Geothermal Heat Pumps Provide Reliable and Cost-Effective Solution to Skyrocketing Heating Fuel Prices

GREENVILLE, IL--(Marketwired - Mar 11, 2014) -  This winter has been a tough reminder on how the frigid temperatures can impact reliable and affordable heating options for homeowners. The extreme cold caused concern for many people struggling with shortages of high-priced fuels. There is an effective alternative that can also help reduce energy costs -- geothermal heat pumps.

"Geothermal heating takes the natural heat from the earth and transfers it through pipes in the ground into the house," said Steve Smith, President of Enertech Global. "It is a cost-effective solution for homeowners facing higher heating costs and the possibly of limited access to supplies during cold weather streaks."

Geothermal systems move heat from one location to another. The heat is transferred from the earth to the home in the winter and the process is reversed in the summer, pulling the heat from the home and releasing it into the cooler ground.

What are the benefits of geothermal system compared to a conventional system?

• Monthly heating and cooling bills can be reduced by up to 70% over conventional systems.
• Average life expectancy is nearly 25 years compared to the 13-year average life expectancy of conventional systems.
• Lower maintenance costs primarily due to geothermal equipment being indoors. There are also fewer moving parts reducing opportunity for malfunction.
• Opportunity for "hybrid" hot water which also reduces hot water costs in addition to heating and cooling.

Geothermal systems don't burn fossil fuel to generate heat. As a result, utilizing geothermal heat pumps puts more disposable income into homeowners' pockets, insulates them from fuel price shocks and spares them the fear of "running out" of fuel when the next Polar Vortex threatens. The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO), the industry's leading trade group, is working to increase the awareness of the cost-effective benefits of this technology.

"With the economic downturn we've all enjoyed lower energy prices, but all that is beginning to change with this winter's extreme price volatility of fuel oil, natural gas and propane," said Doug Dougherty, President and CEO of GEO. "Baseline prices for these fuels will surely rise as production regulations challenge the 'fracking' boom across America and more gas is diverted to power generation."

Geothermal heat pumps offer a reliable, long-term solution, with state-of-the-art equipment and earth heat exchange loops with a life expectancy of over 100 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that geothermal heat pumps are the most energy efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning system available today.

Additionally, as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the United States federal government allows a 30% tax credit for ENERGY STAR® qualified geothermal equipment installed before December 31, 2016. "But we can do more," adds Dougherty. "Responsible long-term public policies to promote the technology will help guarantee widespread adoption of the technology, providing growing margins of safety during future hard winters."

Enertech Global manufactures GeoComfort, Hydron Module and TETCO brands which offer a variety of quality features and warranty options to meet the needs of homeowners. Visit www.enertechgeo.com for more information on geothermal heating and cooling.

About Enertech Global

Enertech Global is a leading manufacturer and visionary in the geothermal heating and cooling industry. With corporate headquarters in Greenville, IL, and production facilities in Mitchell, SD, Enertech Global's award winning products are proudly made in the heart of America and are distributed throughout the United States and Canada. The company's product lines consist of GeoComfort^®, Hydron Module^®, and TETCO^® brands. For more information, visit us online at http://www.enertechgeo.com. 

About the Geothermal Exchange Organization

The Geothermal Exchange Organization is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of its members through outreach to government and the public about the economic and environmental benefits of geothermal heat pumps. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.org.