Frequently Asked Questions

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Efficiency / Savings / Costs

How efficient is a GHP?

A GHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 40 to 60% higher than other heating and cooling systems. That directly translates into savings on your utility bills and reduced emissions.

Why is a GHP better than an air-source heat pump?

Because of the density of the earth and the water stored within it, the earth is able store tremendous quantities of heat from the sun. In nature, few substances have a higher "specific heat capacity," making it an ideal heat storage medium.

Air, on the other hand has a very low specific heat capacity. It would be necessary to move 3,472 cubic feet of air across the heat exchanger of an air-source heat pump in order to expose that heat exchanger to the same quantity of heat that is stored in a cubic foot of water (7-1/2 gallons).

How will I save money with a GHP?

EarthLinked systems save money, both in operating costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be recovered in as little as three years. There is a positive cash return, since the monthly energy savings exceed the amortized cost of the system.

How much does an EarthLinked GHP cost?

The initial investment for a GHP system is greater than that of a conventional system because of the need to couple with the earth. However, when you consider the operating costs of a heating, cooling and water heating system, energy savings quickly offset the initial difference in installed cost.

What creates the unique value in an EarthLinked system?

High efficiency results in lower operating costs. Engineered simplicity with fewer components results in a smaller unit that is more reliable and requires very little maintenance. It is also quiet and unobtrusive.

How do the cost and savings of solar and wind systems compare with EarthLinked systems?

Solar systems may have an installed cost approximating that of an EarthLinked system, but wind energy systems are more expensive. The operation of solar and wind systems is intermittent, so the cost recovery period is substantially higher than that of an EarthLinked system that can operate every hours of the year.

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