Geothermal energy systems are becoming more popular as homeowners and businesses look to renewable energy to help the environment, and save money on utility bills. Now, a church is going geothermal, thanks in part to a thief.
Mary Epperly says her husband Richard wanted to do something for the earth, even after his death. She says, "That was his wish for his memorial. He was very much into energy efficiency, and saving a buck where he could." He wanted to replace the old stained glass windows at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with new energy efficient ones. But, God had a different plan for Epperly's memorial money.
Church member Jeff Benz says, "The story for Prince of Peace began last fall. Our air conditioning condensers that sit outside the building were stolen."
Pastor Roger Osbeck says, "When this came up, we said something good can come out of this." Pastor Osbeck says members formed a committee to look into installing a geothermal heating and cooling system. He says, "Congregations in general are looking to be more environmentally friendly."
The only sticking point was the $46,000 dollar price tag. Mrs. Epperly says, "When this opportunity came up, I said this is something Richard would really want to have done."
This is how geothermal works: the earth remains a relatively constant temperature throughout the year. The system takes advantage of that by putting loops and wells in the ground. A fluid moves through the loops. It absorbs the heat and brings it into the building. A pump inside transfers the heat to warm the space. The process reverses in the summer, taking the heat out of the building and putting it back in the earth. It can cut energy costs for the church by 30% to 75%, depending on the time of year. And, it reduces carbon emissions. Benz says, "It's good stewardship, good use of God's creation of natural resources."
And, Mrs. Epperly says they're not done being good stewards. "We're going to continue, we're going to do other things. We have some leads on windows." Which means her husband's first wish might be answered after-all.
Pastor Osbeck says another benefit of the geothermal system is thieves will not be able to steal any parts, since it's buried in the ground. If you want to install one at your home, Lee Rose with Des Moines Comfort Inc., says it will run you about $20,000. It will save you 40% to 70% on your energy bill, depending on the time of year. And, you can currently get a 30% tax credit because of the federal stimulus package.
Mary Epperly says her husband Richard wanted to do something for the earth, even after his death. She says, "That was his wish for his memorial. He was very much into energy efficiency, and saving a buck where he could." He wanted to replace the old stained glass windows at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with new energy efficient ones. But, God had a different plan for Epperly's memorial money.
Church member Jeff Benz says, "The story for Prince of Peace began last fall. Our air conditioning condensers that sit outside the building were stolen."
Pastor Roger Osbeck says, "When this came up, we said something good can come out of this." Pastor Osbeck says members formed a committee to look into installing a geothermal heating and cooling system. He says, "Congregations in general are looking to be more environmentally friendly."
The only sticking point was the $46,000 dollar price tag. Mrs. Epperly says, "When this opportunity came up, I said this is something Richard would really want to have done."
This is how geothermal works: the earth remains a relatively constant temperature throughout the year. The system takes advantage of that by putting loops and wells in the ground. A fluid moves through the loops. It absorbs the heat and brings it into the building. A pump inside transfers the heat to warm the space. The process reverses in the summer, taking the heat out of the building and putting it back in the earth. It can cut energy costs for the church by 30% to 75%, depending on the time of year. And, it reduces carbon emissions. Benz says, "It's good stewardship, good use of God's creation of natural resources."
And, Mrs. Epperly says they're not done being good stewards. "We're going to continue, we're going to do other things. We have some leads on windows." Which means her husband's first wish might be answered after-all.
Pastor Osbeck says another benefit of the geothermal system is thieves will not be able to steal any parts, since it's buried in the ground. If you want to install one at your home, Lee Rose with Des Moines Comfort Inc., says it will run you about $20,000. It will save you 40% to 70% on your energy bill, depending on the time of year. And, you can currently get a 30% tax credit because of the federal stimulus package.
