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Web site of the Month: International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
A decades-old, energy-efficient heating and cooling technology is getting its moment in the sun, and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is going to make sure the ground source heat pump (GHP) gets all the credit it deserves. Headquartered at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Okla., the 21-year-old association promotes GHP technology, conducts geothermal research and trains and certifies installers. Although the IGSHPA Web site mainly targets the GHP industry, it is an excellent resource for utilities researching options for incentive programs or simply trying to answer customer questions. Consumer education materialsThose who are new to GHP technology can start their education with "What is a ground source heat pump?" This clear, concise explanation of the system includes links to residential and commercial sections that list specific benefits for the respective audiences. An extensive list of frequently asked questions covers just about every issue consumers can think of, and a few they might not. Contractors have questions, too, and Earth Insights may provide the answers they need. The single-page briefs, written by Certified Geothermal Designer Phil Rawlins, are a resource for detailed information about geothermal design, installation and troubleshooting. More resources, tailored to a variety of audiences, are available from IGSHPA's Publication library. Utilities launching a GHP marketing program can purchase brochures on residential, school and commercial applications to help educate prospective customers. The first four copies of case studies describing specific geothermal installations are free, and can be purchased in bulk. The magazine Geothermal Outlook features more case studies, written in a less technical style. The Adventures of Iggy, a coloring book that explains GHP systems to young consumers, makes a great handout at community events. Teachers can download and copy the coloring book to use in the classroom. IGSHPA is also developing a curriculum to give elementary school students an understanding of geothermal technology. Ready to installNow that your customers have read through several IGSHPA publications, they want the benefits of GHP technology for their homes and businesses. It is essential to the success of a utility GHP program—and to customers' satisfaction—that those systems are correctly installed. Start the search for qualified contractors in IGSHPA's business directory, a searchable database of accredited installers and certified designers throughout the United States and the world. The vendors in the database have been to IGSHPA-accredited training and have passed the association's accreditation/certification exam. The lack of qualified, local GHP contractors often poses a problem for utilities that want to promote GHP systems or launch a GHP marketing program. Conventional HVAC contractors can acquire the specialized skills needed for GHP installation through IGSHPA training courses for installers and designers. Taught by IGSHPA-trained professionals, the courses set the industry standard for installation methods and training. The association also offers continuing education units and "train the trainer" courses to fill the growing need for competent installers familiar with the latest GHP technology. The workshops, offered on the OSU campus and around the country, have been filling up fast due to increasing interest in the super-efficient GHP systems. Check the IGSHPA training calendar for the nearest event, and urge local HVAC professionals to sign up. |
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association Calendar of events Previous issues
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ResourcesInternational Ground Source Heat Pump Association |
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