Benefits of Geathermal and Aerothermal Systems

The benefits to you of using a geothermal (GSHP) and Aerothermal (ASHP) domestic space heating and cooling systems are,

Cost:

Heat Pumps need some power to operate. However for 1 unit of power they use, Heat Pumps generate 4 units of energy, directly from the Earth’s natural, renewable energy source. 75% of the energy you use is free!

GSHP and ASHP technology has been around for some time and in 1999 the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) estimated that the running costs of a GSHP system were 75% lower and the savings repaid the additional capital outlay within 5-7 years. Recent studies have reinforced this claim.

Oil and gas prices have risen quite dramatically in the last few years and are expected to continue to do so in the longer term. In July 2006 the oil price stood at $78 a barrel and was expected to go through the $100 barrier. Space heating based upon the consumption of fossil fuels will become more and more expensive. The situation can be illustrated by the following schematic.

Grants:

Grants towards the capital cost of installing geothermal heating systems are available from the Regional Governments in Spain. Valenciana even has a special category of grants for Geothermal systems. By reducing the capital cost of the systems, grants have made the capital cost and “pay-back” of geothermal systems even more attractive.

Security of Supply:

The security of oil and gas supply has become a major issue and Europe can no longer be assured of freely available, let alone cheap, oil and gas. The year 2005-6 saw problems with Europe’s gas supplies from Russia, conflict and instability in the middle-east and an ever increasing demand for fossil fuels from the growing economies of China and India. Fossil fuels are becoming an increasing scarce and expensive energy source. Geothermal energy comes directly from the land outside your house. You own it and are therefore in control of 75% of your domestic energy requirements. Combine it with solar-wind generated electricity and you are completely independent.

Safety:

Geothermal and Aerothermal heating systems do not use any form of combustion. They do not therefore produce dangerous Carbon Monoxide emissions, which has caused so many accidents and fatalities.

Environmental:

Global warming caused by Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) and other green house gas emissions is an increasing threat to our World. The use of domestic level renewable energy systems makes a significant contribution to stabilizing and cleaning up the planet. Geothermal space heating-cooling systems use between 75-100% renewable energy, produce zero CO₂ emissions and cut the domestic consumption of oil and gas by 75%.

Geothermal systems will help to create a better environment for your children and grand children to grow up in.