Ground Source Systems (geothermal)

What are geothermal heat pumps?
Geothermal heat pump systems heat and cool homes (and offices) extremely efficiently by tapping into the earth's temperature just a few feet below the surface. Because the earth's temperature remains consistent from season-to-season the savings are quite predictable as well. In fact, when compared to air-source heat pumps in which efficiency ratings are based on SEER ratings (seasonal energy efficiency rating), geothermal is based on EER ratings (energy efficiency rating) - no need for the word "seasonal" because it doesn't apply to geothermal. There's nothing seasonal about the earth's temperature! Geothermal is also considered to be a valuable "renewable" energy source which allows us to move toward being less dependent on fossil-fuel sources well into the future.

Are there different types of geothermal heat pumps systems? Yes. There are two types of geothermal heat pump systems, known to the industry as Direct Exchange (DX) and Water-Source (WS). Air Brokers is an authorized Sales Representative for EarthLinked^® heat pump systems, manufactured by ECR Technologies, Inc.

What sets EarthLinked^® apart from other geo systems? EarthLinked^® systems use copper earth loops to directly exchange heat with the earth, thus eliminating the water circulating loop and intermediate heat exchanger. Installation, operating and maintenance costs are thereby reduced. Because of its size, EarthLinked^® can be installed in smaller yard or lot space than other systems.

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What sets EarthLinked^® apart from air-source heat pumps?
By using the constant and favorable temperature of the earth as its heat source, 75% of the heat delivered to the building by EarthLinked^® is renewable energy, therefore efficiency is dramatically improved. Mechanical simplicity and the constant earth temperatures assure longer equipment life and less maintenance.

What effect does EarthLinked^® have on the environment?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy have determined that ground source heat pumps have the lowest environmental cost of all systems and they reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions up to 72% when compared to electric heat strips and standard air conditioning. The refrigerant used by EarthLinked^® is not toxic, and is the same as that currently used by a majority of the HVAC industry.

Why is EarthLinked^® more efficient than other geothermal systems?
EarthLinked^® eliminates the heat transfer required by water-source systems. Its direct-heat transfer method does not require the circulating pump found in water-source systems. The system is also inherently more efficient because of ECR's patented, modulating refrigerant flow controls.

Is the EarthLinked^® system ARI certified? Yes. The EarthLinked^® system is rated according to ARI Standard 870 for Geo-Exchange Heat Pumps. The average heating COP is 3.9, with a cooling mode EER of 17. The system is ETL safety listed and qualified under the EPA EnergyStar^® program standards. For additional information regarding the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and the standards for ground source heat pumps, please check out their web site at www.ari.org.

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