Efficient Heating and Cooling

Geothermal systems, also called "ground-source" heat pumps, operate much like air-source systems. They're more efficient, though, because ground temperatures remain between 55 and 60 degrees farenheit. The systems seldom require auxiliary heat, so they operate more efficiently than air-source models.

In the winter water circulates through a closed ground loop, absorbing the Earth's heat and transferring it to your home. In the summer, the system reverses its operation to remove heat from your home and transfer it to the ground loop and, in turn, back to the Earth.

Studies show that geothermal systems:

• provide the highest possible cost savings to home owners
• save up to 50 percent or more on heating and cooling bills
• are three to four times more efficient than your conventional system

Although a geothermal system costs more than a conventional system, studies show that the savings in energy costs pay back the difference in six to eight years.