10 inches or 10 feet?KeithS said:and install a PVC pipe to a depth of 10"
Thank you for the catch! 10 Feetberkeman said:10 inches or 10 feet?
Thank you, I was hoping to just take the bite out of the air, but it sounds a little more involved than my wishful thinking! :)Andrew Mason said:Not unless you have air circulating down into the hole. Better to drill two holes joined at the bottom and circulate air down one and up the other. But unless you have the right kind of soil such that heat flow will occur continually from surrounding warmer parts to the parts around the hole, all you will be doing is allowing the ground 7-10 feet down around the hole to freeze.
Heat pumps would be a better option, but these will not be effective unless you can draw energy from a large underground reservoir. This can be done by an array of pipes running through the ground. They are expensive and don't really save ghgs unless you are using renewable source electricity.
AM
Modern heat pumps actually save GHGs even if powered by a pure natural gas generator. On a typical US grid mix, they are substantially lower emission than even a 97% ultra high efficiency gas furnace. If your local grid is almost entirely coal, you're probably better off with the furnace, but otherwise the heat pump is the way to go (even air source heat pumps, though ground source as you describe are more efficient). The heat pump also has the benefit that its emissions drop as the grid gets cleaner, so assuming you think the grid will continue trending in that direction, the lifecycle emissions will be even better than the current comparison would indicate (while a gas furnace will, of course, always be burning gas).Andrew Mason said:Not unless you have air circulating down into the hole. Better to drill two holes joined at the bottom and circulate air down one and up the other. But unless you have the right kind of soil such that heat flow will occur continually from surrounding warmer parts to the parts around the hole, all you will be doing is allowing the ground 7-10 feet down around the hole to freeze.
Heat pumps would be a better option, but these will not be effective unless you can draw energy from a large underground reservoir. This can be done by an array of pipes running through the ground. They are expensive and don't really save ghgs unless you are using renewable source electricity.
AM
Unless your garage is well insulated you won't likely to notice the difference.KeithS said:would the geothermal heat keep my garage warmer?
If the waste heat from the 25% efficient natural gas generator was used to heat the garage and the electricity generated was used to run a properly installed heat pump, then you will be saving energy and ghgs over a gas heater, regardless of temperature difference. I'm not sure about cost effectiveness, though.cjl said:Modern heat pumps actually save GHGs even if powered by a pure natural gas generator.
Yes, it is possible for a hole in your garage floor to keep it warm in winter through geothermal heat. This is because the Earth's temperature remains relatively constant at around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit below the surface, regardless of the season or weather above ground. By tapping into this constant temperature, a geothermal system can provide a reliable source of warmth for your garage.
A hole in the garage floor is typically connected to a geothermal heat pump system. This system uses a series of pipes, known as a ground loop, that are buried underground. The pipes are filled with a fluid, such as water or antifreeze, which absorbs the heat from the Earth. The fluid is then pumped into the heat pump, where it is compressed and used to heat the air or water that is circulated throughout your garage.
There are several benefits to using geothermal heat for your garage, including energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental friendliness. Geothermal systems use significantly less energy compared to traditional heating methods, resulting in lower utility bills. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. Additionally, geothermal heat is a renewable energy source, making it a more sustainable option for heating your garage.
Yes, a geothermal heat pump system can be used for both heating and cooling your garage. In the winter, the system will extract heat from the ground and use it to warm your garage. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the system will remove heat from your garage and transfer it back into the ground, providing a cool and comfortable environment.
The initial cost of installing a geothermal heat system with a hole in your garage floor may be higher compared to traditional heating systems. However, the long-term cost savings and energy efficiency make it a worthwhile investment. Additionally, there are often tax credits and incentives available for installing geothermal systems, which can help offset the initial cost. It is best to consult with a professional to determine the specific cost for your garage and location.