Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil

<h1>Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil</h1>Author: <a title="Alan Jacobson" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/alan-jacobson/35498.htm">Alan Jacobson</a> There are three exciting new technologies that can help you heat your home this winter with less, or perhaps even no oil or gas. Each of these systems will pay for itself in just a small period of time, and after that you keep all the savings you reap on lower oil and gas bills. Each of these three products, condensing boilers, micro chp systems, and ground source heat pumps are already in widespread use around the globe, and poised to explode into the market in the US. Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) is the cornerstone technology in what is called "cogeneration". Cogeneration is the process by which electricity and heat are generated at the same time, and micro chp achieves this in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both processes. This, in turn, allows you to use less gas or oil. As an example, some micro-chp systems are so efficient that they convert 70-80% of the energy produced from the gas or oil into heat, and 15-25% into electricity. This leaves very little energy to be lost, 5-20% in most cases. Conventional systems, on the other hand might also be able to convert 80% of the energy into heat, but electricity generation is a completely separate system. Thus, with micro chp, the electricity generated in the home is basically free! The savings on electric bills can cover the initial investment in the installation of a micro CHP unit in just a few years. A condensing boiler captures energy normally discharged and lost through the exhaust chimney during the process where the water is heated. Put simply, the captured steam is changed back to hot water using a "heat exchanger" that cools the steam back into liquid. During this process, energy is produced and recovered. This energy, in turn, is useful in powering the condensing boiler, so less gas or oil has to be burned overall. In addition, given that the recovered water is already heated, it can be recycled back into use within the boiler right away. Condensing boilers usually pay for themselves in two to three years. Geothermal heat pumps (often called ground source heat pumps) can both heat and cool your home, and the thing that sets these systems apart from both of the above is that they use zero gas or oil. In fact, the heat and cooling is generated by something that you don't have to pay for and isn't going anywhere - the earth itself. Just under the ground, the earth's temperature is steady and warm. A ground source heat pump pulls the earth's heat into the house in the winter, while in the summer the system reverses itself and returns heat from the house into the ground. While ground source heat pumps are more expensive to install than regular heating and colling systems, they are often warranteed for 40-50 years, and pay for themselves in a small fraction of that. Condensing boilers, micro CHP, and ground source heat pumps are technologies that are already perfected and on the consumer market. Therefore, the price is already reasonable and the technology reliable. These are not brand new "green" technologies - they are just relatively (and surprisingly) unknown products. Look into one of the three products today to lower your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the resale value and desireability of your home.About the Author: For more information about condensing boilers, please go to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.condensingboilers.net">http://www.condensingboilers.net</a> 
 
For more information about ground source heat pumps, please go to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.groundsourceheatpumps.info">http://www.groundsourceheatpumps.info</a> 
 
For more information about micro chp, please go to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.microchpsystems.com">http://www.microchpsystems.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/geothermal-condensing-boilers-and-micro-chp-heat-your-home-with-less-gas-or-oil-580062.html" title="Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil">Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil</a>

There are three exciting new technologies that can help you heat your home this winter with less, or perhaps even no oil or gas. Each of these systems will pay for itself in just a small period of time, and after that you keep all the savings you reap on lower oil and gas bills. Each of these three products, condensing boilers, micro chp systems, and ground source heat pumps are already in widespread use around the globe, and poised to explode into the market in the US.

Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) is the cornerstone technology in what is called "cogeneration". Cogeneration is the process by which electricity and heat are generated at the same time, and micro chp achieves this in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of both processes. This, in turn, allows you to use less gas or oil. As an example, some micro-chp systems are so efficient that they convert 70-80% of the energy produced from the gas or oil into heat, and 15-25% into electricity. This leaves very little energy to be lost, 5-20% in most cases. Conventional systems, on the other hand might also be able to convert 80% of the energy into heat, but electricity generation is a completely separate system. Thus, with micro chp, the electricity generated in the home is basically free! The savings on electric bills can cover the initial investment in the installation of a micro CHP unit in just a few years.

A condensing boiler captures energy normally discharged and lost through the exhaust chimney during the process where the water is heated. Put simply, the captured steam is changed back to hot water using a "heat exchanger" that cools the steam back into liquid. During this process, energy is produced and recovered. This energy, in turn, is useful in powering the condensing boiler, so less gas or oil has to be burned overall. In addition, given that the recovered water is already heated, it can be recycled back into use within the boiler right away. Condensing boilers usually pay for themselves in two to three years.

Geothermal heat pumps (often called ground source heat pumps) can both heat and cool your home, and the thing that sets these systems apart from both of the above is that they use zero gas or oil. In fact, the heat and cooling is generated by something that you don't have to pay for and isn't going anywhere - the earth itself. Just under the ground, the earth's temperature is steady and warm. A ground source heat pump pulls the earth's heat into the house in the winter, while in the summer the system reverses itself and returns heat from the house into the ground. While ground source heat pumps are more expensive to install than regular heating and colling systems, they are often warranteed for 40-50 years, and pay for themselves in a small fraction of that.

Condensing boilers, micro CHP, and ground source heat pumps are technologies that are already perfected and on the consumer market. Therefore, the price is already reasonable and the technology reliable. These are not brand new "green" technologies - they are just relatively (and surprisingly) unknown products. Look into one of the three products today to lower your heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the resale value and desireability of your home.

For more information about condensing boilers, please go to http://www.condensingboilers.net

For more information about ground source heat pumps, please go to http://www.groundsourceheatpumps.info

For more information about micro chp, please go to http://www.microchpsystems.com

Rate this Article:

5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/geothermal-condensing-boilers-and-micro-chp-heat-your-home-with-less-gas-or-oil-580062.html

Article Tags: Home, Gas, Alternative, Energy, Oil, Save, Heat Pump, Geothermal, Micro Chp, Ground Souce, Condesning Boiler

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Installing a Ventless Gas Fireplace

Play

Gas Fireplaces for Your Home

Play

How To Save on Your Home Heating Costs

Play

How to save energy in the home

Play

How to Insulate your Home

1. Other HVAC Guy (18:41, 15.03.2009)

You're both right. They might not last that long, but they are often warranteed for that long. Just like a 100,000 mile car warranty, the consumer is likely to have to use it, but they get the piece of mind that comes with the warranty. The most common warranty is 25 years on everything, 50 years on the underground pipes.

-1

2. hvac guy (17:35, 13.03.2009)

since when does geothermal heat pumps last 40-50 years?--they have a lotta standard a/c parts--like compressors, fans , controls, etc. We have replaced a lotta them before 20 years--further more they need regular service or the efficiency is compromised. the well pump will not last longer than 20 years either. u should get out in the field once in a while.

Latest Tools and Equipment Articles
More from Alan Jacobson

What Should You Do If Your Lawnmower Does Not Start?

By: Danny | 10/11/2009
If your lawnmower does not start it could be for a variety of reasons, it might sound silly, but it’s surprising how often it’s usually because of something small, such as the lawnmower not being properly plugged in, or an extension cord coming loose.

Benefits of Steam Cleaning in Restaurants

By: Lauren Zwiebel | 10/11/2009
Commercial vapor steam cleaners are solidly constructed cleaning machines that have been expertly designed to offer maximum cleaning capabilities for years.

Follow these steps before you purchase window blinds

By: Riky | 10/11/2009
Window blinds keep your office and home interiors safe from harsh sunlight, winds and dust. The coverings on window add to the décor. But you should ensure that all aspects of the blinds are in place for right purchasing. There are several fabrics, slates designs, operating system and other aspects that you should first ensure so that the blinds serve you in a better way.

Five Things You Must Do Before You Can Vacuum

By: writeragain | 10/11/2009
Vacuuming isn't a simple chore because you need to check these things first or do the whole thing over.

All About Pressure Washers

By: Jared C. Wright | 10/11/2009
Pressure washers are handy tools especially for outdoor cleaning. These have more advantages in comparison to the use of the hose pipes. Besides the fact that they are far more powerful than the hose they save up to 80 percent of water usage in comparison to the hose pipe.

Commercial Air Compressors Git 'er Done

By: MJ Marks | 10/11/2009
Commercial air compressors git er done when other tools don't! But you have to make sure that you get the right compressor for the job, or you may end up frustrated instead of excited about your purchase.

Information on Lawn Mower Accessories You Should Know

By: Danny | 08/11/2009
Garden looks beautiful and attractive with the help of lawn mower accessories. Lawn mowers help you to decorate garden and making it a beautiful place to relax and spend time.

Laundry Magic - Are the New Steam Washers Cleaning Up?

By: Angie Thurston | 07/11/2009
For a long time your choice for washing machines has been either front or top loader? While essentially that is still the case, there is a new pretender coming on to the market in the front loading category with the introduction of steam cleaning becoming available in some Kenmore and LG washer models. Perhaps the local dry cleaners should be worried? The following is my review of the three main types of washers that you can buy, top loaders, front loaders and steam washers. T...

Beach Resorts, Hotels, Timeshares, and Condos: How to Choose the Best Option

By: Alan Jacobson | 07/04/2009 | Vacation Rentals
Spending your valuable vacation and holiday time in a beach community can be a wonderful investment of your time and a great decision for you and your family. However, the money spent may be the most you dedicate to anything that you don't actually own, and perhaps even eventually profit from. This article covers beach vacation options that include going to the traditional hotel or resort, or choosing an investment in a timeshare or condominium.

Home Mortgage Refinancing: Choosing the Best Type

By: Alan Jacobson | 04/04/2009 | Mortgage
There are many types of mortgage and home loans, including Rate and Term, Cash-Out, Interest-only, Part and Part, Two step, Assumable, Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines. This article covers the the primary types of home mortgage loan refinance available through major lenders. It is important that you've done your homework as far as the ideal mortgage terms, and overall mortgage for your unique situation.

When Should You Refinance Your Home Mortgage?

By: Alan Jacobson | 06/03/2009 | Mortgage
Many people wonder when the perfect time is to refinance a mortgage. While the answer may never be completely clear, knowing how to evaluate terms, rates, and fees often holds the key. Also, there are other aspects of your unique situation that should also be considered.

Comparable Sales (comps): Accurately Price a Home

By: Alan Jacobson | 02/01/2009 | Real Estate
When appraising a home, the most effective way to determine value is to see what other homes have sold for in the same neighborhood. This "comparable sales" approach is not as easy as it sounds. All of the following must be taken into consideration: The big stuff like square footage, presence or absence of characteristics like decks and closets, exact location, property shape and features, age, and supply and demand.

The Winter TV Lineup: Finding the Best New Shows

By: Alan Jacobson | 21/11/2008 | Television
The Winter TV lineup usually brings a few very good shows, but there are also many that are weak and will not survive to be aired again. A little insight into why a new winter show is being scheduled for this less popular TV season can help a viewer find the best new programs on the winter schedule. The winter tv season no longer has to be a boring period of time spent waiting for the "regular" lineup to start up again.

Geothermal, Condensing Boilers, and Micro Chp: Heat Your Home With Less Gas or Oil

By: Alan Jacobson | 26/09/2008 | Tools & Equipment
There are three exciting new "green" products that can help you heat your home this winter with less, or perhaps even no heating oil or gas. This article explores the advantages of condensing boilers, micro chp systems, and ground source heat pumps. The savings you reap from these systems pays for their installation in a very short period of time, and, overall, the added resale value they bring to your home is impressive.

Mini Notes: Notebooks and Laptops That Are Ultraslim, Ultraportable, and Powerful

By: Alan Jacobson | 15/06/2008 | Laptops
Mininotes are laptops and notebooks are increasingly popular because manufacturers no longer have to trade functionality and speed to offer these small systems for an ultra-low price. Whether a consumer wants to access e-mail; create, edit or watch watch video; play online games; listen to MP3s or internet radio; browse the internet for the latest news, information, or blog entries; or learn from a cyber textbook, these mini pcs are revolutionary.

GPS Enabled Pdas: Real Time Directions Linked to the Appoinments on Your Calendar!

By: Alan Jacobson | 08/06/2008 | GPS
There is a new kind of PDA that is "GPS enabled" which not only keeps your schedule of appointments, but also tells you how to get to each and how long it will take. Some newer models can even factor in the amount of real time traffic in telling you exactly when you need to leave. If traffic hits unexpectedly, they can give you alternate routes where there is less traffic.