Geothermal Heating Systems- Are They Right For You?Geothermal heating systems are the systems that utilize the earth's heat for heating purposes. These systems can use the earths heat to heat up water etc. Unlike the conventional resources, and the conventional methods of heating, this method is not dependent on any of the resources that are less in quantity. There can be no scarcity of heat in the earth's crust and hence these geothermal heating systems can be used as much as you want. This system may also be used to produce electricity. This involves digging deeper into the earth where the heat energy present is to the extent which could convert water sent into steam. The working is similar as the water is sent via pipes and the steam is used to drive large turbines which lead to the production of electricity. These two traditional methods of heating pose a threat to the environment in terms of the emissions they produce to generate heat or electricity respectively. The first method that is fuel powered direct heating systems involve burning of fossil fuels such as gas or oil to run the heating system which immediately throws questions on how feasible it is with respect to pollution norms. The second option that is electricity controlled heating systems raises questions on the rising electricity costs. The geothermal system is a very good option to replace both of these traditional methods of heating. The geo thermal system takes advantage of the earth's ability to store heat energy in the soil and near the surface rocks. The temperature is maintained at a constant value under the earth. The geothermal system is also called the ground source heat pump. Geo means earth and thermal refers to heat. Many parts of the world experience cold temperatures or winters and require some sort of a heating provision to counter the weather at home, business places or buildings. These Geothermal heating systems rely usually on two sources of energy either fuel powered boilers or electric powered systems. Both of these traditional methods have disadvantages which could be overcome by using a geothermal system. A typical set up requires the use of a heat pump which is a device that transfers heat energy from one source to the other. Ground source units are used to pull the heat from the earth and deliver it to homes/buildings. These heat pumps not only provide heating these can also be used for cooling purposes. The cooling requires a reverse process wherein heat is derived from the building and then delivered to the earth. The Geothermal heating system typically involves closed loop systems wherein water in the closed loops is made to run through the ground near the building which absorbs the heat energy under the earth. This water is pumped back into the building via the closed loop system and thus heating the building. After the heat is transferred to the building the same water is pushed back in to the earth and the process is repeated. In the summer time this process is reversed. |