Geothermal, Sugared Down.

Geothermal exchange, aka geothermal heating and cooling, is spectacularly simple, at once enigmatically complex. Vermonters are capitalizing on this wonderful green technology known by some as cave man technology as pre-historic man escaped winter’s harshness since the Paleolithic era in subterranean homes, making use of warmer temperatures below the surface from heat retained within the Earth since planet formation, radioactive decay of minerals, and absorbed solar energy.

If you’ve ever loved going into your basement in the heat of summer as it’s so much cooler than the rest of the house, you’ve enjoyed naturally occurring geo-thermal air conditioning. 55 degree ground temperatures five or six feet down remain constant year round. In Sweden and Switzerland more than 75% of new homes are built with geothermal.

The Japanese know the merits of geothermal too. Across the archipelago volcanic mountain ranges are punctuated by natural hot springs. The common man head for the hills in droves, dipping into naturally heated waters from deep inside the earth, pulling relaxation and longevity. While we’re missing the volcanic drama in Vermont, our water runs deep and is plentiful.

There are three types of home geothermal systems: closed loop, open loop and pond. Closed loops are most common and the only type allowed in some states, are horizontal (on level lots) or vertical and circulate the same water with environmentally friendly anti-freeze while open loop systems draw their water from a well, require substantial water, and expel used water after use. Pond systems have the coils laid at the bottom of six feet or deeper ponds.

Geothermal is heat transportation rather than heat creation, up to five times more efficient than traditional heating systems rated at 78-98% efficient, and more than twice as efficient cooling. It is greenhouse gas free, non-polluting and doesn’t contribute to the acid rain that fossil fuel heating produces, using just modest electricity to run the compressor, fan and pump. Maintenance is minimal with occasional servicing and filter replacement.

A refrigerator extracts heat from the fridge, air conditioning contents. A heat pump works pulls heat from outside and compresses it to higher temperatures.

From waterfurnace.com, here’s a concise explanation of what might otherwise leave you scratching your head:

“Geothermal Heat Pumps low-temperature heat to over 100°F and transferring it indoors involves a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. A refrigerant is used as the heat-transfer medium which circulates within the heat pump. The cycle starts as the cold, liquid refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger (evaporator) and absorbs heat from the low-temperature source (fluid from the ground loop). The refrigerant evaporates into a gas as heat is absorbed. The gaseous refrigerant then passes through a compressor where the refrigerant is pressurized, raising its temperature to more than 180°F. The hot gas then circulates through a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger where heat is removed and pumped into the building at about 100°F. When it loses the heat, the refrigerant changes back to a liquid. The liquid is cooled as it passes through an expansion valve and begins the process again. To work as an air conditioner, the system’s flow is reversed.”

And here’s a Georgia Power video sugaring down Geothermal:

Maple Sweet Real Estate specializes in advanced technologies and has this geothermally heated and cooled home listed for sale. To list your own home, arrange of showing of this home or any others, learn more about geothermal exchange, or contact Maple Sweet with any other real estate related inquiries,

Dual-fuel systems include geothermal as the main heating system and a standard boiler or furnace to lean on in extreme cold.

Cost-effective, environmentally conscientious, and sustainable, payback can come in just a few years, leaving dreaded and rapidly increasing oil and gas bills by the wayside. Fossil fuel liberation, this alternative energy source beckons.

Maple Sweet Real Estate specializes in advanced technologies and has this geothermal home listed for sale.

Connect to maplesweet.com, e-mail info(at)maplesweet(dotted)com or call toll-free 1.800.525.7965 for info on the finest real estate, selling or purchasing a house, condo or land in Vermont or to get more details on local Vermont real estate market conditions.

See all Maple Sweet Real Estate listings, the newest central & northern Vermont mls listings, or connect to a hand picked selection of central & northern Vermont properties.