Geothermal

Unlike any other heating and cooling system, a geothermal heat pump can preheat your hot water. This means sometimes you will use little or no additional energy to heat water. A device called a “desuperheater” transfers excess heat from the pump to the water heater. In the summer, hot water is provided with no additional energy usage and in the winter, water heating costs are cut roughly in half. Your HVAC contractor can tell you if this process will work with your water heater.
Geothermal systems heat and cool your home in an even fashion. they are clean, safe, and quiet. The geothermal systems are all-electric so there are no flames, flues, or fumes. any home with a central duct system is a candidate for a geothermal system. There are a variety of ways to install an earth loop, even small loops for confined areas. The piping is underground or underwater, so there is little maintenance required. Occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger coils and changing the air filters are about all that’s necessary to keep the system in good running order.
An increasing number of heating and cooling dealers sell and install geothermal systems. We have provided a list of local geothermal HVAC contractors. A good rule of thumb is to meet with the HVAC contractors then obtain three estimates to determine your best deal. Be sure to ask for references! URE members are encouraged to read our booklet called, “Questions to ask when replacing your HVAC.”

Geothermal Requirements

The new installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system in a residential home that uses electricity from Union Rural Electric (URE) qualifies for a geothermal rebate from URE.

The system may serve either a new or existing residence. The purpose of the requirements which follow is to aid URE in inspecting and verifying the geothermal heating and cooling system’s eligibility for a rebate from URE.

a. Equipment shall be rated by ARI (air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute) test standards and certified by ARI or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or other nationally recognized testing organizations.

b. Equipment installed shall be in compliance with Energy Star® requirements for both EER and COP minimums at the time of installation. This will ensure systems will meet requirements for federal tax credits for geothermal system installation.

Requirements Effective January 1, 2012 EER COP

Closed Loop Water-Air 17.1 3.6

Open Loop Water-Air 21.1 4.1

c. The complete system, including any necessary supplemental devices, shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories or other nationally recognized testing organizations in accordance with U.L. standards.

d. The system must include properly-sized ductwork per home’s load calculation. Member/Contractor must have all local agency permits/inspections performed.

e. The system shall be wired according to the Cooperative’s requirements and in compliance with the National Electric Code and local or Ohio Electric Code requirements.

f. Open loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and shall meet applicable federal, state, or local county agency standards. Open-loop installations shall also have documented water quality and quantity tests conducted by the installer, distributor, or manufacturer evidencing the suitability and availability of water required for the application.

g. Closed loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and shall meet applicable federal, state, or local agency standards.

h. Direct Expansion loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations shall meet applicable federal, state, or local agency standards.

i. Ground loops should be installed by professionals who follow procedures established by the International ground Source heat Pump association (IGSHA).

Requirements Effective January 1, 2012	EER	COP
Closed Loop Water-Air	17.1	3.6
Open Loop Water-Air	21.1	4.1

Geothermal Information

The building must be a residential structure that uses electricity from Union Rural Electric (URE).

Rebate is to be paid to the URE member who owns the building.

Geothermal

Geothermal Requirements

Geothermal Information

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