What is a geothermal heating and cooling system? How will this type of system help reduce operating costs?
The School Board has included a geothermal heating and cooling system in the proposed referendum as a commitment to reducing long-term facility operating costs. A Ground Source Geothermal system relies on vertical wells with a closed system water loop which “extracts” 50 degree temperatures from several hundred feet under grade level underground for heating or cooling. In the warmer months of spring and fall, the 50 degree temperatures allow for a reduction in the cost of operating air conditioning (helpful during summer school). In the winter, the 50 degree temperatures are elevated via compressors. The system saves energy and pays for itself within an estimated eight to ten years. Besides the Ground Source Geothermal system, the new high school design will feature highly efficient building insulation and window systems with low E (emittance) features. Low emittance coatings are applied to one glass surface facing into the air gap of a double glazed window system. These coatings block
