Geothermal Energy Conversation
When it comes to running a business, it’s all about the bottom line. Owners are always looking for ways to save costs while providing the same quality service or product. You’ve likely shopped around for the best deal on cell phone service, internet, and fuel. Some years there’s cost savings and some years there are not.
One way a business can save money on fuel costs is by installing a geothermal heat system. Geothermal heat requires an upfront investment, but the large savings in the following years and a variety of federal and state tax credits can provide a return on investment of fewer than five years. If you are tired of paying unpredictable fuel costs, geothermal heat may be the answer for your business.
Geothermal is low cost
Geothermal systems heat a building by drawing from the earth’s thermal energy deep within the ground. In the winter, heat is absorbed from the earth and transferred into the building through water or a water solution flowing through pipes run into the ground. During the summer, the process is reversed, and heat is transferred into the ground. Geothermal systems can even provide hot water.
Because the earth has a relatively constant temperature, geothermal heat exchanges do not have to work as hard as traditional heat exchanges and use less energy than air conditioners. These systems also require less maintenance than fossil fuel burning furnaces. And of course, there is a huge cost saving on oil and gas. Geothermal heat exchanges do not burn any fossil fuels.
Geothermal is eligible for tax credits
If you install a geothermal system before 2016, your business would be entitled to a 30% tax credit on the cost of the heat exchange system. There are also many local and state energy efficiency tax credits available that can lower out-of-pocket costs even more.
Geothermal is green
If you live in New England, chances are you heat with oil, natural gas, propane, wood or some combination of these. These fuels emit pollutants into the air and fossil fuels, like oil, gas and propane, also contribute to climate change. The geothermal heating systems that are currently installed in the United States today have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3 million tons, the equivalent of 650,000 cars. Because there are no toxic emissions, geothermal heat makes the air cleaner to breathe. The air circulated through the building’s geothermal system is not pumped in from outside, meaning the air is free of outdoor allergens and pollution, making for a better overall experience for your employees and customers.
Geothermal won’t affect your water usage
Although geothermal heat exchange systems use water in the heating and cooling process, there is no cost to you when it comes to a water bill. Depending on the system, water is either drawn from an aquifer, run through the pump and returned to the aquifer, or a water solution is run through sealed pipes buried underground. These systems do not contaminate the water source in any way.
Geothermal is sustainable
Being able to predict energy costs from year to year is a compelling benefit for any business. Geothermal can work for a small construction firm that needs heat for garages and a small office. It can work for a large office building, and it can operate for a preschool looking to create a cleaner, greener environment for students.
Learn how a geothermal system works.
