The Benefits of Geothermal Systems

Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer numerous and significant benefits, with up to 95 percent of customers reporting high satisfaction. This brief tour outlines the advantages of choosing a geothermal system:

• Efficiency: Geothermal systems rank far above most conventional systems, with efficiency ratings of up to 400 percent. Use of steady ground-source temperatures for heating and cooling, rather than widely fluctuating air temperatures, means heat pumps and compressors don’t have to work as hard. Neither do they waste energy burning fuel.
• Environmentally Friendly: Geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuels, and therefore do not create or release greenhouse gases. According to studies by prominent environmental agencies, geothermal heating and cooling is the most environmentally friendly method available.
• Low Operating Costs: Highly efficient functionality; transferring energy rather than burning fuel; and the constant availability of the primary energy source all contribute to the low operating costs of geothermal systems. Efficient operation also contributes to low maintenance requirements and long-lasting equipment. With these combined benefits, initial investments can be recovered in as few as three or four years, although six or more years may be needed. Total annual savings can be as high as 60 to 70 percent overall.
• Hot Water: Systems with a “desuperheater” use excess heat from the operational cycle to heat water. During cooling functions, this involves heat removed from the home that would otherwise be released underground. With little extra energy required, the result is nearly “free” hot water during summer months. Overall, as much as 50 percent of a household’s hot-water needs can be covered, with related cost reductions. The systems can also be used to heat a pool or hot tub.
• Quiet and Unseen: Most heating and cooling systems have outdoor components that are noisy, intrusive in appearance and also subject to deterioration from weather conditions. Geothermal systems are housed indoors, out of sight and in ways that reduce operational noise significantly.
• Constant Comfort: Geothermal systems regulate conditions better than conventional systems, eliminating temperature and room variances; however, zone-control is also possible.
• Long Life: Geothermal systems can last for decades. Some reports show life cycles of 20 to 25 years, while the loop fields offered by some companies have a life expectancy of greater than 75 years – and have a lifetime warranty. Fewer replacements mean fewer costs.

Related pages: Geothermal Heating Systems