Geothermal

Is geothermal heating & cooling effective in Wisconsin?

Geothermal energy is heat from within the earth used to heat and cool buildings or generate electricity. It is also a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth. While temperatures above ground change day-to-day and season-to-season, temperatures in the upper 10 feet of the Earth's surface hold nearly constant between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For most areas, this means soil temperatures are usually warmer than the air in winter & cooler than the air in summer. As the Earth’s temperature below the frost line remains fairly constant, geothermal heat pumps perform with greater efficiency and in a larger range of extreme temperatures than conventional air conditioners, furnaces or boiler. This makes the use of geothermal energy effective with radiant and forced air heating. 

Geothermal heat pumps use the near constant Earth temperatures to heat & cool buildings, transferring heat from the ground in the winter & reversing the process in the summer. Heat pumps are effective with conventional forced air systems, however, they are especially well matched to in-floor radiant heating systems. Using large surfaces, such as floors, heat is distributed more uniformly and also allows for a lower temperature heat transfer fluid thus increasing systems efficiencies.

Please visit the following link for a discussion of geothermal systems provided by the Wisconsin Geothermal Association: WGA Geothermal Discussion

So, yes. With it's extreme climate variations, geothermal heating and cooling is effective in Wisconsin.

New Federal Incentives for Geothermal Systems

One positive result of the recent Federal ‘Bailout’ Bill is an array of new energy incentives, including tax credits for geothermal heat pump systems. These incentives are effective immediately and are available for both residential and commercial systems. This should help geothermal grow in Wisconsin!

The residential tax credit is for 30% of the cost of a system, with no maximum.  More information on this tax credit can be found at the following link: Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

The commercial tax credit is for 10% of the cost of a system, with no maximum. More information on this tax credit can be found at the following link: Corporate Renewable Energy Tax Credit

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. System paybacks can be as short as 6 years. Although, most homes still use traditional furnaces and air conditioners, geothermal heat pumps are becoming more popular. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Energy, along with the EPA, have partnered with industry to promote the use of geothermal heat pumps. Applications can include residential homes, multiple family units, schools, commercial and public buildings, healthcare facilities and other commercial or institutional facilities.

State Incentives for Geothermal Systems

Geothermal Incentives in Wisconsin (Focus on Energy)

Commercial/Institutional

Residential

Our Role

O’Leary’s technicians are certified installers of hydronic heating, boilers, solar water heating and UNICO air cooling systems. We’re constantly searching for the most advanced, efficient and reliable home heating and cooling equipment. We’re proud to be a Certified Contractor through the Focus on Energy Program as well as a member of the Wisconsin Geothermal Association.

International Ground Source Heat Pump Association offers a great deal of information about Geothermal Heat. Check out their website by clicking the above photo.