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GEOTHERMAL HVAC CAN SAVE 25-50% ON
ENERGY FOR OHIO SCHOOLS
Saving energy is one of the best strategies for
becoming a more successful school district. Not
only does it free up money for more important things
like teacher salaries and supplies, it becomes a
lesson in itself on how to become more efficient
and sustainable.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a
great way to accomplish the above for new as well
as existing schools with aging equipment. The
technology is simple in that it uses the Earth’s
natural temperature to heat and cool your offices and
classrooms, and it is proven based on thousands of
schools and other buildings benefitting from it for
years. In fact, schools throughout Ohio, Indiana,
and Kentucky are currently saving 25-50% on
HVAC energy costs and gaining more comfortable
interior spaces at the same time.
The only reason this technology has not gone
mainstream for all schools is the incremental
first cost. However, as with any investment, the
question to ask is not just “what does it cost?”,
but more importantly “what is the payback?” And
fortunately, there are new financing tools available
to bridge the gap between the cost and payback.
One financing tool is a long-term lease. The 30%
incremental cost of the geothermal HVAC system
is paid for through energy savings within the first
10 years. After that, all savings go to the school’s
benefit. Better yet, the ground loop which accounts
for this incremental cost will last 50+ years.
Other financing tools include utility rebates, House
Bill 264, and COPS. The right solution will be a
function of what is currently available and the
school district’s needs and preferences.
So stop wasting money heating and cooling your
buildings the old-fashioned way. Geothermal
HVAC is the way of the future!