types of closed loop systems.

Horizontal Loop System also referred to as "trenching" these loops are common for applications where substantial land is available. Pipes are buried at five-foot to eight-foot depths in trenches ranging from one hundred feet to three hundred feet in length. Typically one pipe or circuit is used for every ton of equipment. The circuits are placed side by side and are spread apart by ten-feet or more. The trenches are covered with the soil that was removed during digging, and will settle around the ground loop. These systems are typically a more economical type of ground loop, as the equipment required is common and readily available.

Vertical Loop System also referred to as "boreholes" or "wells" these loops are common for applications where land is limited. Pipes are buried in drilled holes, with hole depths ranging from 150' to over 400'. Typically one pipe or circuit is used for every ton of equipment. These systems require a minimum of 15' spacing between boreholes, and 20' is recommended. The holes will be filled with a special thermally conductive grout to ensure pollutants do not enter the hole (and water table) and to ensure that there is good contact between the pipe and the earth.

GREAT BENEFITS:

• The Heat Pump is designed to provide heating as well as cooling so you don't need a separate system to add on central air conditioning.
• You can easily and efficiently add your domestic hot water heater to the system. This can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill.
• The mechanical components installed in your home are about the same size as a traditional heating/cooling unit.
• Nearly all GSHP system manufacturers offer a warranty for major components that is equivalent to the warranties for conventional heating and cooling systems.
• Underground Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.
• Keeps the air warmer in the winter and at a more consistent temperature throughout the home, eliminating the hot and cold spots common with other systems.
• Since the fan runs longer than conventional systems, it provides a perfect opportunity for adding air purification systems and humidifiers.
• Very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside the home. No noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities.
• No exposed equipment outdoors; children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units.
• No open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks. No possibility of Carbon Monoxide production from the GSHP.

GREAT LONG-TERM SAVINGS:

• Can cut energy consumption by 20 to 50% and reduce maintenance costs
• One of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today
• Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies
• Some can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill
• 20 to 40% higher efficiencies than available traditional air conditioning systems
• Save money in operating and maintenance costs
• Investments recouped in only a few years
• Positive cash flow; energy savings usually exceed the cost of the system
• Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their customers who purchase a GSHP System. Contact us to learn more about Connecticut's Loan Program click here.
• United Illuminating and Northeast Utilities are offering rebates in 2008. Contact us to learn more about this program click here.

ECO-FRIENDLY:

• Conserve natural resources by providing climate control efficiently and thus lowering emissions
• Minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged
• Uses underground loops to transfer heat, with no external venting and no air pollution
• "Go Green" with your GSHP

The owner of Custom Mechanical Services, Joe DeFusco, is an IGSHPA Accredited Installer. The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is a non-profit, member driven organization established in 1987 to advance geothermal heat pump (GHP) technology on local, state, national and international levels.