efficient than air source heat pumps especially in climates with similar heating and cooling loads (Omer, 2008). Environmental Benefits of GSGHP Systems GSGHP’s operate with nature to provide clean, efficient and energy saving heating and cooling all year round (Omer, 2008). They use less energy than alternative heating and cooling systems which relieves pressure on the earth’s natural resources. GSGHP’s are housed within the building/ house envelope and underground and therefore do not cause a loss of visual amenity, operate quietly, and do not emit pollutants (Omer, 2008). These systems have a high coefficient of performance (COP) and therefore the emissions of CO2, SO2 and NOx (all linked to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming) associated with traditional electricity generation are reduced (Omer, 2008). Consumers From a consumer’s point of view, GSGHP’s offer heating, cooling and hot water at a reduced cost and that is reliable, efficient and environmentally sound (Omer, 2008). They can be installed in new buildings or retrofitted in existing buildings (Omer, 2008). Utilities GSGHP’s assist utilities to stabilise demand loads and to become more competitive with other energy sources. They are rapidly becoming the most reliable and competitive heating systems that are currently available (Omer, 2008). Financial Savings Whilst some GSGHP systems can be more expensive to install than natural gas, oil or electric heating, they are very competitive with any type of heating/ cooling combination system (Omer, 2008). A closed loop GSGHP system may cost approximately $20000 to install, however the annual operating costs may be as low as $850 compared to approximately $2000 for conventional heating/ cooling systems (Petrov, 1997). The savings that can be achieved will vary according to a number of factors including the size of the house, its typical heat loss and level/type of insulation, the size of the system, its COP and the local climate and energy costs (Omer, 2008). Global Warming Impacts Compared to Other Heating/ Cooling Systems GSGHP’s offer significant emissions reductions in commercial and residential buildings (Omer, 2008). They use renewable energy stored in the ground near the surface. The use of this renewable energy
efficient than air source heat pumps especially in climates with similar heating and cooling loads (Omer, 2008). Environmental Benefits of GSGHP Systems GSGHP’s operate with nature to provide clean, efficient and energy saving heating and cooling all year round (Omer, 2008). They use less energy than alternative heating and cooling systems which relieves pressure on the earth’s natural resources. GSGHP’s are housed within the building/ house envelope and underground and therefore do not cause a loss of visual amenity, operate quietly, and do not emit pollutants (Omer, 2008). These systems have a high coefficient of performance (COP) and therefore the emissions of CO2, SO2 and NOx (all linked to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming) associated with traditional electricity generation are reduced (Omer, 2008). Consumers From a consumer’s point of view, GSGHP’s offer heating, cooling and hot water at a reduced cost and that is reliable, efficient and environmentally sound (Omer, 2008). They can be installed in new buildings or retrofitted in existing buildings (Omer, 2008). Utilities GSGHP’s assist utilities to stabilise demand loads and to become more competitive with other energy sources. They are rapidly becoming the most reliable and competitive heating systems that are currently available (Omer, 2008). Financial Savings Whilst some GSGHP systems can be more expensive to install than natural gas, oil or electric heating, they are very competitive with any type of heating/ cooling combination system (Omer, 2008). A closed loop GSGHP system may cost approximately $20000 to install, however the annual operating costs may be as low as $850 compared to approximately $2000 for conventional heating/ cooling systems (Petrov, 1997). The savings that can be achieved will vary according to a number of factors including the size of the house, its typical heat loss and level/type of insulation, the size of the system, its COP and the local climate and energy costs (Omer, 2008). Global Warming Impacts Compared to Other Heating/ Cooling Systems GSGHP’s offer significant emissions reductions in commercial and residential buildings (Omer, 2008). They use renewable energy stored in the ground near the surface. The use of this renewable energy
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