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Geothermal Comfort Systems
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The Bryant®Geothermal Advantage Free Energy From The Earth
Throughout Bryant's historic 100-year
legacy, the company has provided millions of
homeowners with the finest comfort systems
available. Using state-of-the-art furnaces, air
conditioners and heat pumps, Bryant dealers
are experts when it comes to customized home
comfort systems. But it doesn't end there.
Bryant also offers a complete line of exceptional geothermal comfort systems for your home.
According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, geothermal systems are
“the most energy-efficient, environmentally
clean, and cost effective space conditioning
systems available today.” That's because a
geothermal system taps into the earth to
capture free, renewable energy.
The earth absorbs about 47% of the sun's
energy that reaches it, storing that energy in
the ground. A geothermal system extracts that
free energy for heating during winter. For
Why Choose Geothermal?
Geothermal Systems provide homeowners with a wide range of benefits.
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Savings: Generally, no other heating and cooling system offers
lower operating costs, with savings up to 60% compared to
ordinary systems.
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Comfort: These systems provide even temperatures throughout the
home year round, with excellent dehumidification during cooling.
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Environmentally Sound: Geothermal is a clean, green, and
renewable technology to reduce your carbon footprint now
and for future generations.
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Reliable: Geothermal units last longer than ordinary air conditioners
and heat pumps. Since the units contain few moving parts, they
operate for years with little maintenance.
cooling, the system removes heat from the
home and dumps it into the cooler earth. This
transfer of heat energy is done through a
series of pipes buried in the ground, or sunk in
a pond, or by using well water. Because a
geothermal system simply moves heat instead
of burning a fossil fuel to generate it, it's more
energy-efficient.
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Quiet Operation: Unlike ordinary air conditioners and heat pumps,
no outdoor unit is required. Bryant geothermal units use heavy-duty,
fully-insulated cabinets for quiet operation. Quiet, soft starting
variable speed blowers are used in many models.
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Flexibility: Heating, cooling and supplemental water heating from
a single unit. And a wide variety of models and options to fit most
any application.
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Free Hot Water: During unit operation, free excess heat is used
to supplement the home's water heater.
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Energy Independence: Geothermal systems reduce our need to
import fuel.
The Energy Efficiency Story
One of the main reasons many homeowners choose geothermal is the
benefit of lower operating costs. In most homes, the cost for heating,
cooling and hot water combine for about 70% of the total utility costs.
Therefore, the biggest opportunity to save a substantial amount in utility
costs is to improve those systems. That's where geothermal can help in
a big way.
For every one unit of energy purchased to operate a geothermal unit,
it delivers four to five units of energy because the energy from the earth
is free. In many scenarios, a geothermal system is significantly less
expensive to operate than ordinary heating and cooling systems.
Geothermal systems can save up to 70% in heating costs, up to 50% in
cooling costs, and around 30-50% in hot water costs.
One way to compare efficiency is to calculate the cost for 1 million
BTUs of heat transfer. Using a standard formula, an “apples to apples”
comparison can be made based on local fuel rates and equipment
efficiency. The table at right demonstrates a typical savings opportunity
with geothermal. To get the full picture for your home, contact your
Bryant geothermal dealer.
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Safe and Clean: No flame, no flue, no odors.
Cost Comparison for 1 Million BTUs
GEOTHERMAL
High-Efficiency Natural Gas $14.95
Air Source Heat Pump $17.58
Standard-Efficiency Natural Gas $17.75
High-Efficiency Propane $30.65
Fuel Oil
Electric Furnace or Baseboard $35.16
Standard-Efficiency Propane $36.40
Geothermal – 4.0 COP*, $0.12/kwh
Heat Pump – 2.0 COP, $0.12/kwh
Natural Gas – 95% AFUE**, 80% AFUE, $1.42/ccf
Propane – 95% AFUE, 80% AFUE, $2.65/gallon
Fuel Oil – 81% AFUE, $3.80/gallon
Electric Resistance – 1.0 COP, $0.12/kwh
* COP–Coefficient of Performance **AFUE–Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
$8.79
$34.17
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Geothermal systems can be installed with a variety of loop system configurations. “Closed loops” use re-circulated fluid in a series of pipes
installed vertically, horizontally, or in a pond. “Open loops” use well water. Your dealer will determine which design works best for your home.
Horizontal Loops: Used on larger lots. Installed using a backhoe
or trencher.
Vertical Loops: Used where land area is limited or soil conditions
prohibit horizontal loops. Installed using a drilling rig.
Pond Loops: Coils of pipe are fabricated and sunk to the
bottom of the pond.
Geothermal Product Selection Guide
Open Loop: Well water from an existing well can be used, then
discharged into a drainage ditch or pond.
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Go Green: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Geothermal systems use the free, renewable energy from the
earth, so the technology is one that can have a positive effect on
your carbon footprint. In fact, according to the Geothermal Heat
Pump Consortium, installing a geothermal system instead of an
ordinary system is the environmental equivalent (in emission
reduction) of taking two cars off the road or planting an acre of
trees. And because of improved electrical energy efficiency,
geothermal systems reduce the need to build additional costly,
fuel burning power plants. It's clean technology – geothermal
units produce no on-site emissions.
There are over 1 million geothermal installations today, resulting
in the avoidance of more than 5.8 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide and more than 1.6 million metric tons of carbon equivalent
annually. In addition, existing geothermal installations are the environmental equivalent (in emission reduction) of taking 1.2 million
cars off the road, or planting more than 385 million trees.
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2
Key Features
9
Bryant offers a
wide range of model
options and configurations to fit a variety
3
4
6
of applications. Our
popular GT-PX
series includes the
following features:
1
8
7
™
Copeland Ultra-Tech
1
unloading scroll compressor
for exceptional performance,
efficiency and reliability
two-stage
2
Variable speed blower motor for
comfort and quiet operation
3
E-Coated air coil for corrosion
resistance
Foil faced insulation in blower
4
section for easy cleaning.
Insulated compressor section
for quiet operation
Filter rack with two-inch MERV
5
11 filter for indoor air quality
Stainless steel drain pan for
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corrosion resistance
Unit Performance Sentinel
7
microprocessor control precisely
sequences and monitors component operation for improved
performance and serviceability
Double spring and grommet
8
compressor isolation for quiet
operation
Heavy-duty cabinet, epoxy
9
powder coated, with stainless
steel front panels for aesthetics
and long life
Note: Features on other models may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions (cont’d)
Q: How efficient are geothermal heat pump systems?
A: Actual efficiencies will depend on a number of factors, but
generally speaking a geothermal heat pump can be three to
five times more efficient at providing heat than a gas, propane
or oil furnace based on the amount of energy consumed to
provide a given amount of heat. For cooling, a geothermal system is generally 30-50% more efficient than an air conditioner
or heat pump.
Q: Why are geothermal heat pumps so efficient?
A: Geothermal heat pumps use the ground temperatures as a
“source” for heat energy during heating, and use the ground
as a heat “sink” during cooling. The earth acts as a giant,
free energy battery, providing an endless, renewable source
for heating and cooling comfort. Standard heat pumps use
outdoor air for heating and cooling. Because the ground
temperature is much more moderate and stable than air
temperatures, geothermal system operation is much more
energy-efficient, especially at extreme outdoor temperatures.
Q: Are these systems reliable?
A: Yes. Geothermal units are not subject to some of the same
forces that cause wear and tear on other types of systems.
And earth loops are installed using a special grade of
polyethylene pipe with heat-fused fittings designed to last 50
years or more.
Q: What kind of underground loop system is best?
A: It depends on several factors. Homes on larger lots usually
have horizontal loops installed. Smaller lots may require a vertical loop. A nearby pond can also be used. If you have a well
water system, that may be an option. Your Bryant dealer is
trained to determine which loop design is most appropriate for
your home. Regardless of the loop system selected, the operating costs are all about the same.
Q: How much space is needed for a closed loop system?
A: The smallest closed loop design, the vertical loop, may require
a space of only 15x15 feet, or a line of 3x45 feet, located at
least 10 feet away from the home, and 10 feet from property
lines. Horizontal loops require considerably more space.
Q: How is the unit size and loop design determined?
A: Bryant dealers use GeoDesigner software to determine the
most appropriate sized unit and loop for your home. The software takes many factors into consideration including: the
heating and cooling requirements of the home, loop type,
depth, soil conditions, earth temperatures, outdoor air temperature extremes, local fuel rates and much more. In addition,
the software can demonstrate energy costs for a Bryant geothermal system versus another type of heating and cooling
system.
Q: Will the fluid in the loops freeze during a long,
cold winter?
A: No. Antifreeze in the loop fluid eliminates any concerns about
freezing.
Q: Can a well be used instead of an earth loop?
A: Yes. Prior to using a well for a geothermal installation, the
water quality should be checked. Sufficient water volume is
needed for the unit, usually about four to nine gallons per
minute during unit operation. A discharge location like a pond
or drainage ditch is also required.
Q: How big does a pond have to be for use with a geother-
mal system?
A: For most installations, the pond should have a surface area of
at least a half acre and a depth of 10 feet. Bigger is better.
Q: What is the actual efficiency of a geothermal system and
how does it compare to a furnace, air conditioner or heat
pump?
A: The efficiency of a geothermal system is rated by an industry
standard known as ARI/ISO 13256-1, that specifies a set of
conditions by which efficiency is determined. The rating for
heating is Coefficient of Performance (COP). It's a ratio of the
amount of energy used to operate the unit compared to the
amount of energy output. Bryant's highest efficiency geothermal units have a COP in excess of 4.5 (that's 450% efficient),
compared to the highest efficiency gas furnace with a COP of
0.95 (95% efficient AFUE) or a high-efficiency heat pump with
an average seasonal COP around 1.8. The rating for cooling is
called Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). It's calculated by dividing
BTUs per hour output into the watts used. Bryant's highest
efficiency geothermal units have EERs around 18-27. That's
about 30-50% better than many air conditioners and heat
pumps. But because geothermal units are not rated according
to the same industry standard as furnaces, air conditioners,
and heat pumps, it is difficult to compare, for example, an
AFUE and HSPF to COP, or SEER to EER. To get the full energy
efficiency story, compare the dollars. Your Bryant dealer can
calculate operating cost estimates using Bryant's GeoDesigner
software.
Q: Is comfort compromised to get all this efficiency?
A: No. In fact, geothermal systems can provide exceptional
comfort without the “cold blow” from an air source heat pump
during heating; or short, hot blasts of air associated with standard efficiency gas furnaces. Geothermal units deliver air at
temperatures that provide comfort throughout the house. The
Bryant dual capacity units with var
match the needs of the home to deliver comfort no matter
what the outdoor air temperature is.
Q: Can the existing duct work and electrical service be
used?
A: Generally, the existing duct work can be used with a geother-
mal unit without extensive modification. Variable speed blowers
used in many of the Bryant geothermal units can compensate
for a less-than-optimum duct system. For the electrical supply,
a 200-amp service for the home is recommended.
Q: What about radiant floor heating?
A: A geothermal system can be designed to provide warm water
for radiant floor applications. Bryant's water-to-water geothermal units are four to five times more efficient than today's
best boilers.
iable speed fans precisely
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Q: Can a geothermal unit be combined with a gas or
propane furnace?
A: Yes. Some homeowners like the benefits of
both technologies. In this case, a geothermal
“split” unit (compressor only) is connected
to a furnace and cooling coil. The
geothermal unit will perform all
the cooling and some of the
heating. During the coldest
days, the system
switches over to
furnace operation to provide
the warmest air
temperatures
and maximum
Factoids
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With over 1 million geothermal installations, the total estimated
annual energy savings is 8 billion kWh of electricity and 40 billion
BTUs of fossil fuels. It reduces our reliance on imported fuels by
21.5 million barrels of crude oil per year.
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Homeowners with geothermal systems installed are saving a
combined, estimated $750 million over 20 years.
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Surveys by utilities have shown that more than 95% of geothermal
system owners would recommend the technology to others.
capacity. The most cost effective “balance point” can be pre-determined by the dealer to maximize efficiency and comfort. This type of
dual fuel/”hybrid heat” system may be a good choice for a replacement installation or a new home.
Q: Are geothermal systems more expensive to install, and how long
does it take for the extra expense to pay for itself?
A: Geothermal systems are generally more expensive to install than ordi-
nary systems. For replacement installations, the added cost is usually
recovered in a few years. In a new home where the added cost of the
system is included in the mortgage, the monthly energy savings may
be greater than the added cost, providing the homeowner with a positive cash flow from day one. Because every situation is somewhat
unique, your Bryant dealer can demonstrate the complete financial
scenario for your home using the GeoDesigner software. Many homeowners find that a Bryant geothermal system is a great investment.
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The amount of the sun's energy absorbed by the earth is more than
500 times the energy required for all of mankind every year.
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Geothermal systems installed in schools are saving over $25 million
in energy costs annually, saving more money for books, equipment
and teachers.
(Source: Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium)
Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits
Because geothermal systems can be part of the solution for national
energy policy, and for efficiency programs of various utilities, many
incentives are available throughout the U.S. and Canada. Check with
your Bryant dealer and tax professional to find out what incentives
are available in your area.
A Member of the United Technologies Corporation Family.
Stock Symbol UTX.
01-8110-872-25
© Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems 2009
7310 West Morris Street, Indianapolis, IN 46231
Visit our website at www.bryant.com
Before purchasing this appliance, please read the important
energy cost and efficiency information available from your dealer.
Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue, or change, at
any time, specifications or designs without notice and without
incurring obligations.
Limited Warranty
Bryant geothermal units are backed with a 10-year limited warranty
on the compressor and major refrigeration components, and 5-years
on all other parts. Extended warranties providing labor allowances
are available. Ask your Bryant dealer for details.
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