(NAPSA)—Homeownerssearching for an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient home heating system are turning with increasing frequency to geothermal systems to meet their home comfort needs responsibly and affordably. And for good reason: Geothermal home comfort systems are proving to be the world’s greenest heating and cooling systems. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named geothermal heat pumps—a system that taps into the constant heat energy stored just below the Earth’s surface—the most efficient heating and cooling system when compared to other types of space-conditioning equipment, including high-efficiency gas furnaces andair conditioners. In someinstances, the geothermal pumps were 70 percent more efficient than ordinary heating and cooling options. Research by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reaches similar conclusions, as do the find- ings of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and numerous government agencies and consumerand industry groups. Going Geothermal Consumers can find a number of ENERGY STAR-rated geothermal products, including a wide range of products from WaterFurnace International, Inc. The company’s systems use a series of pipes (an earth loop) buried in the ground to circulate an environmentally friendly mixture of alcohol and water. The earth loop transfers heat into the home from the ground during the winter, and removes heat from the home during the summer, releas- Geothermal systems cut energy costs and do not produce harmful greenhouse gases. ing it back into the ground. The system can also generate heat for hot water without using fossil fuel or emitting any carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other harmful greenhousegases. Cutting Energy Costs Because geothermal energy is available underground virtually anywhere on Earth, homeowners across the U.S. can tap into the technology to cut energy costs and their carbon footprint. Plus, as the DOE Website points out, because geothermal energy is homegrown, it can help reduce dependence on foreign oil, create jobs in America and help to more favorably balance the nation’s global trade deficit. Meanwhile, experts say the significant cost savings inherent in a geothermal system can translate to a positive return on investment for homeowners. Add the benefit of tax credits or rebates offered by some states and utility companies, and homeowners might see an even faster return on their investment. For more information, visit www.waterfurnace.com or call (800) GEO-SAVE.
