Disadvantages of
Geothermal Energy
When it comes to energy efficiency and
renewable energy, geothermal energy and geothermal heat pumps take the prize. Geothermal energy is renewable and
safe for the environment. When I talk about true geothermal energy that is stored deep in the earth's crust,
I am referring to super-heated steam within the earth.
When I talk about geothermal heat
pumps, it's actually nothing like geothermal energy. Geo means earth and thermal means heat. So, both
situations refer to the earth's heat.
One stored deep below the earth caused
by continental plates rubbing together and the other taking advantage of the solar rays absorbed in the upper few
feet of the earth.
- Is a geothermal air conditioning and heating system cheap to install?
Not really, but then I don't want the cheapest system there is in my house anyway (30% tax credits really help).
- Is a
geothermal furnace for everyone and every situation? The answer is
no.
In some cases the payback just isn't worth the additional costs. On some homes it would be the best
investment today.
- Should you at least entertain the
idea of geothermal in your home and make an educated decision? You cannot
afford not to! During my green, custom home design
and energy analsyis I can answer all your questions.
Since this page is about the
disadvantages of geothermal energy let me list a few:
-
Geothermal energy defined as heat stored deep below the
earth’s surface is definitely a green, eco-friendly energy source. However, it can be VERY expensive to tap
into this source. The
super-heated water is very deep in the earth’s crust and can be cost prohibitive to drill this
deep.
Another disadvantage of this type of geothermal energy is that it can be
fairly difficult and expense to built the plants required to convert the hot water and steam into a
usable electricity.
A geothermal energy plant, like the one pictured below in Iceland, cannot
be used for residential use and is a true power plant.
- A disadvantage of a geothermal
heat pump used to heat and cool your home can sometimes be cost prohibitive also. It is very important to note that most of the
added expense of a geothermal heat pump is in drilling the holes for the vertical loops (picture) or
digging the trenches for a horizontal loop (picture).
The system inside your house is essentially the same as a conventional
heating and air system.
- Another potential disadvantage
of a geothermal heating and cooling system can be finding a reputable installer in your
area. While these systems
are gaining in popularity, it’s becoming easier and easier to find reputable installers.
Despite these disadvantages, I still
strongly recommend that you take a serious look into a geothermal heating and cooling system for
your home. If you are building and
new home and looking for energy efficient house plans I can help you with your custom blueprints and teach you how to make it super energy
efficient.
We will discuss your options for a
geothermal heating and cooling system, the advantages for your home, and the payback period. Download
my FREE report, "20 Critical Design Aspects Every
Homeowner Must Know BEFORE Building A New Home" at www.rye-homes.com.
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