subject: Geothermal Heating And Cooling - Pros And Cons [print this page] Home heating and cooling is one of our largest expenses. In areas with severe winters and hot summers, climate control can take a huge bite from our monthly budgets. Why not consider a type of heating and cooling which can add stability to these seemingly out of control expenses? The choice is called geothermal, and it is becoming a popular alternative for both new and existing homes. Here are some of the pros and cons of geothermal heating and cooling.
Mild Ground and Water Temperatures
With geothermal heating and cooling, we use the mild temperatures of the ground around us or a lake nearby to heat and cool our homes. There are many advantages of geothermal heat. The main one is that there is no boiler or furnace needed to burn fuel. Mild temperature fluids circulate through a heat pump which then converts them into warm water which is used to heat our homes. During the summer months, the heat pump setting is reversed to return warm water back into the ground. This helps with the cooling of our home.
Long Lasting System
The average life expectancy of this type of system is 25-years. This is almost twice the life of a fuel burning system! In fact, the EPA considers geothermal heating and cooling the most efficient climate control system available today.
Clean for the Environment
Since no fossil fuels are burned, this type of system is great for our planet. When we heat without fuel, we conserve natural resources which would otherwise be used. Also, no fuel burning eliminates harmful emissions to our atmosphere which helps us do our part to create a cleaner environment.
Low Usage Cost
Another point to consider is its low cost of usage. It is common for a geothermal system to save 50% or more on monthly heating and cooling costs. Heat pumps are very efficient to operate. The mild temperature fluids run through a heat pump offer efficient climate control for a home at a very reasonable cost.
Expensive to Install
High cost is perhaps the biggest disadvantages of geothermal heating and cooling. Installation costs can be two to three times that of a fuel burning system. Therefore payback in terms of dollars saved will come over a period of years. If you plan to live in your home for just a short period, say less than five years, the savings may not be worth the added cost of installation. Keep in mind, however, that this system also adds value to the home, making it worth more to a new buyer.
Finding a Quality Installer
Because geothermal heating and cooling systems are still not as commonly used, select your installer carefully. Talk to past customers to be sure that their experience with the system performance and installation process has been positive. Be careful of exaggerated claims. Geothermal is a terrific system, great for our environment. But payback is long-term.
If you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, consider the pros and cons of geothermal for your heating and cooling system.
