Important Facts About Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Get In On This "Ground" Floor Opportunity!

With the growing interest in "green" technologies and energy-efficiency in the home, one of the most popular environmentally and energy conscious innovations in the last several years is geothermal heating and cooling. Geothermal heating and cooling is a process that uses the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water as a source of energy efficient heating and cooling.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems use a special kind of heat pump -- very similar to the air source heat pumps many homes use today -- to draw warm or cool air from below the earth's surface. Long considered prohibitively expensive, this eco-friendly type of home heating unit is becoming more and more affordable while still offering a clean, natural source of heat that can significantly lower utility bills. If you think it might be time to take a closer look at geothermal heating for your home, here are some things you should know.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling is Not Science Fiction
While many green technologies might seem like something out of a futuristic adventure movie, the reality of geothermal heating and cooling is here. Not only is this alternative heating/cooling method widely available all over the country, but its popularity is spreading. According to one source, requests for geothermal heating and cooling systems installation rose more than 266% in one year alone. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) estimates that roughly 50,000 geothermal heat pumps are installed in American homes each year.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Won’t Break the Bank
You will absolutely pay more up front for a geothermal heat pump than you would for a conventional heat pump or furnace. But the money you’ll save on home heating and cooling costs will add up so quickly that the device will more than pay for itself in just a few years. The EERE says that a geothermal heat pump allows owners to recoup additional costs in about 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, with so many homeowners—and home buyers—looking for environmentally responsible amenities, having a geothermal heat pump installed could be a major selling point when it comes time to sell your home.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Can Go the Distance
The internal components of a geothermal heat pump will last about 25 years. The outdoor and underground mechanisms can last twice as long. Not even a high end furnace will keep running that long.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling is Versatile
Geothermal systems can also cool your home in the summer using the same ductwork you use to circulate heat in the winter. You’ll help reduce pollution and your monthly energy bills with a simple flip of the switch. You can also find geothermal heat systems are capable of heating your hot water, which can save you even more money.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Can Save You Even More
Modern geothermal heat systems are easy to install, energy efficient, and more affordable than ever before. Many state governments are still offering rebates and discounts for homeowners who choose to install these environmentally-friendly systems in their homes. You could save thousands of dollars off the cost of a geothermal heat pump by taking advantage of these programs. And you may still qualify for federal credits if your system was installed after December 2007 and you have not yet applied for the incentives. A quick search of the Internet will reveal much more information about discounts, incentives, rebates, tax credits and programs available in your state or from the federal government.

As demand for alternative energy and home products continue to increase, it’s obvious that geothermal heating will maintain a pattern of growth for some time. Wait long enough, and there’s a good chance that the high initial cost will come down enough to make this heating system an affordable option for a majority of homeowners. But whether you decide to take the plunge or wait it out, there’s no denying that geothermal heating is a significant step toward environmental responsibility that doesn’t require a sacrifice of performance or lifestyle.

Contact Horizon Services

If you are interested in learning more about Geothermal Heating and Cooling contact Horizon Services today!

DE (302) 250-4043
PA (610) 616-4265

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Brown Rice/Arisi Upma

Arisi/Rice Upma is an easily available alternative for Dinner Menu.  Amma used to make it whenever she is fasting. Simple and Easy to make Recipe.

Ingredients
To Grind
1/2 cup Brown Rice
2 tbsp Toor Dal
2 tbsp Moong Dal
2 tbsp Chana/Gram Dal
1 tsp Peppercorn
1 tsp Cumin seeds


Tempering
2 tsp Oil
4-5 Red Chillies
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
2 Sprigs Curry Leaves
Hing, Turmeric a Pinch
2 tbsp Freshly Grated Coconut


Method

Take the Ingredients given under 'To Grind' in a Mixer and Grind to a Coarse Powder.

In a Deep Kadai, heat oil, Splutter Mustard Seeds, add Curry leaves, hing, turmeric and Red Chillies, Now add 2 cups of Water to this, Let the Water boil, add Grated Coconut and salt, mix well. Now reduce the Flame, add the Coarsely grounded Rice-Dal Mixture to this water and Mix well. Take care not to have any lumps!!! Let it Cook for10-12 minutes. 

Once the Rice-Dal mixture is Well Cooked, Put off the flame and Keep it covered for another 5-10 minutes. Garnish with Ginger Juliennes and Enjoy!!!

Sending this to MLLA-31, hosted by Simona, event by Susan

I m doing a Blogging Marathon along with some of my friends Srivalli, Priya Suresh, Jay, Monika, Reva, PJ, Azeema , Ayeesha ,Veena , Usha, Soumya and Gayathri. Do Check their Posts!!!!

Easy Strawberry Jam

I love making jams and I wanted to make best use of the strawberries which are in season. I usually puree the fruit and go about with my jam making. I found a recipe here and the method interested me. I followed her first step where in the berries are mixed with sugar and left for few hours. I felt this gave a good texture to the jam. As usual, I made it in microwave. So that doesn't stop those who doesn't have a MW oven. This can be very well be made on the stove top and I think it will get done in almost the same time. This jam is quite easy that you have just mix all the ingredients and cook for around 15 minutes.

You need

• Strawberry,hulled and halved - 2 cups
• Sugar - 3/4 cup
• Lemon juice - from half of a lemon

Method

  

Take the strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Keep it aside for 4 hours or so. Lightly mash the berries in between. The sugar would have drawn the juice out of the berries and you can find the berries slightly pulpy too. Transfer the mix to a microwave safe bowl. Add juice from half of a lemon and micro high for 12 minutes. Give a stir at 5 minutes interval. Give a standing time of 3 minutes and do the plate test to see if the jam is set. Ladle into sterilized jars. 

Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the berries. Adding too much of sugar will make the jam sticky and the flavor of berries will not come through.  Enjoy on a warm toast for breakfast or tea. Try making it yourself and see how it easy it can be. Once you taste home made jam, I am sure you will never go for store bought ones.  I usually make in small batches and it gets over in 10 days. If you are making a big batch, you can as well refrigerate for longer shelf life.

  

On a different note: I am happy that my blog is shortlisted among the 10 best food blogs selected by Blogjunta. Kindly vote for me if you feel it deserves. The poll widget can be found the right side bar of the blog. Let the best blog win. Thank you dear readers for your support. Thanks to the friends who have already voted.