Spring Home Improvement The Dallas Post 6 The Dallas Post Wednesday, April 20, 1994 Spring Home Improvement Wednesday, April 20, 1994 7 A geothermal heat pump uses the heat stored in the earth. Heat and cooling from Earth Imagine a system that can supply both home heating and cooling. Now consider that it does so using the nat- ural energy of the sun that’s stored in the ground beneath the earth’s sur- face. Sound incredible? No, it’s an electric technology that’s beginning to give home owners economical, ener- gy-efficient, and environmentally friendly temperature control all-year round. Geothermal systems are the most energy-efficient of all heating and cooling systems. Geothermal systems are typically two- to three-times more efficient and economical than the one your home is using now, according to the Edison Electric Institute and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, two national electric util- ity trade associations. The sun is the optimum heat source because it’s constant, safe and renew- able. The earth, with a large surface area, infinite storage capacity and no maintenance required, is the perfect solar collector. And although the earth air temperatures fluctuate, the ground just below the surface main- tains a constant year round tempera- ture. . Conventional heating and cooling systems use energy to “manufacture” heat. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are more economical because two-thirds of the energy used in geo- thermal systems already exists as solar heat absorbed by the earth. The re- maining third is required for the heat pump unit itself to move this heat. During the winter, the fluid circulating through an underground closed loop of durable thermoplastic pipe absorbs heat from the earth and transports it to the heat pump, which extracts and el- evates the heat and transfers it in- doors. In the summer, the heat pump re- moves heat from the indoor air and transfers it, via the liquid in the pipe system, to the cooler ground, where it is absorbed. All the time, the earth is either dissipating or replacing the heat that the heat pump system has either rejected or extracted from the build- ing on the earth’s surface. Since the earth’s temperature re- mains nearly constant—cooler than hot summer air, but warmer than cold winter air—the performance of the system is affected very little by chang- ing temperature and humidity levels. These temperate operating conditions result in low maintenance and longer life of the system. The underground closed loop pipe system can be installed in three ways, depending on landscaping and under- ground conditions. A horizontal ground loop is placed in a trench four to six feet deep. A coiled loop (SLINKY) substantially reduces the amount of horizontal trenching re- quired. Vertical systems can be in- stalled when land space is limited. In pond or lake installations, a closed loop is placed in a body of water, which replaces the ground as the heat exchange medium. More electric utilities are now offer- ing financial incentives to their cus- tomers for installing ground source heat pumps. These can lower the pur- chase or the installation costs. Call your utility’s residential marketing de- partment to find out more about ground source heat pumps, and other high-efficient electric heating and cooling systems. Windows waste most energy Windows rob heat from your house in the winter, and coolness in the sum- mer. In fact, more heat is lost—or gained—through windows than through any other area of the house. Conduction is one way heat passes through windows. In this manner, the house’s warmth is gradually conveyed through the window pane. A window made of single-pane glass (R-value of approximately 1.0) transfers heat al- AGWAY SAVERS AGWAY ENERGY PRODUCTS 60 Pittston Ave. Pittston FUELS « SERVICE - EQUIPMENT -800-865-FUEL = 654-2798 = "We Deliver Peace of Mind" 829-4466 most 14-times faster than a well-insu- lated wall. Adding a multi-pane win- dow, one with either two- or three- panes of glass, will raise the window's R-value approximately 1.0 for each additional pane of glass used. Using a gas denser than common air, such as argon or carbon dioxide, between the panes of glass, is another effective way to slow conductive transfer of heat, : Ceramic tile adds a classic touch to kitchens, both on the floor and on countertops. HEADS UP FLOORING CO., INC. 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Ceramic floor tile is available in a range of popular sizes, from 8" X 8" to 12" X 12". Choose from textured stone looks in easy care ceramic tile to 10” octagons with coordinating or con- trasting dots. And remember that many ceramic tile lines now allow you to coordinate your floors and walls! Use accent strips with undecorated wall tile for subtle colors and designs. Create a border, surround a tub, a vanity or even a window! For more detail, use the accent strips with deco- rated tile and create bold, expressive designs! For added design possibilities, choose a 10” octagon and select a dot from a wide assortment of colors. For subtle kitchens or baths you may want to coordinate your dot and octagon colors in white or almond or have more fun with a white octagon « We thoroughly hi-pressure steam clean your exterior siding/gutters, soffits, eaves, foundation. « We treat stubborn surfaces with hypochlorite for « We guarantee our workmanship 100% satisfaction. moss prevention and caulk exposed areas. * We spot prime where needed (exposed surfaces) + We make you a proud, satisfied customer. ROCCOGRANDI PAINTING CO. 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