La Crosse, WI - May 9, 2008 - Michaels Engineering has recently completed a ground-source heat pump study for the state of Minnesota.

The study compares the performance of ground source heat pumps to conventional gas heating / electric cooling systems in school, office, and residential buildings. Results include annual electric and gas energy usage, annual energy costs, simple payback, life-cycle costs, and annual emissions levels. The study includes 120 building simulations of varying building types and sizes, age (new construction or retrofit), and climate zones. Results are presented in concise tables for ease of comparison. The study also includes the current status of the industry and market potential of ground-source heat pump systems for the state.