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BY SANTO AURIEMMA

COMMENTARY

When you hear the term "renewable energy,"most people think of solar or wind. These increasingly accepted solutions function above the ground where they are easily seen and fairly simple to understand. This visibility can also be considered a deterrent because their esthetic qualities are a matter of personal taste. Those who have implemented these solutions have clearly decided that the benefits of reduced energy cost and a cleaner planet outweigh the unorthodox image of shiny panels on the rooftop or now familiar sight of gigantic triple blade propellers.

Perhaps more promising is another clean energy source and system that has been around far longer than both solar and wind solutions. Unlike other clean solutions, it is not visible from the outside of a structure, nor is it compromised by a cloudy day or lack of movement in the air. Geothermal, or GeoExchange, systems are one the most effective and efficient solutions to heat and cool your home or business, yet it is one of the least understood. While available sunshine and air movement are in a constant state of change, Geothermal systems leverage the earth's consistent temperature below the surface to augment the varying temperatures and conditions we experience above the ground.

How Geothermal Systems Work

Geothermal systems are very different than conventional heating and cooling designs. For example, a Geothermal heat pump does not create heat by burning fuel, such as gas or oil burning furnaces. In fact, it's quite the opposite. When temperatures are cold, Geothermal systems collect natural heat from the earth through a series of underground loops. In most cases, these loops contain a mixture of water and ethanol that circulates through the loops and carries the warmed liquid into your home or commercial building. Once inside, a compressor and a heat exchanger within the heat pump concentrate the contrasting hot and cold sources, creating higher temperatures that are dispersed through the structure's ductwork via typical air distribution systems.

When temperatures are warm outside, the process is essentially reversed. The system extracts excess heat from the structure. This heat is absorbed into the ground while being conveyed through the underground loops. The system cools your home by drawing heat out versus blowing cold air in.

How You Benefit From Geothermal Systems

Geothermal systems are an environmentally clean and sustainable energy source. There are no hazardous byproducts, nor are there dangerous residual gases such as carbon monoxide. The safety concerns associated with combustion-based furnaces are eliminated.

In addition, conventional climate control systems have major components installed outside which are exposed to the elements. For most installations, all Geothermal heating and cooling elements are underground or confined within the building.

For this reason, the equipment lifecycle extends an average of 50% over conventional systems. Geothermal systems are also extremely efficient and can cost 35% to 70% less to operate, compared to ordinary natural gas, propane, heating oil or electric-based systems.

It is true that the installation cost and components of renewable energy solutions are currently more expensive than conventional systems. However federal and state government subsidies totaling as much as 30%, combined with a significant reduction in monthly energy cost, result in reaching surprisingly fast breakeven milestones. It becomes a more compelling proposition when applied to new construction, due to increased assessed market valuation of each property, as well as other financial and market factors.

The key concept to consider and remember is that after a breakeven point on your renewable energy system has been reached, you're monthly savings go right to the bottom line, not to your current energy company. Energy company rates will likely never go down and are almost assured to go up! In a relatively short period of time, you're clean and sustainable heating and cooling system is not only keeping you comfortable and reducing greenhouse emissions, it's now an investment that is preserving a lot of hard earned dollars.

The basic concept is simple. Considering a renewable energy system, like a Geothermal system, makes sense on many levels: economically, environmentally, and systematically. Our federal government is beginning to realize how important it is for Americans to reduce their dependence on imported fuels, as well as understanding the environmental issues associated with the creation of carbon emissions when generating today's conventional energy products. The conclusion is that it makes sense to consider a renewable energy system for your next heating and cooling installation.

Santo Auriemma is the President of Enduregy Partners and an expert in renewable energy solutions.