Geothermal
Total Service has started as one of the first contractors in Albuquerque to install Ground Source Heat Pumps.We have installed numerous geothermal heating and cooling systems with very satisfied homeowners. Our geothermal installations carry the same quality standards that are applicable to our Plumbing and HVAC installations.
We perform an extensive Heat Loss/Heat Gain calculation with computer software for every installation we do. This calculation is an extensive room by room analysis that ensures proper equipment and duct sizing. We will take into account the specifics of your building like R-values for floors, walls and ceiling, size and construction of windows, doors and roof. The result of this calculation is a very accurate heating and cooling requirement for your building. This way, over or under sizing of the equipment is avoided, and temperature differences between rooms are limited. Having the right size equipment is the first key to energy savings and comfort.
We draw up a spec sheet of the HVAC job at the start of each project and check against that specification if we are supplying what we promised with a 25 point Quality Control check list at the end of each construction phase.
 
What is a Ground Source Heat Pump?
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.
Geothermal heat pumps (sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground-source, or water-source heat pumps) have been in use since the late 1940s. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows the system to reach fairly high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest of winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air-source heat pumps on cool days.
While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes—from scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the winter—a few feet below the earth's surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Depending on latitude, ground temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. So, instead of trying to cool using 100'F outside air temperatures in the summer, the GSHP can use the 60'F ground temperature. The GSHP takes advantage of this by exchanging heat with the Earth through a ground heat exchanger.
As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable speed fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.
Even though the installation price of a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop. There are approximately 40,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in the United Stated each year.
When Can You Use a GSHP?
A GSHP system can be installed in a residential structure of any size, anywhere, whether it is single-family or multi-family. GSHPs can be installed on almost any size lot: under lawns, landscaped areas, driveways, or the house itself. An existing house can be retrofitted with a GSHP using the ductwork that is already there. Your dealer/installer will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed. Home builders and homeowners can both take advantage of the special financing that is offered in many locations on a GSHP either through the utility or manufacturer.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed ground source heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating, cooling, and water heating systems available. In a 1993 report, the EPA concluded that geothermal technologies represent a major opportunity for reducing national energy use and pollution, while delivering comfort, reliability and savings to homeowners.
Benefits of Geothermal Systems:
- Can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system
- Can cut energy consumption by 20-50% and reduce maintenance costs
- Provides consistent, more comfortable air temperatures and eliminates cold spots
- Very quiet indoor/outdoor for a more pleasant environment
- No exposed equipment outdoors/ no open flame or fuel
- Pipe carries a 50-year warranty
- Can pre-heat your water tank
Incentives/ Tax Credits
There are numerous incentives offered for geothermal heating and cooling systems. For more information please visit:
http://www.geoexchange.org/incentives/incentives.htm
http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
Contact Information
If you want to discuss your plumbing, heating and cooling project with us or simply order a service call please contact us at:
Phone
(505) 345 8926
Fax
(505) 345 2932 |
Address
5150 Edith Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
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General Info
Arthur Clerx
President
aclerx@totalservicecompany.net
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Admin/Finance
Joze Wetzels
CFO
jwetzels@totalservicecompany.net |
We accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards
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