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Converting natural gas heating/cooling systems to geothermal uses the same piping infrastructure we already have and keeps the energy source local, noted Jay Egg of Egg Geo Feb. 7 at the 2023 AHR Expo in Atlanta. Geothermal allows the creation of thermal energy networks (TENs) — “tying together buildings thermally.”
“With our aging infrastructure, an upgrade to renewables is necessary,” he said.
The United Association union understands the tremendous opportunity TENs have for its technician members and developed a TEN curriculum, Egg noted.
Using water-source heat pumps in these systems allows the electrical load to level out as consumption is the same during winter or summer. Also, TENs eliminate outdoor equipment, so they are more weather-resilient.
Many projects across the country are using these thermal networks to conserve energy and, with the reduction of fossil fuels for heating and cooling, nearly eliminate greenhouse gases to keep their communities' air and water clean and safe.
The future will see this technology continue to evolve.
Kelly L. Faloon | Freelance Writer/Editor
Kelly L. Faloon is a contributing editor and writer to Contractor, Contracting Business magazine and HPAC Engineering and principal of Faloon Editorial Services. The former editor of Plumbing & Mechanical magazine, Faloon has more than 26 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry and more than 35 years in B2B publishing. She started a freelance writing and editing business in 2017, where she has a varied clientele.
Faloon spent 3 1/2 years at Supply House Times before joining the Plumbing & Mechanical staff in 2001. Previously, she spent nearly 10 years at CCH/Wolters Kluwer, a publishing firm specializing in business and tax law, where she wore many hats — proofreader, writer/editor for a daily tax publication, and Internal Revenue Code editor.
A native of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, Faloon is a journalism graduate of Michigan State University. You can reach her at [email protected].