Neo-Geothermal

Different geothermal companies do things in very different ways, so before choosing which company you wish to buy a geothermal system from, it is good to do some research on the various geothermal companies available. Although the end goal is the same, saving the customer on energy costs, if not replacing their need for traditional climate control altogether, there are many ways to go about it.

Based in Indiana, Water Furnace has three types of geothermal heat pumps, suitable for various situations, as well as an all-in-one unit that is useful in all situations. Water Furnace intends for their pumps to replace both the AC compressor and the indoor furnace in their customers homes, saving them a claimed 70% on energy costs.

Based in Pennsylvania, ECR specializes in a certain type of geothermal energy production called direct exchange ground source. In this system, whose current generation has been around since 2000, the earth taps exchange the heat from within the ground, the compressor regulates the flow of the refrigerant, and there is an air handler that pushes the modified air into the home or office.

Econar has been around for a while, making geothermal heat pumps in Minnesota for over twenty years. Their pumps work especially well in cold climates, and are intended more to heat than cool, or transfer heat to the home instead of away. Other capabilities of Econar pumps include limited cooling, water heating, and de-humidification.

Since each company goes about geothermal energy in completely different ways, many parts are proprietary, meaning they will only work with that system in mind. The geothermal companies have not advanced to the point of directly competing, though when they do we are sure to see generic versions of pretty much everything they make. Although generic versions will certainly drive prices down, they also sometimes have issues with fitting and quality assurance. Until then, prices will remain high for some, but it is estimated that most geothermal systems pay for themselves within 5-10 years and, besides, the homeowner will spend far more money on the labor of digging and laying the equipment than on the parts themselves.