What's Wrong With Good, Old-Fashioned Combustion? Article: Energymatch.com | Image Credit: WFI Industries | |
Combustion systems produce by-products which contain harmful emissions. These emissions degrade air quality and contribute to otherenvironmental problems including acid rain and the greenhouse effect. For the health of individuals and communities throughout the world, it makes sense to develop heating and cooling technologies that reduce or eliminate fossil fuel combustion by utilizing a renewable energy source. A very efficient alternative is a "geothermal" system or geothermal heat pump. These systems take advantage of the Earth's ability to store vast amounts of heat in the soil ("geo" means earth and "thermal" Learn more about Green Homes:
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Traditional heating systems rely on the burning of fuel (combustion) either on site or at the power plant. Fuel-powered heating units, such as gas and boiler systems, burn fuel at the site to produce heat energy. Electric-powered heating and cooling systems do not require combustion at the site of the furnace; instead, it occurs at power plants. In 1998, approximately 80% of U.S. electricity was produced by burning fossil fuels. Only nuclear, wind, and hydroelectric plants do not burn these precious fossil fuels. 
refers to heat). This heat energy is maintained at a constant temperature (50°F to 70°F depending on latitude) in the soil and near-surface rocks. Geothermal heating systems "capture" this steady supply of heat energy and "move" it from the Earth and through a home or building. Basically, once installed, a home or building owner will use much less energy, save money each month, and reduce the amount of pollution produced by fossil fuel systems. 