LEED New Construction ArticlesGreen Construction and Heating SystemsBy
Zack Verde Two
of the bigger energy uses are cooling and heating. Green heating systems are designed
to minimize such energy use during cooler periods. There are several heating
systems used in green homes. One type uses geothermal energy for heat. Geothermal
refers to using the natural heat of the earth. Most systems work by running water
from under the earth through a series of pipes called a loop. The loop takes the
water to a heat exchanger where the heat is removed from the water and used for
heating purposes. The most simple is the open loop. Since ground water generally
maintains a constant temperature, water is pumped from one well through a heat
exchange device, and deposited into a second well, usually at a distance from
the first. A closed loop geothermal system circulates the water through
a series of pipes. The pipes are buried in the ground and the water picks up heat
and the heat exchanger removes it. There are several arrangements of piping, but
the general idea is the same. Although geothermal heat is very inexpensive, a
system has to be fairly extensive to provide all of a homes heating requirements,
and most systems are intended to supplement other heating sources. A much
better source of heat is sunlight. Solar power systems convert sunlight to heat
for use in space heating and domestic water heating. Most solar power systems
have a very high initial cost, but a very low operating cost. This low operating
cost is often overlooked in the planning stages when more attention is being paid
to the initial costs. In order to maximize the advantages of the low operating
cost, it is important to make sure that the home is well insulated. In the case
of water heating systems, all pipes must be heavily insulated. Solar water
heating systems can be either passive or active. Passive systems use natural convection
to move water from the heat source to the heat exchange point. An active system
uses pumps and controllers. The water is collected in a tank fitted with solar
panels or heat absorbing materials where it is warmed by sunlight. The pumps move
it to a heat exchanger where the heat is removed and circulated through the home.
In the case of a water heater, the water can be used directly, and it is replaced
by cold water from the existing water supply. Geothermal and Solar heating
systems are two examples of green construction types of alternative sources for
heat and energy. The advantage is the reducing of the reliance on fossil fuel
generated heat or energy. The technology for utilizing these sources of heat is
still in its infancy. It is expected that the rise in green construction philosophy
will encourage further experimentation in this area. About the AuthorZack
Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing green
building information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zack_Verde
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Construction-and-Heating-Systems&id=447492  | This
website was created as a public service to promote LEED New Construction certification
and LEED general contractors, by Bob Moore Construction. Bob Moore Construction
is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the first Platinum
Level member of the north Texas chapter of USGBC, and maintains a LEED AP on staff.
A leading general contractor in Texas since 1946, the company has earned several
awards including the AGC General Contractor of the Year. Bob Moore Construction
is also a member of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Tilt-up Concrete
Association, and the OSHA Local Partnership Program. For more information about
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