Yes. You can use an existing water well for your geothermal system. If it has sufficient water flow and a place for water discharge. You can use a creek, a pond, or a field for water discharge.
A hybrid geothermal system combines elements of a conventional water loop heat pump system in order to reduce the geothermal loop heat exchanger costs, which are probably the largest cost element of a geothermal system.
The geothermal heat pump, also known as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating.
What are the Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy?
- Environmental Concerns about Greenhouse Emissions.
- Possibility of Depletion of Geothermal Sources.
- High Investment Costs for Geothermal System.
- Land Requirements for Geothermal System to Be Installed.
Geothermal plants can release small amounts of greenhouse gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Water that flows through underground reservoirs can pick up trace amounts of toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, and selenium.
Geothermal heat pumps don't generate heat — they just transfer it from the ground into your home. For every 1 unit of energy used to power your geothermal system, on average 4 units of heat energy are supplied. Why geothermal heat pumps use more electricity than furnaces (but less than conventional air conditioners)
When you are looking at traditional HVAC systems and the way they operate, you can easily see how comparably, a geothermal heat pump would save a lot more money. When studied, it was shown that using geothermal as your energy source, you can save up to 65% more than you would if you were using traditional HVAC systems.
Table: 10 Best Geothermal Heat Pump of 2021
| PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES |
|---|
| Miami Steel Heat Pump | Multi-speed blower motor |
| Climatemaster Heat Pump | Variable-speed fan |
| HB Compact Heat Pump | R-410A refrigerant |
| HPH Water 3 Ton Heat Pump | Copeland scroll compressor |
A minimum land area of 700 square metres would be necessary for loops of this size to be laid. A useful benchmark: about 400 to 600 feet of horizontal loops are needed for each ton of energy required to heat or cool.
Depending on latitude, ground temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer.
For a horizontal loop you only need to dig between 6 - 8 feet deep. For a vertical loop you need to drill between 250 and 300 feet deep.
Some of the most common types of geothermal heat pumps include closed loop, open loop, horizontal, and vertical systems. A professional like Sandhills Heating & Refrigeration can let you and your family know which one is best for your home.
The amount of water required for the operation of a geothermal heat pump on an open loop is 1.5 gallons per minute, per ton of capacity. For example, if you need a 3-ton geothermal heat pump, your water requirements would be 4.5 gallons per minute.
Disadvantages of geothermal energy
- Environmental issues. There is an abundance of greenhouse gases below the surface of the earth.
- Surface instability (earthquakes) Construction of geothermal power plants can affect the stability of land.
- Expensive.
- Location specific.
- Sustainability issues.
The homeowner said he was paying $150/month for propane, and if we deduce the average geothermal kWh use it would be around $138/month, a savings of $12/month. In today's dollars, the price of geo is 1/3 the cost of propane, so he would save $3,000 per year.
A geothermal heat pump uses electricity. In a lot of areas around the country, natural gas costs are very low. It is much cheaper to operate a natural gas furnace than to rely on an electric furnace. Basically, geothermal heating costs are going to be as good and often better than what a gas furnace can produce.
Although geothermal heat pumps can be integrated easily with existing systems such as forced-air or radiant floor heating, you'll need space in a utility room or basement for all necessary components. Designing and installing a geothermal HVAC system is a complex process.
On an average, a homeowner can expect to invest about $12,000 to $30,000 as geothermal heating and cooling cost. This cost would cover a complete geothermal installation. For large homes, the cost can range from $30,000 to $45,000 for high end ground source heat pump systems.
Geothermal systems can raise a home's value because buyers like to purchase properties that will save them money and help protect the environment. For a prospective buyer who intends to stay in their home for 20 years for example, that adds up to $45,000 in total savings.
An Overview of Geothermal Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| A reliable source as its easier to predict the power output from a geothermal plant with a high degree of accuracy. | Energy fluid needs to be pumped back into the underground reservoirs faster than it is depleted. Management is required to maintain sustainability. |
Pros and cons of ground source heat pumps
| Pros of GSHPs | Cons of GSHPs |
|---|
| Significant savings on heating and cooling costs | High upfront installation costs |
| Environmentally friendly | May require significant landscape alterations |
| Work in most climates | Open-loop systems may contaminate groundwater |
The initial cost for the field and power plant is around $2500 per installed kW in the U.S., probably $3000 to $5000/kWe for a small (<1Mwe) power plant. Operating and maintenance costs range from $0.01 to $0.03 per kWh.
