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	What is a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) system? It is a system that uses the earth as a heat sink in the summer, and a heat source in the winter.  It relies on the relative warmth of the earth for heating and cooling.  A system of underground or underwater pipes transfers heat from the warmer earth or water source to the building in the winter.  In the summer heat is taken from the building and discharged into the cooler ground.  A GHP system moves heat from one area to another. Benefits    * Low Energy Use -- They use 25-50 % less electricity than conventional heating and cooling systems.    * Free or Reduced-cost Hot Water -- Excess heat can be transfered from the pump's compressor to the hot water tank.  In the summer, hot water is provided free; in the winter, water heating costs are cut roughly in half.    * Year-Round Comfort -- Geothermal heat pumps are quieter than conventional systems and improve humidity control.    * Low Environmental Impact -- Because they are so efficient, they use a lot less energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.    * Low Maintenance -- According to a study completed for the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, buildings with GHP systems had average maintenance costs that were about one third that of conventional systems.  Because the workhorse part of the system is underground or underwater,  there is little maintenance needed.    * Zone Heating and Cooling -- Different areas of a building can be heated or cooled to different temperatures simultaneously.  In the winter, heat can be removed from a hot kitchen and moved to a family room.    * Durability -- Because they have few moving parts, and because those parts are sheltered in a building, they are not subject to the effects of weather. Installation options There are two BASIC METHODS USED IN NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND, Closed Loop and Open Loop OR STANDING COLUMN WELL. Closed Loop (Fig. A) systems MAY BE  most cost effective for residential installations, where sufficient land is available OR A LARGE POND OR LAKE IS AVAILABLE. Open Loop (Fig. B) systems use a well(s) or surface body water as the heat exchange fluid that circulates directly through the system.  THIS METHOD IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IF A DRINKING WATER WELL CAN BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH GEOTHERMAL.             Closed Loop System               Open Loop System
	For more information visit these Web sites: Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA)