Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Permission to print Geothermal Heating and Cooling Cycle diagrams given by GeoComfort.

Many of our members have expressed interest in geothermal heating and cooling for their new homes or as a replacement for their existing fossil fuel HVAC system. The initial cost, however, has sometimes prevented the selection of this energy efficient system. Although the
mechanical part of the geo system is slightly higher in cost than a premium natural gas or LP system with conventional air conditioning, the loop field cost has been the primary obstacle to the selection of this type of heating and cooling for homes.

Consumers Energy is pleased to offer a solution to our members for the higher initial cost by providing the loop field. You can now have a geo system and Consumers Energy will installand own the loop field while charging you a minimal monthly fee for its use.

Please contact us for details of how this program can work for your home.

How Geothermal Works

Your own backyard has the potential to be an energy source for heating and cooling comfort. Outdoor air temperatures fluctuate throughout the year with the changing seasons. In contrast, ground temperatures about four to six feet below the earth's surface remain relatively moderate and constant all year. That’s because the earth absorbs 47% of all the heat energy that reaches its surface from the sun. A geothermal system circulates a water-based solution through a buried loop system to take advantage of these constant temperatures. A single piece of equipment has the ability to heat and cool your home, while providing some or all of your home’s hot water as well. Geothermal systems can save you 30% to 70% on your monthly
utility bills.

Heating Cycle

During the heating cycle, the fluid circulates through the loop extracting heat from the ground. The heat energy is transferred to the geothermal unit. The unit compresses the extracted heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home through a normal duct system or radiant heat system.

Cooling Cycle

For cooling, the process is simply reversed. Because the earth is much cooler than the air temperatures on a hot day, the geothermal system removes heat from the home and deposits it on the ground. The fluid is cooled by the ground temperatures and returned to the unit for cooling your home.

Consumers Energy Geothermal Solution

Incentives

• $350 per ton
• $100 Heat Plus with special kWh pricing
• You may also qualify for up to $2,000 in tax incentives

Loop Field Solution

• Consumers Energy will install and own the geo loop field
• Member only pays a monthly service charge

Geo Equipment

• Installation by member’s preferred HVAC contractor
  OR
• Installation by Consumers Energy’s partnering contractor