#geotehrmal

Environmental concerns and rising energy costs have many homeowners considering alternative heating sources. Geothermal, solar, pellet fuel and masonry heaters can provide either a primary heat source, or a supplemental one to ease the cost of running a gas, oil or electric system.

Geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s below-ground temperature to heat and even cool homes. Pump sizes and prices vary based on the size of the building you want to heat. While the price can be quite high to implement geothermal heating, the DOE estimates those costs can be recouped in the form of energy bill savings within five to 10 years (See Reference 1). Additionally, through December 31, 2016, a 30 percent tax credit is available to homeowners who invest in geothermal heat pumps that meet the Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star requirements. To learn more about the tax credit and whether the system you’re considering is eligible, visit the Energy Star website. Additional information on geothermal heat pumps can be found on the DOE website.

Solar

There are two types of solar heating: active and passive. Active solar heating harnesses the sun’s energy to heat liquid or air in collectors mounted outside the home, often on the roof. It then transfers the heat to the home via a forced-air system, or radiantly through the floor, baseboards or radiators. Active solar heating systems can work even in cold climates, as long as there is adequate sunlight. To be most effective, the collectors should face south. The size and cost of your system will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home and amount of sunlight you get. Passive solar heating collects heat from the sun through windows and retains and releases it through heat-storing materials in the home. Proper insulation also is important for effective passive solar heating. More information on passive solar home design is available on the DOE website. Additionally, there are some low-cost, DIY passive solar heating projects you can try. A simple Internet search will get you started.

Pellet Fuel Appliances

Pellet fuel appliances burn agricultural waste, sawdust and other organic materials to produce heat. They generally cost anywhere from $1,700 to $3,000. Depending on size, they will hold between 35 and 130 pounds of pellet fuel. A 40-pound bag of pellets costs approximately $3 to $4. When choosing a pellet-burning appliance, it is important to get one that is the proper size for the space you want to heat. As a rule of thumb, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a 60,000 Btu stove for a 2,000-square-foot home and a 42,000 Btu stove for a 1,300-square-foot home.

Masonry Heaters

Masonry heaters consist of a firebox and mass of masonry, such as bricks. They are capable of retaining a large amount of heat, which means you can burn a lot of wood quickly in them without overheating your home. Instead, the heat will radiate slowly throughout the home over the course of the day. Masonry heaters can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and options you choose. A reputable installer can help you determine the best one for your needs.