A geothermal heating and cooling system provides a way for a home owner to become more environmentally friendly. The system helps lower their energy bills and reduce the environmental impact of their heating and cooling needs within the home. It is more efficient than the traditional forced air systems that are found in a home, but it costs more in terms of up front expenses. Here are the tools, materials and steps required to install a geothermal heating and cooling system in your home to replace your current inefficient system.

There are different types to consider when purchasing a geothermal heating and cooling system: vertical loops, horizontal loops and well water geothermal system. A vertical loops geothermal heating and cooling system is used when trenches cannot be built because the land is too rocky. A horizontal loops geothermal heating and cooling system runs pipes horizontal to the home in a trench, as oppose to vertically in the ground. Both the vertical and horizontal loops systems are closed loops systems.

The well water geothermal heating and cooling system is a potable or mechanical water well that is drilled in the ground in order to supply water for the system.

You will need to dig holes or required trenches for the installation of the well or pipes in either the vertical or horizontal systems. Use a back hoe that you may be able to rent from a tool rental store or a home improvement center in order to make the job of digging holes easier.

The pipes for the geothermal heating and cooling system need to be laid in accordance to the system that you have. In a vertical system the pipes will be laid directly into the ground. In the horizontal system they will be laid in the trench with the return connection to your home.

Replace the pump in your existing forced air heating and cooling system. Before you begin the installation of the pump, cut off the main circuit breaker to interrupt the flow of electricity to the pump and avoid electrocuting yourself. Cut the wires and connect the new wires from the geothermal pump. Match the ground and hot wires (green or copper for ground and black or red for hot wires. White wires are neutral).

Connect the loops to the geothermal pump in accordance to their connection order (hot to hot, ground to ground).

Start the pump and open the pump valve. The pipes for the vertical or horizontal loops systems need to have a mixture of antifreeze and water introduced into them in order to charge the system and ready it for use. A well water geothermal system will skip this step.

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How to Install a Geothermal Heating and Cooling System ...

The sign in front of Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, 535 Green St., in New Haven reads Thank you for 50 great years. Looking forward to 50 more.

It's been five decades since Les and Arnie Hartman christened their company and began making sheet metal ducts for apartment buildings around the area, across the state and in neighboring states.

Their work is part of the infrastructure of Northcrest and Georgetown shopping centers and the B.F. Goodrich plant. From that they moved on to heating and air conditioning for new home builders.

They both retired some years back, and Arnie is deceased. The firm is now run by Arnie's children: Richard as president, David as operations manager and Vicki Peterson as service manager. Another brother, Doug, is a service technician.

Over the years, business has evolved from standard furnace and air conditioning installations to the age of digital technology.

A couple of furnace manufacturers are coming up with smartphone applications, says Richard, that customers can use to control just about any electronic gadget in their homes via global positioning satellite. They'll be able to regulate their thermostat, turn on lights and maybe even turn on the coffee maker and start the crock pot with their cellphone.

Our IT guru Roger Buhr is implementing the programs into our system now and we expect to be up and running in 2014.

A system coming soon is one that senses when the home is empty and automatically reduces the heat setting on the thermostat. It's activated when family members return or can be controlled with a cellphone app.

Another innovation by Lennox is 'smart circuits.' These involve control panels that are self-diagnostic. If some part of the system is not operating properly, a light will flash on their thermostat readout similar to most new cars indicating something is wrong and the home owner should call for service. It's called 'icomfort Notification.' It could report the need to change the filter, a problem with the outdoor unit or a failure of the sensor unit. We also get an email highlighting the problem, but are not allowed to remotely take over a customer's thermostat. Those with concerns about privacy can elect to block us from receiving this information.

When Richard began installing furnaces 40 years ago, the highest-efficiency furnace available was 64 percent, which was considered the top of the line.

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Hartman Brothers enters digital age

Puget Sound Energy is offering electric customers who live in manufactured homes and use electric forced-air as their primary heat source the chance to seal up leaky ductwork and receive other energy efficiency upgrades for free.

The service is being offered to PSE customers in several areas around Pierce County: Graham, Orting, Puyallup and Sumner. The estimated value to each customer is about$500, and the upgrades could reduce their heating bills by approximately 30 percent.

A large number of manufactured homes likely have leaky heating and cooling systems that have to work overtime, which results in higher energy bills. The program helps customers who live in manufactured homes install energy-efficient measures to increase their comfort and manage their energy bills.

PSE has teamed up with energy services specialist UCONS, LLC to install the free energy-efficient upgrades. A certified specialist will seal the ductwork, as well as provide free, on-site installation of ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs in high-use areas such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. Customers also receive furnace air filter replacements and up to two energy-efficient showerheads.

To qualify, those living in manufactured homes must be PSE electric customers and use electric forced-air as the primary heat source. Eligible homeowners cannot have previously received PSES manufactured home energy-efficiency upgrade service.

UCONS representatives will be going door-to-door with flyers to discuss the service with PSE customers.PSE customers can also request the service by calling UCONS at1-800-828-8440.

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Electric forced-air furnaces in manufactured homes free sealing and incentives | Puget Sound Energy

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) December 30, 2013

The spring allergy season is just around the corner and many Valley residents who will be looking for furnace service in Fountain Hills, AZ will also want to find some relief from the persistent misery of such allergy symptoms as congestion, sneezing and itchiness. To help your home become an allergy-free haven, Scottsdales AAA Cooling Specialists provide these tips for relieving allergies with HVAC solutions:

1.Install Indoor Air Quality Solutions: Of course the best way to prevent a reaction is to remove the allergens themselves. Humidity plays a major role in indoor air quality, as dry air fosters dust and overly humid air fosters the growth of mold. A whole-home humidifier can easily be attached to an HVAC system to ensure humidity levels are just right. Additionally, air purifiers are ideal for capturing and killing particles including allergens, viruses, bacteria and pet dander. Choosing a system with a high efficiency filter will lead to better results.

2.Clean the Duct System: Years and years of airborne particulates and dust accumulate inside a homes duct system. When the heating and cooling system is used, these particles spread throughout the home via the vents. An HVAC professional can easily clean these ducts and look for other air quality problems such as mold. If necessary, a UV lamp can be implemented to kill mold spores and prevent further circulation.

3.Dust and Vacuum Frequently: Keeping the home clean is another simple way to reduce the spread of allergens and relive symptoms. Allowing dust to sit on indoor surfaces or lurk in carpets can irritate allergy symptoms quite easily. Dusting and vacuuming regularly, once or twice per week, will help to remove them. Some vacuums even implement HEPA filtration technologies to kill irritating airborne particles. Be sure to wear a protective mask while performing these tasks to avoid a severe reaction.

For more information on how to improve the air quality in your home or to schedule a home consultation, contact AAA Cooling Specialists at 480-389-3019 or visit http://www.aaacoolingaz.com.

About AAA Cooling Specialists: AAA Heating and Cooling Specialists is the leading expert in Heating and Cooling in Arizona. With an emphasis on energy efficiency and a mission to keep customers comfortable, AAA has been in business since 1979.

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AAA Cooling Specialists Provide Tips On Relieving Allergies With HVAC Solutions

MILWAUKEE Johnson Controls, a global leader in building technology and services, launched a new line of Coleman rooftop units that eliminate the need for contractors to install curb adaptors, reducing installation time and costs.

In the time it takes to set your fishing rod and reel, you can set a Coleman Peak rooftop unit, said Eric Newberg, director of commercial product management at Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group. Contractors can remove the existing rooftop unit and set the Coleman unit within 15 minutes.

Curb adaptors are typically required when a new unit does not identically match the existing units footprint. The exact-fit-replacement Coleman Peak rooftop units feature a footprint that fits directly on footprints of other manufacturers units, eliminating the need for a curb adapter.

This feature, combined with the units advanced control technology and LCD display, ensure easy installation and set-up, saving contractors time and many of the costs associated with installation. The control technology also delivers information on unit status, start-up and commissioning features; unit set-up, supply, return and outdoor air temperatures; and plug and play accessories.

Available in units ranging from 3 to 12.5 tons, the high-quality heating and cooling solution offers seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) of 13 (with a 10.8-11.2 EER) or 15 (with a 11.5-12.2 EER). Top panels provide a durable rigid cabinet for longevity and noise reduction, while sturdy, thicker gauge base rails support easy lifting, reduce potential handling damage and contribute to the highest level in seismic certification ratings. A powder paint exterior finish with a 1000-hour salt spray rating offers corrosion protection.

Features inside the heavy-duty cabinet include:

A single or dual scroll compressor, which means a simple internal design with fewer moving parts, resulting in a quiet, reliable and efficient system. Indoor and outdoor fans dynamically balanced for better performance and reliability A design that is easily convertible from 2 to 4 air filters, no tools required. 2 MERV 7 air filters are available factory installed, and 4 MERV 13 or higher can be easily field installed by utilizing the simple, adjustable filter rack. Warranty coverage for the units includes: five-year parts and compressor (3-5 tons); one-year parts, five-year compressor (6-12.5 tons); 10-year aluminized and 15-year stainless steel heat exchanger warranty. Extended warranties are available.

To learn more about the Coleman Peak rooftop units, visit http://www.colemanpeak.com talk to your local Coleman distributor. To locate a distributor, visit http://www.colemanhvacdealer.com.

HVAC products from Johnson Controls, marketed under the well-known Coleman brand, include highly reliable residential central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a network of distributors and delivered to home- and building-owners through independent Coleman heating and air conditioning dealers. For more information about Coleman HVAC systems, visit http://www.colemanhvacdealer.com or call 877-926-5362.

Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 168,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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Replacement Rooftop Units eliminate need for curb adapters.

BY JOE MARVILLI Staff Writer

Queens College has seen a renaissance over the last dozen years, with new programs, new buildings, new technology and a new attitude. At the center of these massive changes has been Dr. James Muyskens, who took over as president of the school in July 2002.

Facing many challenges to revitalize the colleges academics, fundraising, culture and student body, Muyskens spearheaded accomplishments like the creation of the colleges first residence hall, the addition of new courses, the hiring of top-tier faculty and the improvement of student outreach.

As he wraps up his time as president, Muyskens talked about his time at Queens College, what led him there and his plans for the future.

Before Queens College

Muyskens was first inspired to get involved in education as a high school student in South Dakota. He had a superb math teacher and thought about becoming one himself. Once he got to college though, he did not find math as challenging and switched to philosophy. Besides setting him on a new educational path, Muyskens college experiences inspired what he wanted to do at Queens College as president.

I went to a small liberal arts college, had an opportunity to interact with the faculty that were teaching me. I really wanted that here, he said. That is one of the truly exciting things about Queens College. Were big, far bigger than the place I went to as an undergraduate, but when we do student satisfaction surveys, right at the top of the list of things that students are happy about is their ability to interact with faculty.

Getting a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Michigan, Muyskens wound up beginning his career in the CUNY system, at Hunter College. Once there, he fell in love with the mission of CUNY, part of which is to provide high-quality, accessible education to students who may otherwise not have had the chance to attend college.

I actually could have gone to more of an elite type of institution, where the students would be more upper-middle class, he said. But to be able to teach students who are the first in their family to go to college and then to make a difference in their lives, that really got me.

After a couple of other jobs, Muyskens was approached by Queens College to become its ninth president. Although he said he was not looking for another job, he was once again drawn in by CUNYs and Queens Colleges mission as well as the opportunities New York City had to offer.

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Dr. James Muyskens Transformed Queens College

Del Beutler, an enterprising sheet metal worker who founded one of the countrys biggest heating and air conditioning contractors, died Dec. 21 at 93, his family said.

Mr. Beutler returned home to Carmichael after serving two years in the Navy as a sheet metal specialist during World War II. He worked in a local sheet metal shop before studying heating systems and starting his own business in the garage at his home on Stanley Avenue in 1947.

The county tried to close him down because he wasnt in a commercial area, and the neighbors objected, said his son Gary. They said, Hey, he just got out of the Navy and hes just trying to make a living. Leave him alone.

Sensing an opportunity for growth, Mr. Beutler built his business installing heating and duct systems in new residential neighborhoods and commercial developments that sprung up during the postwar housing boom. He established business and personal ties with developers who went on to be leaders in the construction industry, including Joe Benvenuti and Buzz Oates.

In the 1950s, he traveled east to learn about air conditioning and returned to install some of the first modern cooling units in Northern California homes. He experimented with ways to improve the efficiency of air conditioning in harsh Sacramento summers, including new fans and insulation.

Not many people bought air conditioning back then because it was very expensive, his son said. He helped find ways to put it in new homes.

With an emphasis on innovation, Beutler Heating and Air Conditioning became a national leader in the heating and air conditioning industry. Mr. Beutler sold the business to his son and retired in 1981.

He really left people alone to do their jobs and be innovative, said Gary Beutler, chairman of Beutler Corp. He respected his employees and let them be who they were.

The son of a railroad worker, Del Simmons Beutler was born June 10, 1920, in Montpelier, Idaho, and moved with his family to the Sacramento area. He graduated from San Juan High School, became a sheet metal apprentice and worked at McClellan Air Force Base before World War II.

He married Norma Dorothy Doady Dickson in 1940 and had two children. He was active in Masonic organizations in his early years and donated his services as a sheet metal worker to build a prominent copper dome atop Carmichael Presbyterian Church on Marconi Avenue.

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Obituary: Del Beutler, 93, founded heating and air conditioning company

Welcome to Ground Source Contractors Inc., a family owned HVAC company. Our service area is a 60 mile radius of Perkasie, PA. That includes Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia counties. Also parts of Mercer, Hunterdon, and Burlington counties in New Jersey.

OUR AREA OF EXPERTISE: We are experts in geothermal heating and cooling systems and can install and design the right system for you at the best price. Unlike many "green energy" companies we have more than 25 years installing and maintaining geothermal systems.

WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING? Geothermal energy is technology that relies on the earth's natural thermal energy to cool and heat a house. The only additional energy needed is a small amount of electricity to spread the heat or cool air throughout the home.

OTHER SERVICES: Our background and services also include natural gas furnaces, air-to-air heatpumps and radiant floor systems. One additional service that we provide is Infiltrometer testing, also known as a "blower door" test. The test will inform you of how loose or tight your house is. A house that is too tight won't have sufficient air alterations for good health. A house that is too loose will produce high utility bills and high levels of dust. Once these issues are identified, you can repair the leaks on your own, or take a quote from us. If you hire us for this job, then retesting will be free after the work is completed. Call us for your residential or light commercial needs.

PHILOSOPHY: Our philosophy is to install a quality job that enhances efficiencies, creates comfort, reduces maintenance by using the best equipment and materials in the industry. We can provide quotes for Waterfurnace and Climatemaster systems.

DO GEO FOR THE ENVIRONMENT....DO GEO TO SAVE YOU MONEY...DO GEO WITH GROUNDSOURCE CONTRACTORS!

Find out by having a BLOWER DOOR test done!

Regularly $250, now only $175 until January 31, 2014

"Maximize comfort, minimize utility bills!"

Call for details:215-257-4797

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Ground Source Contractors - Geothermal Heating and Cooling ...

Ground source geothermal heating and air conditioning systems are "the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space-conditioning system available" - Environmental Protection Agency

Thanks for visiting our site. Located in Annapolis and serving Central Maryland, Earth River Geothermal is your locally-owned, full-service geothermal heating and cooling systems provider.

If you have been thinking about how a geothermal HVAC system would work for you, whether your personal priority is saving money, creating a more comfortable home or saving energy, Geothermal is the way to go!

In fact, there has never been a better time to use a geothermal heating and cooling system to more efficiently heat and cool your home or business. Historic federal, state and local geothermal incentives are in place that can significantly offset the cost of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system.

The economic benefit of harnessing geothermal energy is clear. A ground source geothermal heat pump is the most energy efficient heating and cooling technology available and it can cut your energy bills in half. Learn more about geothermal heating and cooling costs versus conventional HVAC systems.

Under current federal law there is a 30% federal geothermal tax credit for residential geothermal installations with no upper limit. The State of Maryland provides Maryland geothermal heat pump grants of up to $3,000 for residential geothermal heat pumps and up to $7,000 for commercial geothermal systems.

What's more, there are new local incentives such as Anne Arundel County's geothermal property tax credit of up to $2,500. When these geothermal energy tax credits and grants are coupled with the most energy efficient heating and cooling system on the market, your renewable energy investment can pay dividends with a payback period of as little as 5 years, depending on the type of HVAC system being replaced.

The combined price of a geothermal heat pump and geothermal installation rivals that of conventional heating and cooling systems. Read "Geothermal Heat Pump Cost Comparison" to see how geothermal systems fare when compared to conventional electric resistance heat pumps, air source heat pumps, natural gas, propane and fuel oil heating and air conditioning systems:

Geothermal Heat Pump Cost Comparison

"If geothermal heat pumps were installed nationwide, they could save several billion dollars annually in energy costs and substantially reduce pollution."- U.S. Government Accountability Office

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Earth River Geothermal - Maryland Geothermal Heating and ...

By Kathryn Weber Originally published December 19, 2013 at midnight, updated December 19, 2013 at midnight

In winter, the temperature a room that always seems chilly can dip 10 degrees or more below the rest of the house. And if the room is used often, cranking up the thermostat can make the rest of the house feel steamy. Thankfully, it doesn't take a major rework of your heating system or a risky space heater to make a cold room both toasty and attractive.

Cold floors

Some rooms suffer more from cold floors than simply cold air. These are typically bathrooms and kitchens with stone or tile floors. An easy remedy is to add toe-kick heaters. These are small heating units that fit neatly in the space under a cabinet, where they're nearly invisible. If you're handy, you might be able to install the heaters yourself. Such units run about $150, excluding wiring and installation. They're controlled by a small thermostat on the wall.

Room-size heating

Under-carpet heating is another handy option. CarpetHeat by SpeedHeating is a product that goes between the carpet and padding. Using thin wires, the unit heats the room from the ground up. A separate thermostat attached to the wall controls the temperature. Around $600 and up (plus another $200 for a thermostat), these units are not inexpensive but offer an efficient way to heat a room unobtrusively.

Wall-mounted fireplaces

Another heating option that's attractive and stylish while also lending a romantic touch is an electric fireplace. The Touchstone Onyx 50-inch fireplace is black and rectangular, making a great visual statement on the wall whether it's glowing or not. The embers look realistic ($349). Many wall-mounted electric units are plug-in ready and come with timers and remote controls, so you can boost the temperature at the touch of a button.

Freestanding fireplaces

No room on the wall? Choose from a wide variety of freestanding fireplaces and stoves. Designed to fit with almost any decor, electric fireplaces are available in everything from a traditional stove look to units with mantelpieces and faux stonework. Some generate actual flames using a gel fuel or faux electric flames. Gel fireplaces are a better option for looks than warmth. To banish a chill, an electric fireplace does a better job.

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Living Space: Stop shivering in that pesky cold room of your house