Geothermal
Geothermal in Florida
Why use well water for cooling and heating?
- Uses substantially less energy
- Does not use noisy outdoor fans
- Stands up better to salty sea coast environments
- Typically takes up less space than air-cooled
- Offers less opportunities for vandalism
- Reduces “scorched air” smell from electric heating coils burning off dust
- Reduces tube and tower maintenance in large chiller plants; requires no make-up water
- Tax incentives, rebates, and LEEDs credits
How to Get Started with Geothermal
Florida Wetlands
For Existing Commercial Buildings
If you are considering Geothermal but are not sure, commission a feasibility study to analyze your existing system and explore potential costs, plus potential energy and maintenance savings. There are various ways in which geothermal can be applied to your particular situation. The study would be individualized to your particular building.
If you already know Geothermal is the way you want to go, you can proceed one of two ways: Competitive Bid or Design Build.
In a Competitive Bid approach, you would contract with an HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) engineer familiar with geothermal power and cost estimating. You pay up-front for the preparation of bid and permit drawings, which are then bid competitively amongst three qualified contractors. The engineer represents you impartially during the bid and construction process.
Design Build is an approach in which the licensed engineer and contractor are partnered in a business relationship and you contract directly with this entity. The time involved in competitive bidding goes away so that construction can be completed faster.
For Buildings Not Yet Under Construction
Make sure your chosen design team includes a mechanical engineer with experience in geothermal and a well driller.
