1960s: A lifestyle harmonious with respecting the Earth was for hippies.

2000s: A lifestyle harmonious with respect the Earth is HIP.

It seems the higher our utility bills get, the more DeAnne and I think about investing in energy-saving products.  Recently we came across an article in The Tennessee Magazine about geothermal HVAC systems (called ground-source heat pumps, or GSHPs), an efficient way to use energy from the earth to heat and cool your home.  I'm no scientist! but the system works by installing fluid-filled polyethylene piping underground or underwater on your property.  In the winter, heat is transferred from the earth into your home.  The reverse happens in summertime, when the fluid traps and pulls the heat from inside and deposits it in the ground.  Similar to how anti-freeze works in our cars.

The top reasons to go geothermal: Not only does it save on your energy bill (25-50%), but it emits no on-site pollutants, lasts significantly longer than normal HVAC systems, and delivers quick and quiet air. It can even be designed with a device that heats water for free.  It helps strengthen U.S. energy security, allowing Americans to become less dependent on foreign resources.  GSHPs have the lowest emissions among all other heating and cooling technologies.  Consumer satisfaction is strong; 95% say they would recommend the system to family and friends.  Maintenance is close to nil.  There are very few moving parts needed to replace or repair.  If you do your research and use a company that specializes in GSHPs, your system should be maintenance free for at least 20 years.

Middle Tennessee Electric executives claim that even though the start-up cost can be expensive, the costs are returned in energy savings in five to ten years.  The lifespan for the geothermal system ranges between 25 to 50-plus years, depending on what kind of unit you decide to install.  If you're thinking about staying in your home for a few years, it may be worth the investment.  And don't forget resale!  Buyers are extremely attracted to energy-efficient homes.

Last week I noticed one of my bedroom windows was not closing correctly, and I knew if the Tennessee summer heat and my air conditioner got in a fight, I would be the one paying for it.  I found a reputable company offering a buy 1 get 1 free deal on triple-paned windows, and figured since I needed to replace the things anyway, I might as well invest in something that will increase the value of my home, allow me to save money on my electric bill, and let me deduct it in next years' taxes (visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=rebate.rebate_locator to see if the products you're thinking of buying will be tax deductable).  That's my new philosophy toward going green: when it's time to replace something, I'm shooting for energy-efficient.  I know, I know... replacing a couple windows are baby steps, but every little bit helps these days!  It's kind of like remodeling your utility bill bit by bit. 

If you're thinking about swapping any appliances for Energy Star appliances, here's a list that may help you decide what needs to go first:

Lifespan of your appliances:

9 years - dishwasher, microwave

10 years - clothes washer

11 years - freezer, water heater (electric)

13 years - refridgerator, clothes dryer, electric range

10-15 years - air conditioner

Kermit said that it's not easy being green, but I bet he's singing a different tune now.  I love how "going green" SAVES me some green!

K. Michelle Ross

Executive Assistant to DeAnne Cotthoff of RE/MAX Elite

The article "Geothermal: Go ground-source and Save" was written by Barbara Baird and featured in the May 2008 issue of The Tennessee Magazine.  If you would like to see the full article, email us, and we'll send you a copy.