Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs

Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs

variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems

Heat pumps and furnaces are both essential components for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, particularly during the colder months. Understanding their basic components and operation is crucial for appreciating the key differences between repairing these two systems. One of the most common problems with HVAC systems is furnace repair near me to extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.. While both serve the primary function of heating, they do so through distinct mechanisms, which in turn affects how they are maintained and repaired.


At the core of a heat pump's operation is its ability to transfer heat from one place to another using electricity. This process involves several key components: the evaporator coil, condenser coil, compressor, and expansion valve. In essence, a heat pump works by extracting heat from outside air (even cold air contains some heat energy) and transferring it indoors. During warmer months, this cycle can be reversed to cool indoor spaces by removing heat from inside and releasing it outside.


One of the significant advantages of a heat pump is its dual functionality; however, this also introduces complexities in its repair processes. Because a heat pump operates year-round for both heating and cooling, it experiences wear more quickly than systems dedicated solely to heating or cooling. Typical repairs might involve addressing refrigerant leaks or malfunctions within the compressor unit-components critical for efficient operation.


Conversely, furnaces operate through combustion or electric resistance to generate heat directly. Common types include natural gas furnaces that burn fuel to produce heated air distributed via ductwork throughout a space. Essential components include the burner (for combustion-based systems), heat exchanger, blower motor, and flue or vent system for exhaust. Electric furnaces use electric elements instead of burners but share similar distribution mechanics.


Repairing a furnace often involves different challenges compared to a heat pump. For instance, gas furnaces may require attention to issues like pilot light problems or clogged filters affecting airflow efficiency. Safety concerns such as gas leaks also necessitate immediate professional intervention due to potential hazards associated with combustion processes.


The fundamental operational difference-a heat pump's reliance on refrigerant cycles versus a furnace's direct generation of warmth-means that technicians must possess specific expertise tailored to each system type when conducting repairs. Heat pumps generally demand knowledge about refrigeration principles and electrical components across multiple modes (heating/cooling), while furnace repairs often focus more on mechanical parts related directly to heating production.


In summary, while both systems aim at providing warmth during chilly spells (and beyond), understanding their operational distinctions is important not only for effective usage but also when considering repair needs. Heat pumps offer versatility requiring meticulous care due to constant use across seasons; meanwhile, furnaces provide robust heating but come with their own set of maintenance requirements ensuring safe and efficient performance year after year. Whether choosing between these options or servicing them regularly depends largely upon recognizing how each system functions at its core-and consequently appreciating what makes their repair distinctive yet complementary roles in maintaining home comfort overall.

When discussing the topic of key differences between heat pump and furnace repairs, it is crucial to first understand the basic components and operation of furnaces. A furnace is a central heating unit that generates warmth by burning fuel or using electric energy, distributing this heat throughout a building via ducts. While both heat pumps and furnaces serve to heat spaces, their mechanisms and repair needs differ significantly.


At its core, a furnace operates by drawing in cooler air from inside a home, passing it through an air filter to remove dust and debris. This filtered air then moves to the heat exchanger where it is heated. The source of this heat can vary: natural gas, oil, propane, or electricity are commonly used as fuel sources. Once heated, the air is propelled by a blower fan into the duct system and distributed throughout the home.


The primary components of a furnace include the burner (for combustion furnaces), heat exchanger, blower motor, flue or vent pipes for exhaust gases in combustion models, thermostat controls, and various safety switches like limit switches which prevent overheating. Electric furnaces use heating elements instead of burners but follow similar operational principles.


In contrast to furnaces that create their own heat through combustion or electrical resistance, heat pumps transfer existing ambient heat from one place to another – either extracting warmth from outdoor air or ground sources during cold months or reversing this process during warmer periods to provide cooling.


When examining repairs needed for these systems, it's evident there are key differences based on their operational methods. Furnaces may require maintenance on components such as burners that need cleaning or adjustment for proper combustion efficiency; ignition systems which can fail over time; blower motors which might suffer wear after continuous use; and ductwork inspections for leaks that compromise efficiency.


Heat pumps often face different challenges due to their dual-functioning nature and reliance on refrigerant cycles similar to those found in air conditioning units. Common repair issues might involve refrigerant leaks needing professional attention; reversing valve malfunctions affecting switchover between heating/cooling modes; compressor problems demanding technical expertise due to intricate parts; or defrost control failures requiring attention especially in colder climates.


In summary, while both furnaces and heat pumps are vital for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures during varying weather conditions, understanding their fundamental operations helps highlight distinct repair needs they each present. Furnaces largely focus on efficient fuel burning processes whereas heat pumps emphasize effective thermal transfer capabilities across different environmental settings. Recognizing these distinctions aids homeowners in making informed decisions about maintenance priorities unique to each system type.

Common Issues Encountered in Heat Pump Repairs

When it comes to home heating systems, both heat pumps and furnaces play pivotal roles in keeping indoor environments warm and comfortable. However, the nature of these systems is fundamentally different, leading to distinct repair challenges for each. Understanding these differences can be essential for homeowners and technicians alike when addressing common issues encountered in heat pump repairs compared to furnace repairs.


Heat pumps are versatile devices that work by transferring heat from one place to another, operating efficiently in both summer and winter. They extract heat energy from the outside air or ground and move it indoors during colder months, while reversing the process in warmer months to provide cooling. This dual functionality means that heat pumps are operational year-round, unlike furnaces which are typically used only in colder seasons.


One common issue encountered in heat pump repairs is related to their refrigerant systems.

Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs - radiant heating systems

  1. boiler maintenance
  2. residential HVAC systems
  3. HVAC system retrofitting
Since heat pumps use refrigerant to transfer thermal energy, any leaks or low levels can significantly impact their ability to function efficiently. Refrigerant issues not only compromise heating performance but can also lead to system freezes or damage if not addressed promptly. In contrast, furnaces don't rely on refrigerants; instead, they typically use natural gas or electricity as a fuel source. Therefore, issues such as refrigerant leaks are unique challenges faced primarily by heat pump systems.


Another frequent problem with heat pumps involves the thermostat or control board malfunctions. Given that these components regulate the complex operations of switching between heating and cooling modes, any disruption can cause the system to behave erratically or stop working altogether. For furnaces, while thermostats also play a critical role, the issues might be more straightforward since they only need to manage a single mode of operation-heating.


Furthermore, because heat pumps often have outdoor units exposed to the elements year-round, they are susceptible to environmental factors like dirt accumulation on coils and fan blades or ice buildup during cold weather conditions. These factors can impede airflow and reduce efficiency until properly cleaned or thawed out. Furnaces generally reside indoors where they're shielded from such external conditions; however, this doesn't make them immune to other issues such as clogged filters or problems with ignition systems which are more typical concerns within furnace maintenance.


On the other hand, furnace repairs frequently address problems related to combustion processes since many furnaces burn gas for heating purposes. Issues like pilot light failures or faulty burners require attention due to potential safety hazards associated with gas appliances-a concern not applicable with electric-based heat pumps.


In conclusion, while both heat pumps and furnaces serve similar end purposes of providing warmth during cold periods, their underlying mechanisms present divergent repair challenges. Heat pump repairs often focus on maintaining efficient refrigerant cycles and managing complex control systems under varying weather conditions throughout the year. Conversely, furnace repairs tend toward ensuring safe combustion processes and dealing with simpler mechanical failures confined largely within an indoor environment. Recognizing these key differences aids in better preparation for tackling specific repair needs associated with each type of heating system effectively.

Common Issues Encountered in Heat Pump Repairs

Typical Repair Challenges for Furnaces

When discussing the key differences between heat pump and furnace repairs, it's essential to understand the typical repair challenges associated with furnaces. Furnaces are a popular choice for heating in many homes due to their ability to produce intense heat quickly. However, like any mechanical system, they come with their own set of repair challenges that distinguish them from other heating options, such as heat pumps.


One of the most common repair issues with furnaces is related to their ignition systems. Older models often use a pilot light that can go out, requiring relighting or replacement if the thermocouple fails. Newer models have electronic ignitions which, while more reliable, can still encounter problems such as electrical failures or issues with the control board. This highlights one of the key challenges: diagnosing and repairing ignition systems requires a good understanding of both mechanical and electrical components.


Another typical challenge involves maintaining proper airflow. Furnaces rely on a blower motor to circulate air through ducts and into living spaces. Issues can arise if the blower motor fails or if there are obstructions in the ductwork. Additionally, dirty or clogged filters can impede airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially causing overheating. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these problems, but when they occur, repairs can be complex and time-consuming.


Thermostat malfunctions also present a significant challenge in furnace repairs. A thermostat that isn't working correctly can cause a furnace to cycle on and off too frequently or not respond at all, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills. Diagnosing whether the issue lies within the thermostat itself or elsewhere in the system is critical for effective repair.


Furnace repairs are further complicated by their reliance on combustion processes to generate heat. This means there's always an inherent risk of carbon monoxide leaks if something goes wrong with exhaust ventilation or heat exchangers become cracked. Ensuring these components are functioning correctly not only impacts performance but is also vital for safety reasons.


Finally, age plays a significant role in furnace repair challenges. As furnaces age, wear and tear on various parts like belts, bearings, and seals become more prevalent. Older units might also use outdated technology that's harder to replace or service because parts are no longer readily available.


In contrast to furnaces, heat pumps operate using refrigeration cycles rather than combustion processes; thus they lack some of these specific challenges but come with others related primarily to their refrigerant systems and outdoor components exposed to weather conditions.


In summary, while both heating systems require regular maintenance for optimal performance, typical furnace repair challenges include ignition system issues, airflow problems due mainly to blower motor failures or blocked ducts/filters; thermostat malfunctions; risks associated with combustion processes including carbon monoxide leaks; and difficulties arising from aging equipment with obsolete parts availability-all distinct from those encountered when servicing heat pumps. Understanding these nuances helps homeowners make informed decisions about installation choices as well as plan appropriately for future maintenance needs tailored specifically towards either type's unique characteristics within its operational context.

Cost Implications of Repairing Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home environment, both heat pumps and furnaces are popular choices for providing warmth. Yet, like any mechanical system, they are prone to wear and tear, necessitating occasional repairs. Understanding the cost implications of repairing these systems is essential for homeowners weighing their options between the two.


Heat pumps function by transferring heat rather than generating it directly, which can make them more energy-efficient than traditional furnaces. However, this complexity also introduces a higher potential for issues that may require professional attention. Common repairs for heat pumps include refrigerant leaks, compressor malfunctions, or problems with the reversing valve. Each of these repairs can be costly; for instance, fixing a refrigerant leak might range from $200 to $1,500 depending on the severity and type of refrigerant used. Compressor replacement could cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500.




Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs - variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems

  1. variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems
  2. radiant heating systems
  3. climate control systems

On the other hand, furnaces typically operate by burning fuel such as gas or oil to generate heat. The simplicity of this process often translates into less frequent breakdowns compared to heat pumps. However, when issues do arise-such as problems with the ignition system or blower motor-they can still be expensive to fix. Repairing an ignition problem might cost between $150 and $400, while blower motor repairs or replacements could range from $400 to over $1,000.


In comparing repair costs between these two systems, several key differences emerge beyond just price points. Heat pump repairs tend to be more complex due to their dual functionality in heating and cooling your home. This dual role means they experience wear throughout the year rather than just during colder months like furnaces. Consequently, homeowners might encounter repair bills more frequently with heat pumps than with furnaces.


Furthermore, geographic location plays a significant role in determining repair costs for both systems. In regions where one type is more prevalent than the other-or where specific parts are harder to come by-the availability of skilled technicians can influence pricing significantly.


Another factor affecting repair costs is energy efficiency incentives offered by governments or utility companies aimed at promoting eco-friendly heating solutions like heat pumps over traditional fossil-fuel-consuming furnaces. These incentives might offset some repair expenses through rebates or tax credits but often only apply if upgrading rather than merely repairing existing units.


Ultimately, deciding between a heat pump and a furnace involves considering not just initial installation costs but also long-term maintenance expenses including potential repairs down the road-an important aspect that many homeowners overlook initially yet proves crucial over time as they seek reliability alongside affordability in their home's heating solution.


In conclusion, while both systems have their unique advantages and disadvantages related primarily around efficiency versus simplicity respectively when evaluating repair scenarios specifically understanding upfront potential outlays alongside ongoing maintenance needs helps ensure informed decision making tailored specifically towards individual household requirements whether prioritizing lower immediate expenditure via straightforward fixes typical within furnace setups alternatively favoring potentially reduced operational outgoings longer term through utilizing advanced albeit occasionally pricier-to-service technologies embodied within modern-day heat pump arrangements alike thereby achieving optimal results harmonized perfectly against distinct personal preferences accordingly overall conclusively ensuring peace mind always remains securely intact moving forward continually without undue stress whatsoever ultimately!

Importance of Annual Maintenance for Optimal Performance
Importance of Annual Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Certainly! Here's an essay on the importance of annual maintenance for optimal performance, focusing on key differences between heat pump and furnace repairs:


The Importance of Annual Maintenance for Optimal Performance: Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs


As the chill of winter approaches, homeowners often find themselves pondering whether their heating systems are prepared to face the season's demands. At the heart of this contemplation lies a crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect: annual maintenance. Whether you rely on a heat pump or a furnace, regular upkeep is paramount to ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Understanding the key differences between these two types of systems can further illuminate why their specific maintenance needs should never be neglected.


Heat pumps and furnaces serve similar purposes but operate through distinct mechanisms.

Key Differences Between Heat Pump and Furnace Repairs - variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems

  1. HVAC installation
  2. HVAC duct sealing
  3. airflow balancing
A heat pump functions by transferring heat from one place to another, utilizing electricity to move warm air into your home during the winter months and expelling it during summer. In contrast, furnaces generate heat by burning fuel - most commonly natural gas or oil - to produce warmth that is circulated throughout the home. These operational differences inherently lead to varied repair challenges and maintenance requirements.


For heat pumps, annual maintenance focuses primarily on preserving efficiency and preventing wear due to year-round operation. Given that many models also double as cooling systems in warmer months, they undergo significant strain compared to seasonal equipment like furnaces. Regular inspections should include checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and ensuring that electrical connections remain secure. Moreover, because heat pumps have numerous moving parts such as compressors and fans, lubrication is essential in minimizing friction-related damage.


On the other hand, furnace maintenance emphasizes safety alongside efficiency. Since furnaces combust fuel to generate heat, potential issues such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide emissions can pose serious hazards if not routinely checked. An annual inspection typically involves examining burners for proper ignition and flame patterns while ensuring ventilation pathways are clear of obstructions. Additionally, cleaning or replacing air filters remains a universal task across both systems; however, it holds added significance in furnaces where soot accumulation could impede airflow or trigger premature shutdowns.


Understanding these distinctions underscores why tailored annual maintenance plans are vital for each system type's optimal performance. Neglecting routine care not only risks unexpected breakdowns but also diminishes energy efficiency over time - ultimately leading to higher utility bills regardless of whether you use a furnace or a heat pump.


Moreover, investing in professional servicing offers peace of mind beyond immediate cost savings; it extends equipment lifespan significantly by catching minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs or replacements down the line.


In conclusion, while both heat pumps and furnaces require dedicated attention through annual maintenance practices tailored specifically towards their unique functionalities-each plays an integral role within our homes' heating infrastructure during colder seasons-it becomes clear how proactive care ensures continued comfort without compromising safety nor financial stability amidst fluctuating temperatures outside our doors each year round!


By understanding these key differences between heat pump versus furnace repair needs we empower ourselves with knowledge necessary toward making informed decisions about maintaining reliable sources warmth within household environments all year long!

Geothermal heating

Geothermal heating is the direct use of geothermal energy for some heating applications. Humans have taken advantage of geothermal heat this way since the Paleolithic era. Approximately seventy countries made direct use of a total of 270 PJ of geothermal heating in 2004. As of 2007, 28 GW of geothermal heating capacity is installed around the world, satisfying 0.07% of global primary energy consumption.[1] Thermal efficiency is high since no energy conversion is needed, but capacity factors tend to be low (around 20%) since the heat is mostly needed in the winter.

Geothermal energy originates from the heat retained within the Earth since the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface.[2] Most high temperature geothermal heat is harvested in regions close to tectonic plate boundaries where volcanic activity rises close to the surface of the Earth. In these areas, ground and groundwater can be found with temperatures higher than the target temperature of the application. However, even cold ground contains heat. Below 6 metres (20 ft), the undisturbed ground temperature is consistently at the mean annual air temperature,[3] and this heat can be extracted with a ground source heat pump.

Applications

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Top countries using the most geothermal heating in 2005[4]
Country Production
PJ/yr
Capacity
GW
Capacity
factor
Dominant
applications
China 45.38 3.69 39% bathing
Sweden 43.2 4.2 33% heat pumps
USA 31.24 7.82 13% heat pumps
Turkey 24.84 1.5 53% district heating
Iceland 24.5 1.84 42% district heating
Japan 10.3 0.82 40% bathing (onsens)
Hungary 7.94 0.69 36% spas/greenhouses
Italy 7.55 0.61 39% spas/space heating
New Zealand 7.09 0.31 73% industrial uses
63 others 71 6.8    
Total 273 28 31% space heating
Direct use of geothermal heat by category in 2015 as adapted from John W. Lund [5]
Category GWh/year
Geothermal heat pumps 90,293
Bathing and swimming 33,164
Space heating 24,508
Greenhouse heating 7,407
Aquaculture pond heating 3,322
Industrial uses 2,904
Cooling/snow melting 722
Agriculture drying 564
Others 403
Total 163,287

There are a wide variety of applications for cheap geothermal heat including heating of houses, greenhouses, bathing and swimming or industrial uses. Most applications use geothermal in the form of hot fluids between 50 °C (122 °F) and 150 °C (302 °F). The suitable temperature varies for the different applications. For direct use of geothermal heat, the temperature range for the agricultural sector lies between 25 °C (77 °F) and 90 °C (194 °F), for space heating lies between 50 °C (122 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F).[4] Heat pipes extend the temperature range down to 5 °C (41 °F) as they extract and "amplify" the heat. Geothermal heat exceeding 150 °C (302 °F) is typically used for geothermal power generation.[6]

In 2004 more than half of direct geothermal heat was used for space heating, and a third was used for spas.[1] The remainder was used for a variety of industrial processes, desalination, domestic hot water, and agricultural applications. The cities of Reykjavík and Akureyri pipe hot water from geothermal plants under roads and pavements to melt snow. Geothermal desalination has been demonstrated.

Geothermal systems tend to benefit from economies of scale, so space heating power is often distributed to multiple buildings, sometimes whole communities. This technique, long practiced throughout the world in locations such as Reykjavík, Iceland;[7] Boise, Idaho;[8] and Klamath Falls, Oregon;[9] is known as district heating.[10]

In Europe alone 280 geothermal district heating plants were in operation in 2016 according to the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) with a total capacity of approximately 4.9 GWth.[11]

Extraction

[edit]

Some parts of the world, including substantial portions of the western USA, are underlain by relatively shallow geothermal resources.[12] Similar conditions exist in Iceland, parts of Japan, and other geothermal hot spots around the world. In these areas, water or steam may be captured from natural hot springs and piped directly into radiators or heat exchangers. Alternatively, the heat may come from waste heat supplied by co-generation from a geothermal electrical plant or from deep wells into hot aquifers. Direct geothermal heating is far more efficient than geothermal electricity generation and has less demanding temperature requirements, so it is viable over a large geographical range. If the shallow ground is hot but dry, air or water may be circulated through earth tubes or downhole heat exchangers which act as heat exchangers with the ground.

Steam under pressure from deep geothermal resources is also used to generate electricity from geothermal power. The Iceland Deep Drilling Project struck a pocket of magma at 2,100m. A cemented steelcase was constructed in the hole with a perforation at the bottom close to the magma. The high temperatures and pressure of the magma steam were used to generate 36MW of electricity, making IDDP-1 the world's first magma-enhanced geothermal system.[13]

In areas where the shallow ground is too cold to provide comfort directly, it is still warmer than the winter air. The thermal inertia of the shallow ground retains solar energy accumulated in the summertime, and seasonal variations in ground temperature disappear completely below 10m of depth. That heat can be extracted with a geothermal heat pump more efficiently than it can be generated by conventional furnaces.[10] Geothermal heat pumps are economically viable essentially anywhere in the world.

In theory, geothermal energy (usually cooling) can also be extracted from existing infrastructure, such as municipal water pipes.[14]

Ground-source heat pumps

[edit]

In regions without any high temperature geothermal resources, a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) can provide space heating and space cooling. Like a refrigerator or air conditioner, these systems use a heat pump to force the transfer of heat from the ground to the building. Heat can be extracted from any source, no matter how cold, but a warmer source allows higher efficiency. A ground-source heat pump uses the shallow ground or ground water (typically starting at 10–12 °C or 50–54 °F) as a source of heat, thus taking advantage of its seasonally moderate temperatures.[15] In contrast, an air source heat pump draws heat from the air (colder outside air) and thus requires more energy.

GSHPs circulate a carrier fluid (usually a mixture of water and small amounts of antifreeze) through closed pipe loops buried in the ground. Single-home systems can be "vertical loop field" systems with bore holes 50–400 feet (15–120 m) deep or,[16] if adequate land is available for extensive trenches, a "horizontal loop field" is installed approximately six feet subsurface. As the fluid circulates underground it absorbs heat from the ground and, on its return, the warmed fluid passes through the heat pump which uses electricity to extract heat from the fluid. The re-chilled fluid is sent back into the ground thus continuing the cycle. The heat extracted and that generated by the heat pump appliance as a byproduct is used to heat the house. The addition of the ground heating loop in the energy equation means that significantly more heat can be transferred to a building than if electricity alone had been used directly for heating.

Switching the direction of heat flow, the same system can be used to circulate the cooled water through the house for cooling in the summer months. The heat is exhausted to the relatively cooler ground (or groundwater) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air as an air conditioner does. As a result, the heat is pumped across a larger temperature difference and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use.[15]

This technology makes ground source heating economically viable in any geographical location. In 2004, an estimated million ground-source heat pumps with a total capacity of 15 GW extracted 88 PJ of heat energy for space heating. Global ground-source heat pump capacity is growing by 10% annually.[1]

History

[edit]
The oldest known pool fed by a hot spring, built in the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century BC

Hot springs have been used for bathing at least since Paleolithic times.[17] The oldest known spa is a stone pool on China's Mount Li built in the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century BC, at the same site where the Huaqing Chi palace was later built. Geothermal energy supplied channeled district heating for baths and houses in Pompeii around 0 AD.[18] In the first century AD, Romans conquered Aquae Sulis in England and used the hot springs there to feed public baths and underfloor heating.[19] The admission fees for these baths probably represents the first commercial use of geothermal power. A 1,000-year-old hot tub has been located in Iceland, where it was built by one of the island's original settlers.[20] The world's oldest working geothermal district heating system in Chaudes-Aigues, France, has been operating since the 14th century.[4] The earliest industrial exploitation began in 1827 with the use of geyser steam to extract boric acid from volcanic mud in Larderello, Italy.

In 1892, America's first district heating system in Boise, Idaho, was powered directly by geothermal energy, and was soon copied in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1900. A deep geothermal well was used to heat greenhouses in Boise in 1926, and geysers were used to heat greenhouses in Iceland and Tuscany at about the same time.[21] Charlie Lieb developed the first downhole heat exchanger in 1930 to heat his house. Steam and hot water from the geysers began to be used to heat homes in Iceland in 1943.

By this time, Lord Kelvin had already invented the heat pump in 1852, and Heinrich Zoelly had patented the idea of using it to draw heat from the ground in 1912.[22] But it was not until the late 1940s that the geothermal heat pump was successfully implemented. The earliest one was probably Robert C. Webber's home-made 2.2 kW direct-exchange system, but sources disagree as to the exact timeline of his invention.[22] J. Donald Kroeker designed the first commercial geothermal heat pump to heat the Commonwealth Building (Portland, Oregon) and demonstrated it in 1946.[23][24] Professor Carl Nielsen of Ohio State University built the first residential open loop version in his home in 1948.[25] The technology became popular in Sweden as a result of the 1973 oil crisis, and has been growing slowly in worldwide acceptance since then. The 1979 development of polybutylene pipe greatly augmented the heat pump's economic viability.[23] Since 2000, a compelling body of research has been dedicated to numerically evidence the advantages and efficiency of using CO2, alternative to water, as heat transmission fluid for geothermal energy recovery from enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) where the permeability of the underground source is enhanced by hydrofracturing.[26][27] As of 2004, there are over one million geothermal heat pumps installed worldwide providing 12 GW of thermal capacity.[28] Each year, about 80,000 units are installed in the US and 27,000 in Sweden.[28]

Economics

[edit]
Geothermal drill machine

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that encourages conservation of natural resources. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, geo-exchange systems save homeowners 30–70 percent in heating costs, and 20–50 percent in cooling costs, compared to conventional systems.[29] Geo-exchange systems also save money because they require much less maintenance. In addition to being highly reliable they are built to last for decades.

Some utilities, such as Kansas City Power and Light, offer special, lower winter rates for geothermal customers, offering even more savings.[15]

Geothermal drilling risks

[edit]
Cracks at the historic Town Hall of Staufen im Breisgau presumed due to damage from geothermal drilling

In geothermal heating projects the underground is penetrated by trenches or drillholes. As with all underground work, projects may cause problems if the geology of the area is poorly understood.

In the spring of 2007 an exploratory geothermal drilling operation was conducted to provide geothermal heat to the town hall of Staufen im Breisgau. After initially sinking a few millimeters, a process called subsidence,[30] the city center has started to rise gradually[31] causing considerable damage to buildings in the city center, affecting numerous historic houses including the town hall. It is hypothesized that the drilling perforated an anhydrite layer bringing high-pressure groundwater to come into contact with the anhydrite, which then began to expand. Currently no end to the rising process is in sight.[32][33][34] Data from the TerraSAR-X radar satellite before and after the changes confirmed the localised nature of the situation:

A geochemical process called anhydrite swelling has been confirmed as the cause of these uplifts. This is a transformation of the mineral anhydrite (anhydrous calcium sulphate) into gypsum (hydrous calcium sulphate). A pre-condition for this transformation is that the anhydrite is in contact with water, which is then stored in its crystalline structure.[35] There are other sources of potential risks, i.e.: cave enlargement or worsening of stability conditions, quality or quantity degradation of groundwater resources, Specific hazard worsening in the case of landslide-prone areas, worsening of rocky mechanical characteristics, soil and water pollution (i.e. due to antifreeze additives or polluting constructive and boring material).[36] The design defined on the base of site-specific geological, hydrogeological and environmental knowledge prevent all these potential risks.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Fridleifsson, Ingvar B.; Bertani, Ruggero; Huenges, Ernst; Lund, John W.; Ragnarsson, Arni; Rybach, Ladislaus (2008-02-11). "The possible role and contribution of geothermal energy to the mitigation of climate change" (PDF). In O. Hohmeyer; T. Trittin (eds.). Proceedings of the IPCC Scoping Meeting on Renewable Energy Sources. Luebeck, Germany. pp. 59–80. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-08.
  2. ^ Heat Pumps, Energy Management and Conservation Handbook, 2008, pp. 9–3
  3. ^ Mean Annual Air Temperature
  4. ^ a b c Lund, John W. (June 2007), "Characteristics, Development and utilization of geothermal resources" (PDF), Geo-Heat Centre Quarterly Bulletin, vol. 28, no. 2, Klamath Falls, Oregon: Oregon Institute of Technology, pp. 1–9, ISSN 0276-1084, archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-17, retrieved 2009-04-16
  5. ^ Lund, John W. (2015-06-05). "Geothermal Resources Worldwide, Direct Heat Utilization of". Encyclopedia of Sustainability and Technology: 1–29. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-2493-6_305-3. ISBN 978-1-4939-2493-6.
  6. ^ Hanania, Jordan; Sheardown, Ashley; Stenhouse, Kailyn; Donev, Jason. "Geothermal district heating". Energy education by Prof. Jason Donev and students, University of Calgary. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  7. ^ "History of the utilization of geothermal sources of energy in Iceland". University of Rochester. Archived from the original on 2012-02-06.
  8. ^ "District Heating Systems in Idaho". Idaho Department of Water Resources. Archived from the original on 2007-01-21.
  9. ^ Brown, Brian.Klamath Falls Geothermal District Heating Systems Archived 2008-01-19 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ a b "Geothermal Basics Overview". Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Archived from the original on 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  11. ^ "EGEC Geothermal Market Report 2016 Key Findings (Sixth Edition, May 2017)" (PDF). www.egec.org. EGEC - European Geothermal Energy Council. 2017-12-13. p. 9.
  12. ^ What is Geothermal? Archived October 5, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Wilfred Allan Elders, Guðmundur Ómar Friðleifsson and Bjarni Pálsson (2014). Geothermics Magazine, Vol. 49 (January 2014). Elsevier Ltd.
  14. ^ Tadayon, Saied; Tadayon, Bijan; Martin, David (2012-10-11). "Patent US20120255706 - Heat Exchange Using Underground Water System".
  15. ^ a b c Goswami, Yogi D., Kreith, Frank, Johnson, Katherine (2008), p. 9-4.
  16. ^ "Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems". Well Management. Minnesota Department of Health. Archived from the original on 2014-02-03. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  17. ^ Cataldi, Raffaele (August 1993). "Review of historiographic aspects of geothermal energy in the Mediterranean and Mesoamerican areas prior to the Modern Age" (PDF). Geo-Heat Centre Quarterly Bulletin. 15 (1): 13–16. ISSN 0276-1084. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  18. ^ Bloomquist, R. Gordon (2001). Geothermal District Energy System Analysis, Design, and Development (PDF). International Summer School. International Geothermal Association. p. 213(1). Retrieved November 28, 2015. During Roman times, warm water was circulated through open trenches to provide heating for buildings and baths in Pompeii.
  19. ^ "A History of Geothermal Energy in the United States". US Department of Energy, Geothermal Technologies Program. Archived from the original on 2007-09-04. Retrieved 2007-09-10.
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