Get a Behind-The-Curtain Look at Geothermal Heating Cooling

If you say a little prayer right before you open the gas-electricity bill, learning you could knock 70% off the amount would get your attention.  That's the estimated savings using geothermal technology.  But what's the costs?  How does it work?  Cornell Cooperative Extension wants to give you the answers.

Mary Wrege with CCE says a solution to high energy costs is buried underground. Super-efficient geothermal pumps can provide clean, quiet geothermal heating and cooling while cutting utility bills by up to 70%. The earth’s temperature stays at a constant 50 degrees. The efficiency of a ground-source heat pump makes pretty easy work of extracting and disbursing heat through the 50 degree liquid circulating in the ground loops. Deep wells may also be an option if space and lateral loops do not fit the property plan. It takes one kilowatt/hour of electricity for a geothermal heat pump to produce nearly 12,000 BTU of cooling or heating which is twice as efficient as the top-rated air conditioners.

The Extension will be hosting a "Behind-the Curtain" look at the system at John Mcnulty's property in West Winfield on Thursday, March 16 from 10 until noon.  Guest speaker, Nick Pryputniewicz is a mechanical engineer with NP Environmental.  Nick will be speaking about the basics of geothermal systems, components, costs and offer information on site evaluations, energy audits, price and value, and system performance.

The program is free, but registration is required.  There are 3 ways to register; online at CCE's website, call Linda Wightman - (315) 736-3394 Ext 124 or LW343@cornell.edu

SOURCE:Cornell Cooperative Extension - Mary Wrege