  
GeoThermal Loop Systems: Another Great Energy Efficient Innovation
A Geothermal Loop System sits securely in the earth underneath your home.
It's zig-zag grid of underground pipe acts like a giant, low-energy heating & cooling machine. The system transfers air, water, or coolant through hundreds of feet of underground plumbing. After passing that media through the plumbing, the air, water, or coolant reenters your building, passing over your HVAC's heating & cooling coils and saving you about 80% on your #1 energy expense.
Click on photo to see animation.
Relying on Dirt
Wise man say, "30 feet below surface, the earth doesn't know if it's Summer, Winter, or Fall." Translation: at 30 feet below surface, the Earth maintains consistent underground temperatures all year round. In Texas, for example, underground temps range from 60-78°F (depending on location).
Big Payoffs
1. A GeoThermal Loop System is four to five times more efficient in fuel conversion than a gas furnace.
2. The systems come with an average life expectancy of 22 years (US DOE statistic).
3. A GeoThermal Loop System can be installed to fit a structure of any size, anywhere, on almost any size lot.
4. Many local utilities offer financing and the US Government offers tax incentives on GeoThermal installations through 2007.
The Good News
We're reducing global warming. By using electricity as efficiently as possible, and by finding alternative means to heat and cool air, we all benefit. The US EPA & the US DOE report that geothermal technologies represent an enormous opportunity for "reducing national energy use and pollution, while delivering comfort, reliability and savings to homeowners." Check it out! The world's highest efficiency heating and cooling system is right under your feet. . .
To learn more about GeoThermal Loop Systems, GeoThermal Heat Pumps, and the like, please visit our links below.
Special Thanks to Maria Richards, Jarle Lillemoen, and Doug Rye for their contributions to this article.
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GeoThermal Info
(hot links bottom of page)
> In Depth: "What is GeoThermal"
http://geoheat.oit.edu/whatgeo.htm
> In Depth: "What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?"
http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/
> In Depth: Geothermal System Design
http://www.geokiss.com/
> In Depth: GeoExchange
http://www.geoexchange.org/
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LINKS, LINKS, LINKS
Speaking of CONQUERING GLOBAL WARMING, here's a lot to be glad about:
> BRITS GET SERIOUS, re: economic impacts of global warming
Govt says action now "far out weighs" future costs...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6096594.stm
(link below)
> british primeminister, "Global Warming Can't Wait"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6096084.stm
(link below)
> bbc: global warming in pictures
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/05/sci_nat_your_changing_world/html/1.stm
(link below)
> bbc: "global ecosystems face collapse"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6077798.stm
(link below)
> bbc: ecological footprint meter
Natural resources are being consumed "faster than they can be replaced."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6080074.stm
(link below)
> bbc: "global warming in depth"
Learn all about it from one of the world's keenest news sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2004/planet/default.stm
(link below)
> evangelicals for enviro stewardship putting pressure on bush
New movie, "The Great Warming" is galvanizing 40 - 50% of Republican base, says Reverend Richard Cizik, vice pres of governmental affairs, The National Association of Evangelicals. Visit the movie's website:
http://www.thegreatwarming.com/
> bush makes U Turn on climate change
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article1604092.ece
> california passes tough CO2 emissions law
California lawmakers recently celebrated the passage of a landmark global warming bill designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation caps California's emissions at 1990 levels by 2020 (representing an estimated 25 percent overall reduction from current levels)...
> california finalizes solar roofs plan
Arnold Schwarzenegger put the final pieces in place for his Million Solar Roofs Initiative last month. The plan could expand to a budget of $3.35 Billion dollars over the next 10 years...
http://www.protectingourenvironment.com/
> northeastern states agree to landmark CO2 plan
Seven northeastern states recently announced that they would participate in the nation’s first carbon dioxide emissions trading program in order to limit greenhouse gases from power plants...
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3316
> state of TX to invest $10B in wind
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2006/10/02/daily9.html?f=et51&hbx=e_du
> canadian youth hold climate funerals
Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Halifax, Montreal, Hull and Rimouski
all held funerals -- for the future... Led by youth activists in effort to draw attention to the Canadian government's lack of action on climate change...
> america's "energy star" launches bulb pledge
Our first icon -- the compact flourescent light bulb -- is become emblematic of the efficiency revolution...
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=cal.showPledge
(link below)
> "kilowatt ours" bonds the nation
We are proudly showing this film as often as possible, "A Plan to ReEnergize America." Check out the link to read testimonies from viewers:
http://www.kilowattours.org/energy-conservation-stories.php
(link below)
> 2006 building code, ontario
Provides the toughest energy-efficiency standards of any building code in Canada... Provisions will promote the use of solar PV and active solar hot water systems.
contributed by John Sarver
> 2.5 million strong ... and growing fast
U.S. Wind Energy Facilities now exceed 10,000 megawatts in generating capacity, producing enough electricity to power more than 2.5 million homes a day. Texas is #1 now.
contributed by John Sarver
> australia builds world's largest solar power station
http://www.physorg.com/news81000631.html
contributed by Caey Martinez
> mainstream -- climate friendly travel services
Travelocity & Expedia now offering starter carbon offset options in reservation process - "Be A Hero, Go Zero!"
http://www.climatebiz.com/sections/asktheclimateexpert_detail.cfm?NewsID=34154
(link below)
> "houston gets wind of renewable energy"
http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/09/11/focus1.html?f=et159&b=1157947200^1342598&hbx=e_vert
contributed by Casey Martinez
> portland going 100% renewable
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/08/30/PM200608308.html
(link below)
> austin energy proposes clean energy neighborhood"
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/Members/newsletter/Sept%202006/returnOfZeroEnergyHomes.htm
(link below)
> StopTheCoalPlant.org
Is gaining ground... Stopping global warming is all about clean fuels, efficient technologies, and carbon offsets. Visit our friends Karen & Casey -
http://www.stopthecoalplant.org/
> technology review tackles global warming
"There is no escaping the reality that in the end, we will need an energy economy based on solar, wind and other renewables..." says famed NASA climatologist Jim Hansen...
http://www.technologyreview.com/special/oil/index.aspx
contributed by Casey Martinez
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SERIOUS ROCK N ROLL BONUS
Reader/Writer/Musician/Doctor/Permaculturist/ & Geothermal Advocate Jarle Lillemoen, writes
The WORLD'S FIRST GEOTHERMAL SONG: "Geothermal Betty!"
Try the link below... El Raj!
http://www.glaxor.net/GRASSMusic/GRASS/V_rough/08%20Geothermal%20Betty.mp3
(link below)
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New to The Good News
Welcome this month: Janice & Stephen, Govardhan, Treeflights UK (be sure to check them out, Rachael, "TenseRider," Shona, & Mark. Thanks ya'll good people!
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SPECIAL THANKS
We had a great time at Bioneers:Houston last week, thanks to everyone involved, especially: Maria, Cath, Mark, Casey, and the nice lady from The Republic of Tea!
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SWITCH TO CLEAN ENERGY
Did you know? -- You can the biggest step towards solving the global warming issue TODAY. Just click on our windmill below to find nationwide links to home and office energy supply. This is the easiest to make the biggest difference. Good Common Sense!
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Thanks for reading folks! See you next month!
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