Geothermal Results in 40% Savings in Heating and Cooling Costs for Washington International School

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Harvey W. Hottel, 71 Years of HVAC Services, www.harveyhottel.com, Gaithersburg, MD

Imagine savings of 40% or more in annual heating and cooling costs. One of Washington DC's preimenent schools has gone geothermal and is finding it pays off.  Washington International School (WIS) has embraced the concepts of global responsibility and social inclusiveness since its inception over thirty years ago.  And, and as a result, commiting to a geothermal system on campus follows its principles and generates an added financial bonus. The school was founded as "a pilot school for the planet."  Just about everyone connected with Washington International School (WIS) appears to be onboard in support of the investment in the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system. The passion for the school's commitment comes from dedication to WIS' principles. "Part of our responsibility as educators is to lead by example. The use of our new geothermal system demonstrates that Washington International School prioritizes sustainability," stated Clayton W. Lewis, head of the school.
 
One of the only mechanical contractors in the greater DC area with both Geo Design and Install certification, Harvey W. Hottel of Gaithersburg, MD was the choice to design and install Washington International School's geothermal system.  Dick Hottel, CEO of the family company, celebrating 70 years in the HVAC business, emphasized,  "Approximately 90% of those who elect to go with geothermal designs do so because of their concern for the environment. Yet over time, there is documented savings of 40% to 42% on heating and cooling costs. Washington International School is reaping the long term investment." 

The school's geothermal system involves a series of drilled wells that circulate underground water in a loop at a constant temperature of 54 degrees and feed into the buildings' HVAC system to either cool or heat the building or buildings, depending on the season.  Hottel explains, "The geothermal heating and cooling system utilizes the constant temperature of the sub-surface ground as a renewable energy source.  It is available 24/7, where as solar and wind are not."
There are many gains for the school as a result of the geothermal project.  The geothermal site is located on the historic Tregaron campus, off Macomb Street in northwest Washington, serving WIS middle and high school students.  Drilling wells and installing a geothermal system is significantly reducing heating and cooling costs at Tregaron.  And the upgrading of the Tregaron Mansion's HVAC systems also supports increased energy efficiency. 

As well, this beautiful historic Tregaron property benefits from not having any noisy outside equipment, one of the main reasons many historic properties go Geothermal.  Hottel's company has been recognized for its geothermal efforts and systems in historic properties, such as the exemplary, award winning Kentlands, MD Community Center project.  Washington International School's choice of geothermal provides heating and cooling for the historic Mansion, and the expanded well field guarantees geothermal for future facilities on the campus.  "With the geothermal system, Washington International School is reducing the carbon foot-print by reducing the fossil fuel emissions," said Lewis.

The long term environmental geothermal impact for Washington International School is important to the resolute forward thinking group of parents, board, administration and alumni who advocate that the investment in geothermal takes WIS into the future;  and money saved over the years on fuel and outside unit repair and replacement will show a return on this renewable energy investment.  WIS Board member, Georgetowner Russell Katz stated, "Geothermal was a a big, conscious investment and decision for our board of directors.  Schools like ours have to be careful in budgeting, but going geothermal seems like a vital move in the way it uses energy, not just for the future of WIS, but for the future of our country's environment."  

Going geothermal is a part of the school's multinational families and staff aspiration "to create a microcosm of the world we want our children to inherit."  Teachers at WIS are finding new ways to teach, integrating geothermal into the curriculum while teaching environmental issues."

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Media Contact: Nancy Flinn, Digitial Assembly Line for Harvey W. Hottel, Inc, 202-215-7969, [email protected]

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SOURCE Harvey W. Hottel, Inc