I have been on a geothermal kick ever since a house in our area was for sale with geothermal heating and cooling. I would have loved to have that house but I already have a house so it doesn’t make sense to get another one. But a girl can dream.
So, while reading the October 2008 issue of Oklahoma Living Magazine I read an interesting article about rooftop air-conditioners. The article was Change is Difficult by Doug Rye.
Doug Rye was invited to speak at a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was discussing how placing air-conditioning units on rooftops was wasting energy and it would be more efficient to place the unit in the earth where it is a constant 57 degrees.
This, however, is what really caught my attention:
I asked the architects at our meeting, “How many of you are familiar with geothermal heating and cooling?” Nearly every hand went up. I then asked, “How many of you think geothermal is the most efficient heating and cooling system available?” Most raised their hands. “How many of you have specified geothermal systems in any building you have designed?” Two hands were raised.
And then came the most revealing question of all. “How many of you have a geothermal system in your house?” Zero hands.
I have been thinking about this article ever since I read it. I think what bothers me most is these are architects who know better, yet they aren’t pushing for change.
If I were to have a home designed, I would like to think that the professional would want to make my home more energy efficient. I don’t know, maybe I think differently than most people.
Photo credit: takomabibelot
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