Building Green

GeoExchange Energy

How GeoExchange Works

The temperature of the ground a few feet below the earth's surface remains relatively constant throughout the year, even though the outdoor air temperature varies greatly with the change of seasons. With GeoExchange (geothermal energy), this natural heat is collected through a series of pipes, called a loop, which are installed below ground.

The heat is transferred to the ground loop, which enables much of the heat collected to be stored in the ground for future use. An environmentally safe fluid is circulated through the loop and carries the heat from the ground to the building by means of an indoor heat pump system, whose fan and compressor require only a small amount of electricity to run. The heat pump then boosts the temperature and circulates the heated air through the building using conventional ductwork. In addition, a desuperheater included in the heat pump provides hot water to the home.

In summer, the process is reversed in order to cool the building. Excess heat is drawn from the building, expelled to the loop, and absorbed by the earth where it is stored until it is needed to heat the building again.

The Benefits

Lower Costs

With GeoExchange's dramatic energy efficiency, energy consumption for a new home's heating, cooling and hot water can be reduced by up to 80%.

Lower Maintenance

GeoExchange systems also require very little maintenance, needing only regular filter changes (just like a furnace) and periodic checks.

Environmentally Friendlier

GeoExchange systems work by moving heat, not generating it through combustion. So they don't emit carbon dioxide, the biggest culprit in climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are dramatically reduced by up to 85%.

Health and Safety

Because Geo systems do not burn fossil fuels they create absolutely no indoor air pollution - a major health benfit for virtually all homeowners.