Advantages and disadvantages of geothermal
Benefits of Geothermal Heating
Efficiency
Compared to conventional central air conditioning systems, geothermal heat pumps are far more efficient. With a geothermal system, you aren’t wasting energy pumping hot air from inside into an even hotter outside. You are simply removing heat from the air in your home and transferring it to the earth.
A geothermal heat pump is always efficient and effective in any climate, so you can count on it to take care of your heating and cooling needs year-round.
Because the earth’s temperature remains relatively constant throughout each season, a geothermal system is more efficient than a traditional air conditioner. During the winter or summer months, when heat enters this ground surface, there will be no energy losses as heat is transferred from the ground to the air.
Worker Safety
The geothermal system is far less hazardous for construction workers than installing a traditional central air conditioner. No more worries about chemicals or electrical work that can be deadly if not handled by professionals.
Safety of Your Home’s Air
Safety is the number one priority of every house member. While a conventional AC offers a fair amount of safe air to breathe while in the summer or winter, geothermal systems provide this same peace of mind year-round.
A geothermal heat pump system offers a more efficient AC than conventional models and produces fewer pollutants that can negatively affect air quality in the home. This is due to their lower energy use over time, as well as their ability to purify water before it enters your system so you can expect the air you breathe around you to be clean.
Reduced Peak Electricity Demands and Harmful Carbon Emissions
A critical distinction between upfront and operational costs is that upfront costs represent a single, one-time expense (or multiple one-time expenses if you pay by installments), and operational costs are repeated monthly. A conventional air conditioner system is often more affordable on the front end, while the operating costs are higher, while the opposite is true of geothermal systems.
After the initial cost of geothermal heating and cooling systems drop, there are much lower operating costs. This is especially true if you are someone who has a big family or lives in an area that experiences extreme weather year-round – the savings on your energy bill will add up fast and have a significant impact on your monthly budget.
The upfront cost of geothermal heating can be expensive, but with lower monthly operational costs, it becomes clear that geothermal heat pumps decrease your utility bills, especially during the summer!
You can have a geothermally air-conditioned home while increasing your energy savings and lowering your carbon footprint.
Geothermal heating and cooling systems are an excellent choice for anyone who has a large family or lives in an area with extreme weather.
Geothermal Heat Pumps Provide Jobs to the U.S. Citizens
U.S. energy economy also benefits from Geothermal heat pump systems. Nearly all parts (heat pumps and ground heat exchangers) are made in the US, and it is impossible to outsource the installation of GHPs. The GHP system stimulates the local economy by providing work to area contractors to find and dig holes and install each one.
Maintenance and Life Expectancy
Traditional central air conditioners last anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Usually, the main components degenerate significantly within the first 5 to 10 years of use, resulting in progressively decreasing performance.
On the other hand, geothermal heat pump systems last longer than typical home heating systems, lasting for up to 20 years, while underground looping systems last up to 50 years. These systems also require little to no maintenance at all, meaning they are more affordable in the long run.
Geothermal heat pumps offer an inexpensive, reliable alternative to traditional air conditioning units that save energy costs over time because they reduce electrical usage by up to 50%! Geothermal HVAC services can lower your monthly bill while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round for any home or business.
Disadvantages of Geothermal Heating
High Upfront Cost
The initial capital cost of geothermal energy is relatively high. It is costly to drill wells to access geothermal reservoirs. The price goes up even more when you add the costs for cooling and heating systems.
While ROI may be consistent, it might not occur as quickly as expected. In a basic home, installing a geothermal heat pump typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000, with a payback time of 5 to 10 years.
Harmful Gases May Be Released
The amount of greenhouse gasses under the surface of the earth is substantial. By harnessing heat, these gasses can migrate to the surface of the Earth and contaminate the air.
These emissions are prevalent and higher where geothermal energy power plants are situated and linked to silica and sulfur dioxide emissions. The reservoir may even contain toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, boron, and mercury.
Geothermal Energy Isn’t Well Known Among Installers
It may take some hunting to find a company that is experienced in geothermal energy systems. Thankfully, a geothermal system is something our HVAC service provider is experienced with. You can check with us if you’re thinking of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in your home!
