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TEXT B
In 1983, when oil prices were still high in my area, I installed a ground-source heat pump in my brand-new, well insulated 1,600-square-foot house. It cost several thousand dollars more than comparable systems that use oil, gas, or wood, but I figured I'd recover my higher initial expense in a few years through lower energy bills
True, my heat pump runs on electricity -- an expensive commodity where I live. But most of its energy comes from the earth: a propylene-glycol solution circulates through 1,200 feet of two-inch-diameter plastic pipe buried three feet deep in a field next to my house. As it travels, the solution absorbs heat from the surrounding soil, even when soil temperature drops below freezing.
My ground-source heat pump also offers important benefits that have nothing to do with economics.
· Minimal fire hazard -- no chimney, firebox, or heating elements -- only pumps, fans, and a compressor.
· Cleanliness -- no combustion products, thus no chance of my heating system polluting the indoor air, leaving scummy deposits on walls and furniture.
· Reliability -- solid-state electronic controls and sealed bearings almost eliminate breakdowns.
· No maintenance -- no wood to cut, ashes to haul, or chimney to clean.
· Convenience -- The system runs automatically, even switching from heating to air conditioning as needed. I can simply lock the door and go away for a day, week, or month.
Not only did I expect to start saving on energy costs immediately, but I also expected those savings to grow over the years as oil prices continued to soar. Since I was wrong about oil prices, the big dollar savings I'd hoped for haven't materialized. Nevertheless, I am satisfied, all things considered.
69. The passage suggests that the author's heat-pump system absorbs heat from _____.
A. soil in a nearby field
B. sun panels at ground level
C. a pipe buried next to the walls
D. a tank of propylene-glycol
正确答案是
70. According to the passage, the author's heat pump requires _____.
A. no maintenance
B. very little maintenance
C. only a yearly check of controls
D. no more maintenance than an oil burner
正确答案是
71. Once benefit the author mentions is that the system _____.
A. uses no electricity
B. has a fire-safety shutoff
C. does not pollute the air in the house
D. requires less insulation in house walls
正确答案是
72. The best title for the passage is _____.
A. Preparing the Ground for a Pump System
B. Pros and Cons of the Ground-Source Heat Pump
C. How to Know Whether an Oil Burner is Right for Your Home
D. The Ground-Source Heat Pump: It Works for Me!
正确答案是
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