Geothermal Construction

I want to thank Jay Egg for taking the time to answer my questions with his very busy schedule. Jay is the owner of Egg Systems International, a leading provider of geothermal air conditioning systems. Geothermal HVAC is a new technology for me, so I asked Jay to provide some background to the technology as well as some practical information for homeowners. For more information about Egg Systems and geothermal air conditioning, go to www.geothermalsolutions.info.

How does geothermal air conditioning work?

Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons but underground temperatures don’t. Four to six feet below the earth’s surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. A geothermal system, which typically consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures to provide “free” energy. In winter, fluid circulating through the system’s earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth.

How long has geothermal air conditioning been available for homeowners?

About 35 years or more.

How much would the average geothermal HVAC system cost for a 2000 square foot home?

We find that systems costs range from $6000 to $9000 per ton. A 2000 foot home will need about 4 tons of air conditioning. The cost is between $24,000 and $36,000.

I noticed you cover Tampa, Orlando and Atlanta. In what areas is geothermal HVAC most viable?

In Florida, the high ground water table allows for a good heat transfer. In Georgia, the cooler Earth allow for a good efficient exchangers for the hot summers. Because of the relatively constant temperatures in the Earth, the viability is a close tie, in my opinion.

Geothermal Air-conditioning seems to work anywhere the you can drill for water, or to put in closed loop piping. The website http://www.epa.gov/Athens/learn2model/part-two/onsite/ex/jne_henrys_map.htm gives a good idea of what your starting temperature is. Anything above freezing, or below 90 degrees is worth the investment in my opinion.

How much land is needed for a homeowner to be able to place the required piping for geothermal air conditioning?

When it is possible, and especially when we have limited land, we recommend pump and reinject technology (click here for video: Pump and Reinject Technology).

What rebates and credits are available to help a homeowner afford to install a geothermal HVAC system?

The federal rebate is in the form of a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of installation of the Geothermal systems. There are state and local incentives that are impressive as well: http://geothermalsolutions.info/residential_rebates.html.

What are the optimal scenarios for a homeowner to consider installing a geothermal air conditioning system?

I believe geothermal needs one of two scenarios:

1. Customer is considering replacing the AC unit anyway due to age or upgrade needs. At this point the incentives and efficiency offer a remarkable payback to up sell to and Egg geothermal Air conditioner.
2. New construction. It seems to always make sense to put a geothermal in during new construction.

The real key is that if you are in the market to buy an Air conditioning system, the federal rebates make it viable to upgrade to a geothermal Air Conditioner.

What are some recent advancements in the area of geothermal air conditioning?

Higher efficiency due to Variable speed blowers, and two speed compressors have pushed efficiency ratings into the 30EER range. This is 3 times the efficiency of much of the equipment currently installed, and twice the efficiency of geothermal systems that we started with in the ’90’s.

Other than geothermal air conditioning, what other green technologies do you view as most important in the coming decade for homeowners?

Photovoltaic and solar water heating are my personal best bets.

How did you find yourself in the world of geothermal air conditioning?

After serving in the Navy, I settled in Orlando. I continued my work in the HVAC field as the Service Manager of a Statewide company at the age of 24.

In about 1990, I thought that I had invented geothermal, or ground water cooled air conditioning. As it turned out, It had been around for quite some time, and Oklahoma State University had done extensive work in the design. I traveled there and was certified as a designer. It became the focus of Egg Systems. In about 1995, we began to expand our focus to other HVAC technologies. But we never stopped doing the geothermal Cooling.

When we heard about the Stimulus Package, we began to focus once again on this technology. We’re having a remarkable response to Egg Geothermal Air Conditioning marketing. Because of the unprecedented Rebate for Geothermal Credit in the new Stimulus Package, and our extensive experience over the past 20 years, Channel 8 in Tampa just filmed an Egg Geothermal Installation, and will air it as early as next week in a Green Segment of the news, and Channel 13 is asking for a spot. We have engineered millions of dollars worth commercial and residential systems, and we are currently under a backlog of dozens of Geothermal Air Conditioning units, some of which are being highly publicized. We have optimized our websites for geothermal HVAC.

Final Thoughts. I want to thank Jay again for his time. Geothermal air conditioning is a fascinating alternative energy technology for homeowners that is gaining popularity as an option for homeowners upgrading to more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly HVAC systems.

As a home owner you can receive a 30% tax credit on any Geothermal Heat Pump that meets or exceeds EnergyStar requirements. All Egg Geothermal Heat pumps Qualify for this tremendous tax Credit.
The tax credit applies to all the costs you incur when Egg Systems installs your new high efficiency Geothermal Heating and Cooling System(s).
You can file for the credit by completing the Renewable Energy Credits subsection on your tax return forms. If you are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, you can claim the credit on your taxes for the following year. No proof of purchase will be required; however, in case of an audit, you are encouraged to keep a detailed invoice of your investment on file. After your new Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling System is installed we will indicate that it is a "Geothermal Heat Pump" on the invoice and note that it "Exceeds requirements of the Energy Star program currently in effect".
The tax credit is available through December 31, 2016. Consult your local tax professional for advice on taking advantage of the tax credit, as this announcement is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any financial strategy.
Helpful Resources
- See Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency at Energy Star
- IRS form 5695 for 2008 Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (note max credit amount limited to $2000 - no limit in 2009)
- More Information about the "Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit"
- Find additional tax incentives that may be available in your state - Florida Home Owners Georgia Home Owners
Consult your tax professional for details.
*Form 5695 for the 2009 tax year not yet available.

In the Spring and innocence of 1941, Theron John Egg formed Theron Egg Plumbing in Soda Springs Idaho. It was a less complicated time before World War II and just as the country was emerging from the long night of the Great Depression and things were better. Even the phone number of the new business was simple... just dial "100" and you'd get Theron Egg's Plumbing, operated out of a small store front in downtown Soda Springs.
Through hard work and excellent service, the business flourished, even at a time when most services weren't much more than four bits. In fact, since Mr. Egg was the only plumber for miles in every direction and served as such an integral part of the local economy, the U.S. Government deferred his service during the war since drafting him would cause a tremendous hardship on the people of the area.
Theron J. Egg married Stella in 1935 and they were blessed with 2 children. Theron Jay Egg, Sr., though he became a school teacher, insured that the practical aspects of the trades didn't elude his sons. His 6 sons, 9 children in all, had plenty of opportunities for construction experience which is where Theron Jay Egg, Jr. got his start as a contractor.

After service in the United States Navy, Jay came to Florida and formed the company in 1990. He married Kristy Richards in 1998 and together, they have six children. Today, this eldest grandson of Theron John Egg the plumber now operates Egg Systems International and a small group of related companies throughout the Southeastern United States. The commitment to excellence and hard work hasn't changed over the generations and remains the root that nourishes the growth of the organization.

A kid's nature journal is a fun and educational way to spend some of that extra time in the summer. A journal is easy to do, and can be as simple as an inexpensive notebook or as complex as a handmade, DIY book-literally anything that a child can write in and illustrate will work just fine.
A nature journal is basically just an informal way of recording the natural world, and it is accomplished by using the senses. Nature journals have been used for hundreds of years, and many have ben the basis for new discoveries-even to this day.
A nice prologue to this activity is to utilize resources such as the library and/or the internet to show the child examples of nature journals. A little preliminary time on the subject will lay the groundwork for a journal and hopefully help the child to branch off in their own direction to make the journal more personalized.
The core idea behind a nature journal is getting children outside, and allowing them to use their senses to experience and interpret what is in the world around them. By watching, listening, smelling, and feeling-kids can gain new perspectives regarding the natural world. There is no right or wrong-it is strictly their personal perception of what it is they are enjoying-and through this activity kids can gain a fuller appreciation of the environment.
Once the book has been obtained, filling it out is completely up to the child. Some helpful suggestions might include adding the date and time of the observations, descriptions of what is experienced, and an illustration if possible. Any follow up research on what has been recorded in the journal can be of enormous value too, and it can go right in the notebook as an "update."
Creating a journal can be rewarding not only for the child but also for the adult involved in the project-and you might be surprised by some of the discoveries just waiting to be made by a young, curious mind!

Using worms in a compost is a fast and efficient way to create marvelous compost and fertilizing liquid. "Vermiculture" is gaining in popularity for many reasons, not the least of which is that worm compost bins are relatively small, odorless, and can be maintained in areas other than the yard. In cooler regions, worm composts can even be kept in the garage! A worm compost system is a simple way to reduce landfill waste and produce your own fertilizer at the same time.
To create a worm compost, the first thing you will need is a bin. Rubber storage bins are fantastic for this purpose, and they can be easily stacked for multiple bins. Wood, plastic, and metal can also be used, but most of these materials will eventually degrade and require replacement. When you have obtained your bin, ventilation holes will need to be drilled throughout the sides and top to provide air circulation for the worms. Contrary to popular opinion, worms require quite a bit of air flow and tend not to thrive in environments that are kept too wet. ALong these same lines, it is helpful if the bin is elevated (bricks will work nicely) to keep the air flow circulating. Needless to say, it is imperative that a top be used to cover the compost to keep it from completely drying out.
Next, use strips of newspaper of newspaper, hay, leaves, or a similar material to provide fiber for the worms. Add a thin layer of clean dirt and thoroughly moisten. Leave your bin alone for about a day to allow the moisture to soak into the bedding, and your bin should be ready for the worms.
Worms are best obtained from a gardening club, as worms straight from your backyard are not typically recommended. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that the worms in your yard may not produce much composting material and they are likely to require deep tunnels which are impossible to create in a relatively shallow bin.
Once the worms are in place, the maintenance of the bin is relatively simple. Lightly sprinkle the bin every other day or so with moisture, and feed your worms paper or vegetable waste.
That's pretty much it. You will see that as the worm population increases, the amount of material you place in the bin will disappear at faster and faster rates. As time goes on, you may consider increasing the number of bins as your worm population increases-and you may even one day find it difficult to keep up with your compost!
Having a worm compost system ensures that your garden will be on the receiving end of some absolutely fantastic fertilizer, while your local landfill will be receiving less waste from your household.

An easy, low-cost project that you can do to help control the mosquito and beetle population in your neighborhood is to build a bat box!
Bats have dwelled in the mists of legend and folklore for generations, and is it only recently that the myths surrounding these misunderstood little mammals have been refuted.
There are over 1000 species of bats worldwide, and they make up nearly one quarter of all living mammals on the planet!
Every state with the exception of Hawaii has bats, and the majority of bats in the United States are insect eaters-which is where the bat box comes into play. Bats eat several times their own weight in insects every single night, and they are increasingly being encouraged to "move in" by communities and industries as a natural form of pest control.
Depending upon how large your bat box is, it may be able to hold up to 200 of these beneficial little mammals-with each bat eating hundreds of insects each and every night.
Bat boxes are slim, wooden structures with an opening at the bottom for the bats to enter and leave through. Also, a good bat box contains several roosting chambers (the best designs include three or more chambers), and each chamber is at least 20" tall, 14" wide and 3/4" deep.
Placement of the bat box is imperative to ensure that not only will the box attract bats, but that it will maintain whatever size colony that decides to occupy your artificial habitat. In general, most bats prefer very warm temperatures during the day, and the box should be placed in an area where it can receive the most sunlight. Also, the box should be placed high enough that predators will be unable to access the colony.
There are numerous examples and templates for bat boxes online, and it is a fairly simple matter to do a little research and even determine what species of bat(s!) that might be inhabiting your box.
Building a bat box can be a rewarding experience, both as a learning tool and as a contribution to the environment.
Help control the insect population and provide suitable habitat for one of the planet's most misunderstood animals!

The stimulus package is intended to create and save 3.6 million jobs and jumpstart the economy with economic recovery tax cuts and targeted investments. In addition to putting money back in the pockets of consumers and businesses, the package also includes provisions that will help achieve long-term goals, such as improving energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors.

Among those provisions, the plan calls for a disbursement of $6.9 billion to state and local governments for energy efficiency upgrades and the reduction of carbon emissions, which amounts to an average of $100 million to each state.
By investing a portion of this $100 million in rebates or low interest loans to homeowners who replace their old fossil fuel or electric furnaces with geothermal heat pumps, the country would definitely make progress toward the goals of the stimulus package. States that have invested in similar programs were able to create hundreds of green collar jobs while significantly increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Green Jobs. An additional state $2,000 rebate on the purchase of a geothermal heat pump - or the availability of low interest loans - could generate an additional 200 heat pump sales every month in a typical state, or 2,400 geothermal heat pump unit sales at the end of the first year. Further, every 18 heat pump installations can create one new job. By the end of the first year that means 133 new green collar jobs can be created (2,400 units divided by 18 installations per job). At $2,000 per unit, the total cost of a job creation/energy efficiency rebate program would be $4.8 million over the course of a year.

Every geothermal heat pump requires 24 hours of manufacturing labor and 32 hours of installation labor. Small businesses involved in the installation include heating and air conditioning contractors, electricians, plumbers, excavators and drilling machine operators. These businesses have the capacity and technical skills to begin installing green geothermal technology in more homes immediately.

Reduced Carbon Footprint. In addition to creating jobs, a rebate program and the ensuing installation of geothermal heat pumps would cut an average four metric tons of carbon emissions per year per unit due to the high energy efficiency of geothermal heat pump technology. This means that for the average unit life of 24.4 years, 97.6 metric tons of emissions could be eliminated over the lifetime of each unit, and 234,240 tons over the lifetime of every 2,400 units sold through a state rebate program.

A recent report published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory estimated that aggressive deployment of GHPs could achieve 35 to 40 percent of a recommended carbon reduction path for the U.S. building sector. The full report can be downloaded at ornl232.geoexchange.org

If every state takes at least five percent of the funding available through the energy efficiency portion of the stimulus package and invests it in a geothermal heat pump incentive, there couldn't be a more cost effective, greener way to put people back to work, save fossil fuel, reduce carbon emissions and save homeowners thousands of dollars per year for the next 24 years. It's the stimulus that keeps on stimulating.

Economic Recovery. The stimulus package funding is critical to a U.S. heating and air conditioning industry that has been hit hard by the recession. The collapse of the residential new construction market and the lack of consumer financing have slammed the industry over the past two years, and heating system sales were down to levels not seen since 1970.

Geothermal heat pumps are built by manufacturers in the United States at domestic plants in nine states, and geothermal heat pump systems are operating and saving energy in all 50 states and are being exported around the globe.

For more information contact the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium at 888.255.4436 or www.GeoExchange.org or the GeoExchange Forum

Sometimes to a kid, a rainy/wintery day can be the absolute worst! Trapped inside with nothing to do-especially when they would like nothing better than to be outside!
Here are some ideas for activities that might help keep them interested in creative learning, as well as keep them occupied until the weather breaks!
1. Draw a nature park. Fill the park with whatever animals and plants come to mind, and then color them in.
2. Draw a spider web. Add the spider, and color it in. What does this spider eat? How big is it? where is it found in the world?
3. Make a tent with a sheet and chairs. Better load up for that expedition to wherever they are going!
4. Pick an animal they have never seen before out of a book and tell the child nothing about it. Have them draw and and make a fun report about it. What is it called? Where does it live? What does it eat? What are its predators? When the child is finished, compare and contrast with the actual facts regarding the animal.
5. Turn bath time into marine animal time! Load up that tub with just about anything safe and non-toxic, and leave it to the child's imagination to create a whole new underwater world.
Rainy days can be fun with a little imagination and some direction-feel free to use these ideas or create your own based upon them. Good luck!

When Jack Hathaway's electric bill began averaging more than $200, he decided that he'd had enough. But he wasn't about to sacrifice his air conditioning, so he began looking for ways to reduce his energy costs. Hathaway believes he's found his answer in eight tons of coiled plastic tubing, measuring 8,000 linear feet, buried four feet under the ground. "It's a geothermal system," said Hathaway, 48. "My goal is to have an electric bill that's less than $25, and I think that's going to happen." With Hathaway's existing 1,590-square-foot house in Mulberry, reaching that goal seems plausible. But he's adding an estimated 3,700 square feet of living space onto the back of his home and with a second floor, which creates a greater challenge. "We're going to be building the addition using polystyrene foam blocks, which are highly efficient for energy," said Hathaway, who lives at 3045 Dove Lane. "

Combining those together (with the geothermal system) should make for a very efficient house." Jay Egg, a Tampa contractor who's installing Hathaway's system, said that the average geothermal system reduces a homeowner's electric bill by half. "By comparison, the geothermal system costs about twice as much to install," Egg said. "But you make up the difference in energy savings, most of the time within a few years." The system costs about $11,000 for a 3,500-square-foot home, compared to an estimated $6,000 for a standard central heat and air system or heat pump. Geothermal technology isn't new, said Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. in Tampa. "The technology has been around for quite awhile," he said. "It's been used quite a bit up North, but it's gradually becoming more popular here."

The system circulates water through underground pipes that ultimately carry water through the home's air transfer unit. In the unit, the water either heats or cools the air that's blown into the home, depending on the season. Since the lower ground in Central Florida, beginning at three feet below the surface, maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees, water passing through pipes in the ground is heated or cooled to that temperature. "You can also tie in a hot water tank to this system, and use it to heat your water," Egg said. The water circulation system is closed, meaning that the water never leaves the pipes, he said. "We've had people ask about leaks," Egg said. "These pipes are made of high-density polyethylene, the same material that's used for natural gas distribution lines. We use heat fusion to join the pipes. "Basically, you're looking at a 300-year life span for this material," he said. John Currier, manager of energy services for Tampa Electric Co., said that the utility has endorsed geothermal technology. "We think it has a lot of promise," he said. "It's a renewable resource because it's a closed system coming out of the ground, and it reduces energy costs by as much as 50 percent."

Instead of manufacturing the warm or cool air, as with conventional units, the system uses the ground to adjust the temperature, then blows the air into the home. "The only down side is the cost," Currier said. "But it makes up for that in the low operating costs." Ed Goggans, service manager for Lineberger Heating and Cooling Inc. in Lakeland, agreed that geothermal systems hold promise. "it sure sounds like a good system, and it wouldn't require much maintenance," said Goggans, whose company installs conventional heating and cooling systems. "I think we always need to look at new technology with an open mind."

Hathaway said he's had no second thoughts about installing a system at his Mulberry home. I've known that it works, because my sister (in Highlands county) has been on a system like this for 15 years," he said. "They've never had a problem. They have a really large house, and their utility bills are never more than about $90." Hathaway expected to have the pipes installed this week, then he'll begin construction on his addition. "I'm hoping to have the roof on the addition by the first of the year," said Hathaway, a retired sales manager for Motorola, "if the weather cooperates." Because of the size of Hathaway's addition, he's installing one air transfer unit for the existing house and a second unit for the addition. That will give him more temperature control in different parts of the house, and allow him to close off those areas that aren't being used. The cost for the second unit, Egg said, is about $1,200. "You don't have to install a separate unit, though," Egg said. "You can do a zoned system with up to 20 zones per unit. But some people choose to have a second unit because it does afford greater control, and there's less energy loss."

Jay Egg is a bright young man on his way up the entrepreneurial ladder who has a tiger by the tail in the form of an 1,800-foot-lond polyethylene pipe he wants to bury in your back yard. His company, Egg Systems Inc., is an embryonic firm located in Oldsmar. He feels that his company is on the cutting edge of an industry whose time has come. That is, the conversion of the natural cooling and heating reservoir of Mother Earth into an affordable, environmentally friendly system to cool and heat your home.

First, let's go back to the good old days. When folks lived in case, they were protected from heat and cold by the mass of earth that surrounded them. Civilization forgot about the natural resource for thousands of years. When folks got cold they donned their long johns, built a fire or generated some body heat. When they got hot, they shed layers of clothes and jumped into the water. Then, in the 1940s, and engineer again observed that just below the surface the earth's temperature remains relatively constant throughout the seasons. It absorbs about half the sun's energy that strikes it. The thin air around us is far less thermally absorbent. Thus, the earth could provide a higher temperature source in the winter and a cooler source in the summer months. The trick was to tap into this natural ground source of energy.

An electrically powered system was devised to tap into the earth's energy. It worked. It was called a heat pump, and the rest is history. Basically, this is how such a system works. It has three components: a ground heat pump unit, the liquid heat exchanger medium (a closed loop pipe system), and the air delivery system (ductwork). The closed-loop is a continuous loop of polyethylene pipe or tubing buried in the ground. It's filled with water or and anti-freeze solution and connected to an indoor heat pump, forming an underground loop.

Laid in trenches up to six feet deep, the tubing may be doubled up or laid like a slinky with no loss of efficiency. If properly installed, the polyethylene tubing will last over fifty years. About 500-600 feet of tubing will produce one ton of heat pump capacity. A well-insulated 2,000 square foot home would require 1,500 to 1,800 feet of tubing. The cool/warm air is distributed through the home via ductwork. As the ground source heat pump is located indoors, it's life span is greatly increased.

In general, the geothermal system costs about twice as much as a conventional heating/air conditioning system. It may reduce heating costs by 60%, reduce air conditioning costs by 25% in the summer, and provide hot water for normal household use.

Ground source heat pumps have less moving parts and creates less noise than outdoor units. Jay Egg grew up in Barstow, CA prior to joining the Navy and becoming a nuclear power qualified electrician. He was an instructor at the nuclear power school at the Orlando Naval Training Facility before leaving the service in 1987. He worked for several local companies in the heating and air conditioning career field, received his FloridaStateCertification, and got involved with thermal energy storage.

Seeing a strong need for commercial and residential geothermal energy use, he incorporated in 1991. Although his facility of 2,400 square feet in Oldsmar provides storage and sheet metal works for ducting, he already has the need to double his working area. He and his partner expect to triple their number of installations this year over the last twelve months and expect the business to grow considerably in the future. Egg said, "I love the geothermal technology. It's the Cadillac of all air conditioning systems. I am proud of our company's involvement." He went on to state, "I would never recommend to reconvert a working system until it breaks. Then consider a retrofit job." Because of the costs involved, geothermal systems are more ideally suited during the new construction process. He anticipates working with developers in the future, looking forward to installing a geothermal system for an entire subdivision. The underground tubing would be "snubbed out" for each building lot, at considerable savings over piecemeal, individual installation for those homeowners who want it. Egg said his geothermal system will be on display at the Architectural Design Center in Largo during the Image '93 Program September 17-19. He is available for questions. Call Egg Systems Inc., (813) 855-7545.

Tampa - You pick up the oddest things in the strangest places. Like the fact that the temperature of the earth in Central Florida, 3 feet below the surface, is a constant 72 degrees F. Now, maybe I heard that years ago, but if I did I sure had forgotten it. But during a tour of the Brittany model on the Street of Dreams in Avila a few weeks ago, Custom Craft Homes' Ernest Lashlee touted the house's geothermal heating and cooling system. He said it is successful, in part, because a portion of the system is buried into the ground. Lashlee touted the comfort as well as the energy efficiency of the system. The day was warm, and inside the air was delightful.

Comfort and efficiency
"There's nothing that even comes close to the efficiency and comfort of the system," says Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc. of Oldsmar, which distributes and installs geothermal systems. Unlike those in standard heating and cooling systems, the compressors for the geothermal units are inside the house. The closed system of pipes that transport recirculated water to cool or heat a home are buried in the yard or on the bottom of a body of water, such as the Intracoastal Waterway or Tampa Bay. "When the temperature is 90 degrees outside and other heat pumps are struggling, or on days when regular pumps (turn) on and off, the geothermal systems provide constant comfort," says Egg. "It's a happy medium %u2026 low enough to help cool and high enough for heating." The inside location of the compressor promotes longevity of the system, reduces outside noise and eliminates maintenance, except for monthly filter changes, Egg says. He's quick to add that the unit still requires refrigerant to operate. "Without that," he says, "the system is not efficient enough to properly heat or cool. It actually works because the recirculating water inside the system pulls heat from the ground to heat the house and returns heat to the ground from inside the house to cool it." Egg's systems have dehumidifiers that aid in drying houses while keeping the temperature within the constant. "They alleviate that cold and clammy feeling you get when you run standard systems, trying to remove the humidity," he says. The geothermal heating and cooling systems, Egg says, have received government baking. "The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy endorse it as the cleanest and most energy efficient technology available in the world today for air conditioning and heating."

Saving energy and money
According to a 1993 EPA report, "By aggressively promoting these technologies wherever they are cost effective, could save 28 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and offset the need for 113 typically sized (300 megawatts) electric power plants in the year 2000. They could also reduce annual gas demand by over 825 million therms." And utility companies aren't the only ones that save when geothermal heating and cooling are used. "Any house is a candidate," Egg says, "and any house that has one installed will see an immediate return on its investment by lower heating and cooling bills." Homeowners, he says, will generally see a return on the installation cost in under five years. "Tampa Electric Co. also offers $350 rebate for anyone in their service area who replaces an existing pump with a geothermal heat pump," he adds. Egg notes that installation of the system takes about a week and that it needn't disrupt an already perfectly landscaped yard. "Some homeowners don't mind having their yards ripped up to install the 'slinky' type of system, but for a little bit more, you can have a vertical system installed, which will look like a few rows of sprinkler pipe have been installed." Homeowners who live on the water can use the systems, too. "We have no problems with Swiftmud or the Army Corp of Engineers," he says, "since we have EPA endorsements, and there's no consequence to any waterway to have piping on its bottom." Want to see one in action? You can see geothermal systems in operation at the Brittany model at the Street of Dreams in Avila through Nov. 27 or in Largo at the Architectural Design Center, 8751 Ulmerton Road; (813) 535-0541.

Ants are wonderful creatures that can teach a myriad of lessons for children of all ages. Researching though books and the internet can provide a good basis for an easy summertime activity-not to mention most people can simply go into their yard and learn more from just spending 15 minutes watching an ant hill to learn all sorts of interesting facts regarding these remarkable insects.
An easy follow up activity is to make a styrofoam ant-and here's how to do it.

What you will need:

2 - 2 1/2" Styrofoam eggs, 1 1/2"" Styrofoam ball, 4 pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes, black or red acrylic paint, and toothpicks (the large type)

What to do:

1. Poke two toothpicks halfway into the big end of both egg shapes. Press the ball onto one egg shape and then press the other egg shape onto the other end of the ball shape.
2. Paint the ant with black or red acrylic paint.
3. When the paint is dry cut the pipe cleaners in half, save two halves for the antennae. Fold the other halves in half and twist the ends around each other. Insert the folded pipe cleaners (pointy ends into the Styrofoam) into the middle of the body for legs. Fold them to look like ant legs. Insert the reserved half pipe cleaners into the head and glue on eyes.

And that's it! Have fun with this activity, and use it as a platform to open a whole new world for your child!

The first time I heard the term "earth loops," I figured it was some nutty new breakfast cereal for the granola crowd. "How about a hearty bowl of Earth Loops? Oh, sure they taste like truck tires, but they're crunchy and nutritious, and they won't hurt the ozone layer!" Well, it turns out I was wrong. (Although I still think they'd be good with milk.) Actually, earth loops are components of geothermal technology, which uses the ground as a heat-exchange medium. Because the ground absorbs energy from the sun and stores it deep beneath the surface, people can tap into that stored energy and use it to heat and cool homes.

Here's how it works: A series of polyethylene pipes filled with ordinary tap water is buried deep underground. (In cold climates, antifreeze may be added to the water.) Using a specially designed heat pump, the water is circulated through the pipes, which form one long, continuous "earth loop." In the heating mode, the liquid in the pipes is cooler than the ground. In the cooling mode, the soil is cooler than the liquid.

Because heat always moves from a warm area to a cooler one, heat is exchanged between them, said Paul Fink, territory manager for WaterFurnace Southeast. WaterFurnace introduced the first closed-loop system to South Florida in 1990, and since then the company has installed about 400 residential units, Fink said. Last month, for example, the company installed a geothermal system at baseball star Dwight Gooden's St. Petersburg home.

The system works - and is energy efficient - because underground temperatures remain constant within geographical locations, he said. In the Tampa Bay area, for instance, the underground temperature is roughly 74 degrees year-round, compared with 70 degrees in the Panhandle and colder as you go north. Unfortunately, the up-front costs are expensive - roughly $8,700 for a 3-ton vertical heat-pump system - and that's one of the reasons builders have shied away from it. "Builders are a little bit scared of it," said Jay Egg, president of Egg Systems Inc., and Oldsmar company that installs the systems. "But people love it." Fink put it more bluntly: "If a builder is progressive and concerned about energy and the environment," he'll try it. "Unfortunately, most builders don't fall into that category. How can I put this subtly - they're cheap as hell." Palm Harbor builder Mike Connor of Schickedanz Bros. has installed two geothermal systems and said they "seem to work real well. From what we've seen, it looks like it offers pretty substantial savings." Geothermal systems work best for heating, so they're more popular in Northern climates, Egg said. But the system can save Floridians $40 a month on air-conditioning bills, and because it recycles warm water, a household's water-heating costs are virtually eliminated, he said. Geothermal systems recoup their costs in five to seven years, and the specially designed heat pump lasts four to five times longer than traditional heat pumps because it is housed indoors, he said. Egg, incidentally, has introduced a new kind of geothermal system to the Bay area in which the earth loops are shaped like a Slinky. They take up less space than traditional straight-pipe geothermal systems, so they can be installed in just about any yard, he said.

Those interested in learning more about earth loops can contact Egg Systems Inc., at (813) 855-7545.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.

Design Features
Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home.

Reduced Vandalism
The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home - which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft.

Durability
The underground loops carry warranties of 25 to 50 years. The pumps, which are safely located within the home, often last 20 years or more.

Maintenance
According to a study conducted for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC), the maintenance costs are about one-third the cost of conventional systems. In fact, the only work necessary involves occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger and regular changing of the air filters.

Unsurpassed Comfort
These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day.

Improved Humidity Control
Geothermal heat pumps provide better humidity control than a tradition system, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth. These systems are ideal for individuals will allergy problems or lung problems.

Eliminate Emissions
These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home.

Low Environmental Impact
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

Energy Savings
While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years.

Excellent Efficiency
With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs.

Customer Satisfaction
In a customer survey based on heating systems, geothermal heat pump users report higher customer satisfaction than any other customers surveyed.

Tax Credits
Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

1. Turn off the lights when leaving a room, or better yet-reduce the need for electricity by opening those curtains and letting the light come in!. Light bulbs require electricity, and often electricity is produced from power plants that use fossil fuels. This is an easy way to save energy, and everyone can help.
2. Recycle. It is easier now more than ever to recycle, and nearly everything can be reused paper to glass. Utilize existing bins, or create your own and have a little fun learning to sort through the different types of products we use on a daily basis.
3. Only use as much water as you need. Turn off faucets when not directly in use, and keep an eye (or ear!) out for dripping or leaky fixtures. Water is another resource, and conserving it is another way to "go green!"
4. Use shopping bags when going to the grocery store. Have fun decorating cloth bags, and then remember to take them with you on your next outing. Reducing the need for plastic bags is a great way to conserve.
5. Make a compost. Composting is a great way to reduce waste in landfills and a wonderful way to naturally fertilize your garden!

As a home owner you can receive a 30% tax credit on any Geothermal Heat Pump that meets or exceeds EnergyStar requirements. All Egg Geothermal Heat pumps Qualify for this tremendous tax Credit.
The tax credit applies to all the costs you incur when Egg Systems installs your new high efficiency Geothermal Heating and Cooling System(s).
You can file for the credit by completing the Renewable Energy Credits subsection on your tax return forms. If you are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, you can claim the credit on your taxes for the following year. No proof of purchase will be required; however, in case of an audit, you are encouraged to keep a detailed invoice of your investment on file. After your new Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling System is installed we will indicate that it is a "Geothermal Heat Pump" on the invoice and note that it "Exceeds requirements of the Energy Star program currently in effect".
The tax credit is available through December 31, 2016. Consult your local tax professional for advice on taking advantage of the tax credit, as this announcement is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any financial strategy.
Helpful Resources
- See Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency at Energy Star
- IRS form 5695 for 2008 Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit (note max credit amount limited to $2000 - no limit in 2009)
- More Information about the "Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit"
- Find additional tax incentives that may be available in your state - Florida Home Owners Georgia Home Owners
Consult your tax professional for details.
*Form 5695 for the 2009 tax year not yet available.

Remember, a geothermal heat pump doesn't create heat by burning fuel, like a furnace does. Instead, in winter it collects the Earth's natural heat through a series of pipes, called a loop, installed below the surface of the ground or submersed in a pond or lake. Fluid circulates through the loop and carries the heat to the house. There, an electrically driven compressor and a heat exchanger concentrate the Earth's energy and release it inside the home at a higher temperature. Ductwork distributes the heat to different rooms.
In summer, the process is reversed.
The underground loop draws excess heat from the house and allows it to be absorbed by the Earth. The system cools your home in the same way that a refrigerator keeps your food cool - by drawing heat from the interior, not by blowing in cold air.
The geothermal loop that is buried underground is typically made of high-density polyethylene, a tough plastic that is extraordinarily durable but which allows heat to pass through efficiently. When installers connect sections of pipe, they heat fuse the joints, making the connections stronger than the pipe itself. The fluid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a closed system.
Another type of geothermal system uses a loop of copper piping placed underground. When refrigerant is pumped through the loop, heat is transferred directly through the copper to the earth.
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 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.
Egg Geothermal Heating and Cooling uses the Earth's constant temperature to achieve EER's (Energy Efficiency Ratings) in the 30's. The heating COP (Coefficient of Performance) is approaching 5. A 5 COP indicates that the Egg Geothermal Systems are producing 5 units of energy for every unit of electricity consumed. The other 4 come from the Earth. That's why this technology is called renewable".