Geothermal Heat Pumps

The name "geothermal heat pump" may throw some people off, especially when first glancing at the term. It breaks down simply: geo, means relating to the earth and thermal relating to hot springs. Geothermal heat pumps basically use the ground and groundwater to help in heating your structure or home. See, pretty simple. We are going to take a look at geothermal heat pump pros and cons; focusing on major benefits and the few negatives to using this system.  

Let's start with the biggest pros:  Using geothermal heat pumps is environmentally friendly. It does not use a huge source of energy, doesn't create a ton of pollution, and is a renewable resource.  Heat pumps are efficient. They work well in small homes and huge commercial spaces. Because they use less electricity, monthly costs are lower. Pumps also have a long lifespan (25 or so years) and few moving parts which means not replacing the entire system or paying maintenance men to fix them. The installation of a heat pump can also be eligible for a tax break.  Geothermal heat pumps rely on the groundwater to function. Using solar or wind power may put a household in a bind if the sun isn't out or it's not windy. And because it uses groundwater, there is minimal noise. It is also located underground which is less of an eyesore.   

Not everything is perfect, and there are a few disadvantages associated with geothermal heat pumps: Sulfur dioxide and silica are possible discharges to the earth. Sulfur dioxide turns into acid rain and silica can cause issues in water pipes. These pumps do still require electricity to run so usage may affect the monthly power bill. They could also require a huge amount of water to operate. The cost is the other major con to using a heat pump system. These systems do have a high initial cost associated with them, and because not as many people use them there are probably fewer installers in your area. This means less competition and that they can charge almost any price. If there are any underground pests or tree roots that cause damage to underground components, there will be high costs to repair. Of course, with the increased use of water, you will probably have a higher water bill. 

Clearly, there are plenty more benefits to choosing a geothermal heat pump than more traditional methods. If by chance you are just beginning to build a home, choosing a heat will be less expensive than if you already own a home and are looking to install. Regardless, most items worth having do require an investment of some sort. Thinking of the initial cost to implement as a down payment may help you see a geothermal heat pump as an investment similar to a car or home. You'll see returns for years but will have to do some periodic maintenance and upkeep. If money isn't a problem, the choice comes down to whether you want to hand over money now in the form of the pump or later in the form of electricity bills.