How much energy can be saved by using a geothermal heat pump system?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that geothermal heat pump systems reduce consumption of electricity from 25 to 50 percent when compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. In Lincoln, Nebraska, four elementary schools have been using geothermal heat pumps since 1995. When compared to other new schools with similar heating and cooling needs, these schools use approximately 26% less source energy per square foot of floor area. Over a 20-year period, these savings are expected to reach about $3.8 million for the four buildings. Administrators in four New York school districts (Webster, East Irondequoit, Unadilla and Cobleskill-Richmondville) said their geothermal heat pump systems have shown energy savings. To further reduce energy costs, these administrators all suggested having back-up boilers, which is included in Niskayuna’s plans. All said that switching to a geothermal system was a wise decision. In addition to its inherent cost savings, a geothermal heat pump system
