Pennsylvania energy-buffs may have noticed the term ‘net - metering’ being tossed around local news recently. In June 2006 the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the board that governs the creation and distribution of energy in the state, decided to allow net metering in an effort to join the other 39 states nationwide that already have such regulations.

Geothermal exchange is a method of heating or cooling a building that uses the thermal energy constantly given off by the Earth. At depths greater than six feet, ground temperature is relatively constant, ranging between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your latitude. These systems are more efficient because, whether it’s winter or summer, the ground temperature is usually more moderate than the outdoor temperature, so less heating or cooling is required. That means the system doesn’t have to work as hard to make your home comfortable. The EPA estimates that geothermal transfer uses 30-70% less energy for heating and 20%-50% less energy for cooling.