As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, the importance of a well-functioning air conditioning (AC) unit becomes undeniable. To truly appreciate why AC tune-ups are essential for optimal summer cooling, it's beneficial to first understand the components of an AC unit and how they contribute to its overall performance.
At the heart of any AC system lies the compressor, often referred to as the engine of the unit. The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, maintaining pressure that allows heat exchange to occur. Without a properly functioning compressor, your AC unit cannot effectively cool your home. Regular tune-ups ensure that this critical component operates efficiently, preventing potential breakdowns during peak summer months.
Another vital component is the condenser coil, typically located outside the home. It plays a crucial role in releasing the heat absorbed from indoors to the outside environment. When strange noises come from your HVAC system, commercial HVAC repair to ensure your home stays comfortable year-round.. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on these coils, impeding their ability to transfer heat efficiently. An annual tune-up involves cleaning these coils, ensuring they remain unobstructed and capable of performing at their best.
Inside your home resides another key player: the evaporator coil. This component absorbs heat from indoor air as it passes over it, thus cooling down your living space. A dirty or frozen evaporator coil can significantly reduce your AC's efficiency and cooling capacity. Routine maintenance checks help identify such issues early on, allowing for timely interventions that keep your home comfortably cool.
The blower fan also deserves mention as it circulates cooled air throughout your home via ductwork. If this fan is not operating correctly due to wear or dust accumulation, airflow can be restricted or unevenly distributed across rooms. Tune-ups ensure that fans and motors are properly lubricated and free from obstructions that could hinder their function.
Finally, filters play an indispensable role in maintaining indoor air quality by trapping dust and allergens before they circulate through your home's air supply. During a professional tune-up, technicians check these filters for cleanliness or signs of wear-replacing them if necessary-to promote healthy indoor environments and optimal airflow.
In conclusion, understanding each component's role within an AC unit underscores why regular maintenance is so vital ahead of sweltering summer months. A comprehensive tune-up not only enhances efficiency but also extends equipment lifespan while safeguarding against unexpected failures when you need cooling most urgently-ensuring peace of mind along with comfort during hot weather spells. By investing in routine upkeep now-and gaining insight into how different parts work together-you'll enjoy a seamless transition into summertime relaxation without any unwelcome surprises from your trusty cooling companion.
As summer temperatures rise, the relentless heat becomes a familiar guest in our daily lives. During these sweltering months, air conditioning systems evolve from mere appliances into indispensable allies, providing much-needed relief and comfort. However, like any trusted partner, an AC unit requires regular attention and care to perform at its best. This is where regular tune-ups come into play, playing a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Regular AC tune-ups are akin to routine maintenance checks for a car or annual health check-ups for humans; they ensure everything is functioning optimally and preemptively address potential issues. One of the primary reasons why these tune-ups are essential is that they help maintain energy efficiency. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the system's filters and coils, forcing the unit to work harder than necessary to cool your home. This not only increases energy consumption but also inflates utility bills-an unwelcome prospect during peak cooling season.
During a professional AC tune-up, technicians meticulously clean components such as filters, coils, and fins. They also check refrigerant levels and inspect ductwork for leaks or blockages. These actions collectively contribute to improved air flow and heat exchange efficiency within the system. Consequently, a well-maintained AC operates more effectively and consumes less energy-a win-win situation for both homeowners' wallets and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, regular maintenance extends the lifespan of an air conditioning unit. Just as neglecting oil changes can shorten a car's life span, ignoring AC upkeep can lead to premature wear-and-tear or even system failure at an inconvenient time-like the middle of July when demand on cooling systems peaks. By addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems, homeowners can avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Another compelling reason for timely AC tune-ups is ensuring optimal indoor air quality. A neglected system may harbor allergens such as pollen or mold spores which circulate throughout living spaces every time it runs-posing risks especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.
In summary, regular AC tune-ups are more than just preventive measures-they are strategic investments that enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding against unexpected breakdowns during summer's hottest days. By improving energy use efficiency through cleaning integral parts; extending equipment longevity by addressing small issues early; maintaining good indoor air quality-all these factors underscore why periodic inspections should be prioritized ahead of each cooling season.
So this summer let's embrace proactive maintenance practices: scheduling timely checkups ensures not only cooler homes but peace-of-mind knowing our trusty companions-the mighty Air Conditioners-are running smoothly when we need them most!
As the summer heat begins to rise, the importance of an efficient and reliable air conditioning system becomes undeniable. Preventative maintenance, particularly in the form of regular AC tune-ups, is essential to ensure your cooling system operates at peak performance during the hottest months. These routine check-ups not only provide comfort but also help avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns that can leave you sweltering in discomfort.
An air conditioner is a complex piece of machinery that requires periodic attention to function optimally. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate within the unit, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency. During a professional AC tune-up, technicians meticulously clean and inspect various components of the system. This process includes checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections, and ensuring that all mechanisms are operating smoothly. By addressing these minor issues early on, you prevent them from escalating into major problems that could lead to expensive repairs or even complete system failure.
Moreover, regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your AC unit. Just as a car benefits from oil changes and tire rotations to run efficiently over time, your air conditioning system relies on consistent care to deliver long-lasting service. By investing in annual tune-ups, you maximize your system's longevity while maintaining its efficiency. This results in lower energy bills as a well-maintained unit consumes less power to cool your home effectively.
The peace of mind that comes with preventative maintenance cannot be overstated. Summer temperatures can be unforgiving, and having an unreliable air conditioner adds unnecessary stress. Knowing your AC has been professionally serviced ensures it will perform when you need it most-keeping your home cool and comfortable all season long.
In conclusion, prioritizing preventative maintenance through regular AC tune-ups is an investment in both comfort and financial savings. By preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your cooling system, you not only ensure optimal performance but also enjoy a refreshing refuge from the summer heat without unexpected interruptions. Embrace this proactive approach; it's an essential step towards worry-free summer cooling each year.
As the sweltering days of summer approach, ensuring that your air conditioning system is in prime condition becomes a top priority. An often-overlooked aspect of maintaining a comfortable home environment during these hot months is the routine tune-up of your AC unit. While it may seem like an unnecessary chore or expense, regular maintenance offers significant energy efficiency benefits that can save you money and enhance the longevity and performance of your cooling system.
At its core, an air conditioning tune-up involves a thorough inspection and servicing of your unit by a qualified technician. This process includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, and lubricating moving parts. By addressing these elements, you are essentially fine-tuning your system to operate at its peak performance level.
One of the most immediate benefits of an AC tune-up is improved energy efficiency. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate within the unit's components, particularly on the condenser and evaporator coils. This buildup forces the system to work harder than necessary to cool your home, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
Furthermore, an efficient air conditioner not only consumes less power but also reduces environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions associated with electricity use. In this way, routine maintenance contributes not just to personal savings but also supports broader environmental sustainability efforts.
Moreover, regular tune-ups extend the lifespan of your AC unit by preventing small issues from developing into major problems. For instance, low refrigerant levels might go unnoticed without professional inspection but could eventually lead to compressor failure if left unaddressed-a costly repair that could have been avoided through routine maintenance checks.
In addition to financial savings and environmental benefits, routine AC tune-ups ensure optimal comfort during those blistering summer days when reliable cooling is most crucial. A properly maintained system provides consistent airflow and temperature control throughout your home, eliminating hot spots or uneven cooling that can result from neglected equipment.
Finally, routine maintenance enhances indoor air quality by ensuring that filters are clean and functioning correctly. This prevents dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens from circulating through your living spaces-an important consideration for households with allergy sufferers or individuals sensitive to poor air quality.
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to skip a yearly checkup in favor of saving time or money initially-investing in regular air conditioning tune-ups pays dividends in terms of enhanced energy efficiency benefits alone: lower utility bills; reduced environmental footprint; prolonged equipment life; improved comfort levels; better indoor air quality-all critical factors contributing towards making every summer as pleasant as possible inside our homes without breaking our budgets unnecessarily high due solely upon neglectful oversight regarding proper upkeep measures which should never be undervalued nor overlooked again henceforth!
As the summer months approach, many of us look forward to enjoying the warmth and sunshine. However, this season also brings with it the challenge of keeping our indoor spaces cool and comfortable. Air conditioning systems are our go-to solutions for beating the heat, but their efficiency and effectiveness heavily depend on regular maintenance. One crucial aspect of maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is improving air quality through routine AC tune-ups.
Indoor air quality is a significant concern, especially during summer when we rely heavily on our air conditioning units to keep our homes and offices cool. Over time, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles accumulate within AC systems. These contaminants not only diminish the unit's performance but also circulate throughout your living space, potentially causing health issues such as allergies or respiratory problems. Regular AC maintenance helps ensure that these pollutants are kept at bay by cleaning and replacing clogged filters and ducts.
Energy efficiency is another critical reason why regular AC tune-ups are essential during summer. An unmaintained air conditioner can consume more energy than necessary, leading to higher utility bills. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently because it doesn't have to work as hard to achieve the desired temperature. This not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint by conserving energy.
Moreover, an AC tune-up can extend the lifespan of your unit. Just as a car requires oil changes and tire rotations to function optimally over time, an air conditioning system needs periodic attention to continue operating efficiently for years to come.
In addition to technical maintenance tasks such as checking refrigerant levels or calibrating thermostats, regular inspections provide peace of mind by confirming that your AC system is safe for use throughout the summer months. Faulty wiring or malfunctioning parts could pose fire hazards or other safety risks if left unchecked.
Ultimately, investing in regular air conditioner maintenance offers numerous benefits: improved indoor air quality, enhanced energy efficiency, extended equipment life span-and perhaps most importantly-a consistently cool space where you can relax comfortably during hot weather conditions without worry about unexpected breakdowns.
By making routine AC tune-ups part of your summer preparation strategy each year you're not just preserving comfort; you're safeguarding both healthiness indoors while promoting sustainability outdoors-all valuable returns from what might seem initially like minor seasonal upkeep chores!
As the mercury climbs and summer's heat becomes relentless, our reliance on air conditioning units intensifies. These machines, which we often take for granted, become indispensable in maintaining comfort within our homes. However, like any other mechanical system, an air conditioner requires regular maintenance to function optimally. Extending the lifespan of your AC unit is not just about ensuring comfort during the hottest months; it's also a matter of efficiency and economy. This is why annual AC tune-ups are essential.
The first step in understanding the importance of AC tune-ups is recognizing how these systems operate under stress. During peak summer months, air conditioners work tirelessly to cool our living spaces. Over time, this continuous operation can lead to wear and tear on critical components such as filters, coils, and fins. Without regular maintenance, these parts can degrade faster than expected, leading to diminished performance or even system failure.
A professional AC tune-up involves a thorough inspection and cleaning of these components to ensure they are functioning at their best. For instance, replacing or cleaning filters enhances airflow and boosts efficiency by preventing dust and debris from accumulating and obstructing circulation. Clean coils are equally crucial; when coils are free from dirt buildup, they can absorb heat more effectively-ensuring that your unit doesn't have to work overtime just to achieve desired cooling levels.
Moreover, routine tune-ups offer an opportunity for technicians to identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or replacements. Early detection of problems such as refrigerant leaks or worn-out electrical connections can save you from sudden breakdowns during unbearable heat waves. By addressing these minor concerns proactively through regular check-ups, you not only extend the lifespan of your air conditioner but also safeguard against unexpected expenses.
Energy efficiency is another compelling reason for prioritizing annual AC tune-ups. Well-maintained units consume less energy while delivering optimal cooling performance-a benefit that reflects immediately on your utility bills. In today's environmentally conscious world, reducing energy consumption isn't merely about cutting costs; it's also about contributing positively towards environmental conservation efforts.
In conclusion, investing in yearly AC tune-ups is a prudent decision for anyone looking to optimize their cooling systems' longevity and efficiency during summer months-and beyond. By doing so consistently each year before temperatures soar high enough necessitating constant use again later down line (and thus increasing likelihood something might go wrong), homeowners stand better chances at enjoying uninterrupted comfort without breaking bank over unnecessary repairs later due lack foresight early preventative measures taken now instead! Ultimately though-it always pays keeping mind how much easier life gets simply knowing everything running smoothly behind scenes thanks timely professional care given appliances upon which depend daily basis especially those critical moments when need them most like sweltering hot days ahead sure come once more come next season arrives anew yet again soon enough inevitably after all too brief respite provided cooler seasons interim meantime meantime meantime meantime meantime meantime meanwhile meanwhile meanwhile meanwhile until then let's make sure stay prepared ready whatever comes way whenever needed most indeed truly indeed certainly indeed definitely indeed absolutely so let's make sure stay prepared ready whatever comes way whenever needed most indeed truly!
As summer approaches and temperatures climb, ensuring that your air conditioning (AC) system is in top-notch condition becomes crucial. For homeowners, this often leads to a decision: should you opt for a professional AC tune-up or attempt a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach? Understanding the importance of regular AC maintenance can help make this decision easier, as it plays a vital role in efficient cooling and long-term system health.
Firstly, let's explore why AC tune-ups are essential for summer cooling. An air conditioning unit that operates efficiently not only cools your home effectively but also consumes less energy, saving on utility bills. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the filters and coils of your AC system, reducing its efficiency. Regular tune-ups ensure these components are clean and functioning optimally. Moreover, addressing small issues during routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the line or even premature system failure.
Now, considering the choice between professional and DIY tune-ups requires weighing several factors. Professional technicians bring expertise and experience to the table. They are trained to identify potential problems that an untrained eye might miss, such as refrigerant leaks or electrical issues. Professionals use specialized tools to conduct thorough inspections and calibrations that ensure every part of your system works harmoniously. Furthermore, many manufacturers require regular professional maintenance to keep warranties valid.
On the other hand, DIY tune-ups offer flexibility and cost savings upfront-appealing benefits for many homeowners. Basic tasks like changing filters regularly or cleaning visible dirt from vents can be handled with minimal technical knowledge. Numerous online resources provide step-by-step guides for those eager to delve deeper into their AC systems' workings.
However, there are inherent risks with the DIY approach. Without proper knowledge or tools, homeowners may inadvertently cause damage or overlook critical faults within their systems. Additionally, some maintenance tasks require handling refrigerants or working with electrical components-activities best left to qualified professionals due to safety concerns.
In conclusion, while both professional and DIY tune-ups have their merits, they serve different needs depending on individual circumstances. For comprehensive care that ensures longevity and optimal performance of your air conditioning unit throughout the sweltering summer months, professional services stand out as a wise investment. However, incorporating simple DIY tasks alongside scheduled professional checkups can further enhance system efficiency without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, whichever route you choose should align with your comfort level regarding technical tasks and overall priorities concerning home maintenance expenditures versus peace of mind in reliable cooling performance when it matters most-during those scorching summer days when a well-functioning AC feels indispensable.
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Geothermal heating is the direct use of geothermal energy for some heating applications. Humans have taken advantage of geothermal heat this way since the Paleolithic era. Approximately seventy countries made direct use of a total of 270 PJ of geothermal heating in 2004. As of 2007, 28 GW of geothermal heating capacity is installed around the world, satisfying 0.07% of global primary energy consumption.[1] Thermal efficiency is high since no energy conversion is needed, but capacity factors tend to be low (around 20%) since the heat is mostly needed in the winter.
Geothermal energy originates from the heat retained within the Earth since the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface.[2] Most high temperature geothermal heat is harvested in regions close to tectonic plate boundaries where volcanic activity rises close to the surface of the Earth. In these areas, ground and groundwater can be found with temperatures higher than the target temperature of the application. However, even cold ground contains heat. Below 6 metres (20 ft), the undisturbed ground temperature is consistently at the mean annual air temperature,[3] and this heat can be extracted with a ground source heat pump.
Country | Production PJ/yr |
Capacity GW |
Capacity factor |
Dominant applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
China | 45.38 | 3.69 | 39% | bathing |
Sweden | 43.2 | 4.2 | 33% | heat pumps |
USA | 31.24 | 7.82 | 13% | heat pumps |
Turkey | 24.84 | 1.5 | 53% | district heating |
Iceland | 24.5 | 1.84 | 42% | district heating |
Japan | 10.3 | 0.82 | 40% | bathing (onsens) |
Hungary | 7.94 | 0.69 | 36% | spas/greenhouses |
Italy | 7.55 | 0.61 | 39% | spas/space heating |
New Zealand | 7.09 | 0.31 | 73% | industrial uses |
63 others | 71 | 6.8 | ||
Total | 273 | 28 | 31% | space heating |
Category | GWh/year |
---|---|
Geothermal heat pumps | 90,293 |
Bathing and swimming | 33,164 |
Space heating | 24,508 |
Greenhouse heating | 7,407 |
Aquaculture pond heating | 3,322 |
Industrial uses | 2,904 |
Cooling/snow melting | 722 |
Agriculture drying | 564 |
Others | 403 |
Total | 163,287 |
There are a wide variety of applications for cheap geothermal heat including heating of houses, greenhouses, bathing and swimming or industrial uses. Most applications use geothermal in the form of hot fluids between 50 °C (122 °F) and 150 °C (302 °F). The suitable temperature varies for the different applications. For direct use of geothermal heat, the temperature range for the agricultural sector lies between 25 °C (77 °F) and 90 °C (194 °F), for space heating lies between 50 °C (122 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F).[4] Heat pipes extend the temperature range down to 5 °C (41 °F) as they extract and "amplify" the heat. Geothermal heat exceeding 150 °C (302 °F) is typically used for geothermal power generation.[6]
In 2004 more than half of direct geothermal heat was used for space heating, and a third was used for spas.[1] The remainder was used for a variety of industrial processes, desalination, domestic hot water, and agricultural applications. The cities of Reykjavík and Akureyri pipe hot water from geothermal plants under roads and pavements to melt snow. Geothermal desalination has been demonstrated.
Geothermal systems tend to benefit from economies of scale, so space heating power is often distributed to multiple buildings, sometimes whole communities. This technique, long practiced throughout the world in locations such as Reykjavík, Iceland;[7] Boise, Idaho;[8] and Klamath Falls, Oregon;[9] is known as district heating.[10]
In Europe alone 280 geothermal district heating plants were in operation in 2016 according to the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) with a total capacity of approximately 4.9 GWth.[11]
Some parts of the world, including substantial portions of the western USA, are underlain by relatively shallow geothermal resources.[12] Similar conditions exist in Iceland, parts of Japan, and other geothermal hot spots around the world. In these areas, water or steam may be captured from natural hot springs and piped directly into radiators or heat exchangers. Alternatively, the heat may come from waste heat supplied by co-generation from a geothermal electrical plant or from deep wells into hot aquifers. Direct geothermal heating is far more efficient than geothermal electricity generation and has less demanding temperature requirements, so it is viable over a large geographical range. If the shallow ground is hot but dry, air or water may be circulated through earth tubes or downhole heat exchangers which act as heat exchangers with the ground.
Steam under pressure from deep geothermal resources is also used to generate electricity from geothermal power. The Iceland Deep Drilling Project struck a pocket of magma at 2,100m. A cemented steelcase was constructed in the hole with a perforation at the bottom close to the magma. The high temperatures and pressure of the magma steam were used to generate 36MW of electricity, making IDDP-1 the world's first magma-enhanced geothermal system.[13]
In areas where the shallow ground is too cold to provide comfort directly, it is still warmer than the winter air. The thermal inertia of the shallow ground retains solar energy accumulated in the summertime, and seasonal variations in ground temperature disappear completely below 10m of depth. That heat can be extracted with a geothermal heat pump more efficiently than it can be generated by conventional furnaces.[10] Geothermal heat pumps are economically viable essentially anywhere in the world.
In theory, geothermal energy (usually cooling) can also be extracted from existing infrastructure, such as municipal water pipes.[14]
In regions without any high temperature geothermal resources, a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) can provide space heating and space cooling. Like a refrigerator or air conditioner, these systems use a heat pump to force the transfer of heat from the ground to the building. Heat can be extracted from any source, no matter how cold, but a warmer source allows higher efficiency. A ground-source heat pump uses the shallow ground or ground water (typically starting at 10–12 °C or 50–54 °F) as a source of heat, thus taking advantage of its seasonally moderate temperatures.[15] In contrast, an air source heat pump draws heat from the air (colder outside air) and thus requires more energy.
GSHPs circulate a carrier fluid (usually a mixture of water and small amounts of antifreeze) through closed pipe loops buried in the ground. Single-home systems can be "vertical loop field" systems with bore holes 50–400 feet (15–120 m) deep or,[16] if adequate land is available for extensive trenches, a "horizontal loop field" is installed approximately six feet subsurface. As the fluid circulates underground it absorbs heat from the ground and, on its return, the warmed fluid passes through the heat pump which uses electricity to extract heat from the fluid. The re-chilled fluid is sent back into the ground thus continuing the cycle. The heat extracted and that generated by the heat pump appliance as a byproduct is used to heat the house. The addition of the ground heating loop in the energy equation means that significantly more heat can be transferred to a building than if electricity alone had been used directly for heating.
Switching the direction of heat flow, the same system can be used to circulate the cooled water through the house for cooling in the summer months. The heat is exhausted to the relatively cooler ground (or groundwater) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air as an air conditioner does. As a result, the heat is pumped across a larger temperature difference and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use.[15]
This technology makes ground source heating economically viable in any geographical location. In 2004, an estimated million ground-source heat pumps with a total capacity of 15 GW extracted 88 PJ of heat energy for space heating. Global ground-source heat pump capacity is growing by 10% annually.[1]
Hot springs have been used for bathing at least since Paleolithic times.[17] The oldest known spa is a stone pool on China's Mount Li built in the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century BC, at the same site where the Huaqing Chi palace was later built. Geothermal energy supplied channeled district heating for baths and houses in Pompeii around 0 AD.[18] In the first century AD, Romans conquered Aquae Sulis in England and used the hot springs there to feed public baths and underfloor heating.[19] The admission fees for these baths probably represents the first commercial use of geothermal power. A 1,000-year-old hot tub has been located in Iceland, where it was built by one of the island's original settlers.[20] The world's oldest working geothermal district heating system in Chaudes-Aigues, France, has been operating since the 14th century.[4] The earliest industrial exploitation began in 1827 with the use of geyser steam to extract boric acid from volcanic mud in Larderello, Italy.
In 1892, America's first district heating system in Boise, Idaho, was powered directly by geothermal energy, and was soon copied in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1900. A deep geothermal well was used to heat greenhouses in Boise in 1926, and geysers were used to heat greenhouses in Iceland and Tuscany at about the same time.[21] Charlie Lieb developed the first downhole heat exchanger in 1930 to heat his house. Steam and hot water from the geysers began to be used to heat homes in Iceland in 1943.
By this time, Lord Kelvin had already invented the heat pump in 1852, and Heinrich Zoelly had patented the idea of using it to draw heat from the ground in 1912.[22] But it was not until the late 1940s that the geothermal heat pump was successfully implemented. The earliest one was probably Robert C. Webber's home-made 2.2 kW direct-exchange system, but sources disagree as to the exact timeline of his invention.[22] J. Donald Kroeker designed the first commercial geothermal heat pump to heat the Commonwealth Building (Portland, Oregon) and demonstrated it in 1946.[23][24] Professor Carl Nielsen of Ohio State University built the first residential open loop version in his home in 1948.[25] The technology became popular in Sweden as a result of the 1973 oil crisis, and has been growing slowly in worldwide acceptance since then. The 1979 development of polybutylene pipe greatly augmented the heat pump's economic viability.[23] Since 2000, a compelling body of research has been dedicated to numerically evidence the advantages and efficiency of using CO2, alternative to water, as heat transmission fluid for geothermal energy recovery from enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) where the permeability of the underground source is enhanced by hydrofracturing.[26][27] As of 2004, there are over one million geothermal heat pumps installed worldwide providing 12 GW of thermal capacity.[28] Each year, about 80,000 units are installed in the US and 27,000 in Sweden.[28]
Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that encourages conservation of natural resources. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, geo-exchange systems save homeowners 30–70 percent in heating costs, and 20–50 percent in cooling costs, compared to conventional systems.[29] Geo-exchange systems also save money because they require much less maintenance. In addition to being highly reliable they are built to last for decades.
Some utilities, such as Kansas City Power and Light, offer special, lower winter rates for geothermal customers, offering even more savings.[15]
In geothermal heating projects the underground is penetrated by trenches or drillholes. As with all underground work, projects may cause problems if the geology of the area is poorly understood.
In the spring of 2007 an exploratory geothermal drilling operation was conducted to provide geothermal heat to the town hall of Staufen im Breisgau. After initially sinking a few millimeters, a process called subsidence,[30] the city center has started to rise gradually[31] causing considerable damage to buildings in the city center, affecting numerous historic houses including the town hall. It is hypothesized that the drilling perforated an anhydrite layer bringing high-pressure groundwater to come into contact with the anhydrite, which then began to expand. Currently no end to the rising process is in sight.[32][33][34] Data from the TerraSAR-X radar satellite before and after the changes confirmed the localised nature of the situation:
A geochemical process called anhydrite swelling has been confirmed as the cause of these uplifts. This is a transformation of the mineral anhydrite (anhydrous calcium sulphate) into gypsum (hydrous calcium sulphate). A pre-condition for this transformation is that the anhydrite is in contact with water, which is then stored in its crystalline structure.[35] There are other sources of potential risks, i.e.: cave enlargement or worsening of stability conditions, quality or quantity degradation of groundwater resources, Specific hazard worsening in the case of landslide-prone areas, worsening of rocky mechanical characteristics, soil and water pollution (i.e. due to antifreeze additives or polluting constructive and boring material).[36] The design defined on the base of site-specific geological, hydrogeological and environmental knowledge prevent all these potential risks.
During Roman times, warm water was circulated through open trenches to provide heating for buildings and baths in Pompeii.