Capabilities
Geothermal
Geothermal heating and cooling is “one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems” as stated by the EPA. At Air Force One, we consider ourselves to be a “green” company, adept in use of energy-efficient products and techniques that not only help the environment, but also squeeze every last dollar out of facility operating costs for our clients.
Geothermal is a simple concept, similar to use of a wine cellar: Below ground, the earth’s temperature is a constant 55 degrees. You can take advantage of the difference between that and the outside temperature to cool you on a hot day, or warm you on a cold one.
By utilizing ground source heat pumps, a facility can save 40 to 70 percent in heating costs and 30 to 50 percent in cooling costs, compared to conventional systems. They also cut fossil fuel emissions almost to zero. In some installations or climates, buildings may require a small, additional heating or cooling system during months of extreme weather.
Geothermal typically utilizes a closed-loop system of water or anti-freeze buried either vertically in 50- to 250-foot deep holes drilled like a well, or horizontally in trenches up to six feet deep. There is also a less-common open-loop system that uses a nearby lake or stream to supply a constant source of water.
To heat a facility, refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger and absorbs heat from the lower-temperature ground loop. The refrigerant evaporates into a gas and passes through a compressor, where the refrigerant is pressurized and the temperature rises, up to 180 degrees. The hot gas is circulated through a heat exchanger where it mixes with air. The air is then sent into the structure at about 100 degrees. The refrigerant returns to a liquid state to be recycled. For air conditioning, the process is reversed. With fewer parts and motors, it’s easy to see how such a system can save so much energy. Another advantage is that all the components can be built inside the structure, saving wear and tear from the elements on equipment. A ground-loop system is expected to last 20 to 30 years, about twice that of a conventional HVAC system.
The only disadvantage to a geothermal system is that it can cost as much as 30 percent more to install than a conventional system. You would have to do the math to find how long it would take to reach a “break-even” point – typically two to ten years — but after that, your savings would mount up.
If you would like to consider a geothermal system, be sure to contact Air Force One. We have the knowledge and expertise to install and monitor these systems.
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