Facts About Geothermal Heating
January 15, 2022
One of the first and most surprising facts about geothermal heating and cooling you’ll discover is that people have been using it for temperature control for about 10,000 years. From root cellars to hot springs, humans have tapped the earth’s potential for heating and cooling energy for ages.
It sounds pretty high-tech, the first commercial use of geothermal power was in Larderello, Italy, in 1913.
What is Geothermal Heating?
Geothermal heating is based on the stable temperatures found just below the surface of the earth. Whether it’s winter or summer, the temperature below the ground in most regions of the country remains constant.
Geothermal heating uses the heat energy below the surface of the earth to warm air for distribution above ground. The technology currently uses geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), which means they can both heat and cool a building using a very small amount of electricity.
The earth absorbs and stores energy from the sun, and pipes filled with liquid are buried underground to collect this heat and transfer it to the GHP. The GHP removes the heat and creates warm air to heat your home.
Likewise, during the summer, the ground is cooler than the surrounding air and a similar heat exchange is made to cool the air in your home.
Geothermal heat pumps can reduce heating costs up to 70 percent and cooling costs up to 50 percent.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling
It sounds almost too good to be true, so let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal heat.
Advantages
Lets look at the plus side first.
1. Renewable.
As long as we have a planet, we can generate geothermal energy
2. Eco-friendly
Geothermal heat pumps use less electricity than other systems and put off less pollutants than fossil fuel systems.
3. Sustainable
Geothermal provides a steady supply when compared to the variability of solar and wind power
4. Lifespan
GHPs have a considerably longer lifespan than conventional furnaces.
Disadvantages
There is a downside to everything, so it helps to be flexible.
1. Environmental
While GHPs produce less pollution than gas or oil furnaces, installing the system can result in the release of gases stored below the earth’s surface.
2. Cost
Residential geothermal heating and cooling systems for homes are more costly than traditional systems.
3. Location
Your home may or may not be suitable for installation of a geothermal heat system. Factors in play include size of property, ground water, underground utility feeds, and soil composition.
Go Green in 2022
The decision to live a cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle is one that many homeowners are making this year. Creative choices about home heating and cooling is one way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Pleasantville. We can help you find ways to reduce your energy costs and environmental impact.