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What is Geothermal Energy, and What are the Benefits?
benstaples1 • September 7, 2016
Geothermal energy is a natural energy that comes from the hot rocks inside the earth, deep below the surface. To harness this energy, two holes are dug into the ground, one for water to be pumped through. As the water passes the hot rocks, it is transformed to steam, which comes out of the second hole and aids in producing electricity. The heat exchanger only uses electricity to move the heat, not produce it.
In Michigan, the temperature in the earth just a few feet below the surface remains at a 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. So in winter, geothermal energy can be used to heat as the earth temperature is warmer than the air, and in the summer geothermal energy can be used to cool as the earth temperature is colder than the air. To switch from heating to cooling, all you have to do is reverse the flow and temperature compression.
Benefits of Utilizing Geothermal Energy
- The energy is renewable and sustainable, replenishing itself naturally. Plus, it’s not going to run out in any foreseeable future.
- Reduce your footprint. Using geothermal energy is a clean and environmentally-friendly process. It does not create pollution.
- According to the US Environment Protection Agency, the systems are “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.”
- Save money on heating and cooling bills as geothermal energy is extremely efficient. Customers have reported saving about 80% on utility bills after installing a geothermal energy system.
Depending on your land, there are a few different options for geothermal energy systems. The traditional system is a horizontal loop which resides in trenches three to six feet deep and is a closed loop system. This system requires more space, however, so in limited spaces you would need a vertical loop: pipes are inserted in small holes 150 to 400 feet deep. For this, you will need a well-drilling rig. The third type of loop is a pond loop, where sealed spiral piping is actually submerged into the pond water instead of into the ground. And finally, if you have adequate quantity and quality, you can use a well water system which uses the supply of well water.
The only foreseeable downsides to choosing the geothermal energy system are that it may not be suitable for all locations and it can be more expensive for the initial cost than other heating and cooling systems—but in the long run it will save on costs. However, if you’re interested, give us a call so we can asses your particular land. Also give us a call to learn about saving up to 30% on a new system with a Federal Tax Credit!
We offer the Bryant Geothermal System as well as a full line of Bosch Geothermal and water furnace geothermal systems. Our staff are highly trained professionals and have earned a reputation for doing the job right the first time. Give us a call today at 269-385-3562.
Fall is a time that homeowners often look forward to because energy costs are low. It’s cool enough that air conditioning isn’t needed and warm enough to avoid turning on the heat. It’s also a great time to prepare heating systems for winter as well as making sure heating systems are run as efficiently as possible. In this post, we will look at five things you can do to prepare your heating system for the cold winter months and hopefully save yourself some money in the process. Inspect your filtersFilters that are covered with dirt and other debris cut down airflow in your heating system. When filters are properly maintained or changed when they get clogged it puts less stress on the heating system. This means that clean filters allow the heating system to work less hard which saved money on energy as well as putting less strain on internal components of the system. Effectively program your thermostatWhen homeowners switch from a standard thermostat to a programmable one that can lower temperatures when they’re not home or when they’re sleeping, they can expect to see up to 15% in savings. Upgrade your equipment If it’s been awhile since you have upgraded for system, ten years or more, consider upgrading to a newer model that is more efficient. Furnaces like Bryant Evolution gas furnace from Metzger’s Heating & Cooling have efficiency of 90%. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan This is one that not many people know about or consider. In the winter you should make sure your ceiling fan is spinning clockwise at a low speed. Heat rises and this method pulls cool air to the top and pushes the warmer air near the ceiling down along the walls to the floor. This method has been proven to save up to 15% on winter heating bills.
Everyone knows that a lot of money can be saved by adjusting your thermostat when you’re going to be out of the house on a short vacation or trip. But what should you do if you’re going on an extended vacation or you have a secondary property that is vacant most of the time? In this post we will discuss what you should do that’s easier on your wallet and your property. A common mistake that homeowners make is thinking they can set the thermostat above 80 degrees in the summer and below 55 degrees in the winter. When a home gets really hot and humid during summer months, the high temperature and humidity can warp wood, strip wallpaper off the wall, and cause various other problems. In the cold winter months, too low of a temperature can mean freezing pipes and damage due to condensation.To ensure no damage is done to your home while still saving as much as you can on heating and cooling costs, you should upgrade to a smart thermostat. These thermostats can be controlled by your phone or computer wherever you are. You can check weather reports for your vacant home location and adjust accordingly. If humidity is low in the summer, you can set the thermostat a bit above what you normally would, for example.Temperature regulation is the most effective way to protect your home and your wallet, but there some additional things you can do, as well. In the summer, you can invest in light-blocking blinds or curtains. In the winter, you should drain your plumbing system by shutting off the water and letting residual water come through your faucets.At Metzger’s Heating & Cooling, we have installed and maintained many HVAC systems in the greater Kalamazoo area. We are bonded and insured and are very proud to be a local business in Southwest Michigan. If you have any questions about residential heating and cooling, give us a call today!
As the weather is getting warmer, you need to keep in mind how your heating and cooling provider can keep you from sweating too much this spring and summer. Metzger’s has the equipment, tips, and maintenance to keep you from feeling the heat. Our team of qualified staff will give you the best service with top-of-the-line products and dependable service for your heating and cooling systems.
With daylight savings giving us another hour of sunlight during the day and the sun more frequently coming out, we’re finally starting to get into higher temperatures this winter, which helps home heating. However, we’re not out of the woods yet, with temperatures overnight still reaching lower levels than we would like. Whether you need a cost-efficient solution to close out this year’s winter or are looking for a solution to bring into the next, Metzger’s Heating and Cooling can provide one with geothermal energy.How it worksThe geothermal system that Metzger’s provides uses the naturally occurring temperature in the ground to provide home heating throughout winter. Typically, Michigan ground temperature is around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. So, geothermal heating cycles air into the ground, the air warms up, and it’s sent back up into your home.Every winterGeothermal energy is a great option because of how much of an investment it ends up being. With greater up-front costs, it may be unappealing to some, but, when it provides your home with 80% of the heating you need using only ground temperatures, you can see how you save one costs every winter past installation.Fight the extremesA great benefit to geothermal energy is that it helps you save not only during the coldest moments of winter, but you also save during the summer as well. Ground temperature stays consistent year-round, so it does the job for you of regulating your inner temperatures a great deal before the need for air conditioning or heating. So, if the heat is getting to you this summer, geothermal heat can cut the temperature down for you.Metzger’s Heating and Cooling installs a variety of systems to the greater Kalamazoo area. Whether you need heating, cooling, or home air control, the professionals at Metzger’s can provide the solutions you need.
While cooped up inside during winter months in the Midwest, the quality of air you breathe can be an important factor for comfortable living, and the proper air cleaners can guarantee you sleep soundly. Metzger’s Heating and Cooling carries the air quality products that can best improve the air in your home and make sure you breathe easy all winter long.Learn your MERVWhen thinking about what air filters to get to keep your air as clean as possible, it’s important to consider the MERV rating of the filter. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the rating used for air filter companies to show you, the consumer, the overall effectiveness of the filter you’re purchasing. A higher MERV value means that less particles and contaminants can get into your air, leading to a cleaner environment and easy breathing. Metzger’s Heating and Cooling offers air cleaners that range from MERV 10 to MERV 15, so you can get the best mid-range filter for your home, or a higher-end filter for your business.Why HEPAMetzger’s Heating and Cooling uses High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) air purifying filters to give you the cleanest air for your home or business. HEPA filters use a fine mesh that can keep all irritants out of the air and help you sleep soundly all winter long. Especially useful for those with pets dealing with dander, HEPA filters can take it out of the air, as well as pollen, dust mites, and more. If anyone in your home suffers through winter with asthma or allergies, you can improve their quality of life this winter with proper air cleaners.Always available and ready to help, Metzger’s Heating and Cooling can provide you with the proper furnaces, filters, and more to keep you warm this winter. To get us out and take a look at your air units as soon as possible, contact us today!
At Metzger’s Heating and Cooling, we know that Midwest winters can be rough when temperatures reach into the negatives, and it’s during these times that our team can provide the heating services you need. You can get by with a space heater if your home or work heating isn’t cutting it, but, at the end of the day, a quality heating unit and maintenance to proper upkeep can keep you warmer and save on costs.
While you’re sitting at home and trying to stay warm this winter, think of the wide variety of gas furnace and boiler heating units at Metzger’s Heating and Cooling. Both types of units can be used to keep your home comfortable, but how do you know which one works best for you? You may have heard a little bit about how each works, but the professionals at Metzger’s can give you the know-how to make the right decision when it comes to your home heating.Furnaces heat airA furnace system works in your home by heating air and using a blower motor to direct that heated air through air ducts throughout your home. Homes that have vents that you feel air coming out of are either run on electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane. They distribute warm air during winter through these ducts to keep the whole house heated. Furnaces generally cost less than boilers, but they are less efficient.Boilers heat waterBoilers work to heat your home by first heating water until it is turned into steam or hot water, then distribute it into pipes throughout your home via radiators. Boilers can run on natural gas, oil, electricity, and even wood. Thanks to typically being more efficient, boilers use less fuel to heat your home, and in turn save you costs. They do not have filters that require replacement, so they require less maintenance, and make less noise as well. However, because of these advantages they are usually costlier than furnaces.Every heating system has its ups and downs and needs to be properly maintenance to work efficiently. The professional’s at Metzger’s Heating and Cooling will give you the proper knowledge you need for taking care of your system and can perform quality maintenance whenever you need it. No matter what system ends up being best for your home, Metzger’s is here to help.
With cold weather comes an increase in your heating bill, and Metzger’s is here to give you the cost-saving solution you need with a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats may be used for basic temperature control, but they may also be set up to manage your indoor environment for different times of the day and different days of the week. No matter the outdoor conditions, your home can be the perfect temperature with a programmable thermostat.
As the weather finally drops and continues to get colder every week, your business needs the dependable heating of a quality commercial HVAC system. The experts at Metzger’s Heating and Cooling have years of experience in helping companies figure out how a heating system can best help a business based on their building layout. With this experience and quality Bryant commercial heating products, Metzger’s has the solutions you need.
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