Disadvantages about geothermal energy
and geothermal heat pumps
First of all I want to say that
geothermal heat pumps are by far the most energy efficient, green, environmentally friendly heating and cooling
source available. Now I’m an expert
in residential energy efficiency so I’m well aware of solar power, it’s costs, and uses.
I’m aware of gas furnaces, propane,
wind power, and water power, but when it comes to the most energy efficient source available, a geothermal heat
pump, or ground source heat pump, wins the prize.
- Is geothermal home heating and cooling cheap to
install?
Not always (30% tax credits really help).
- Is a
geothermal heat pump for everyone and every situation? The answer is now.
- Should you at least entertain the
idea of geothermal in your home and make an educated decision? You cannot afford not to!
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. Visit my energy
efficient home plan service website at www.rye-homes.com and download my FREE report.
If you aren’t building a new home and
just want to make your existing home more energy efficient I suggest you order my DVD that teaches you everything
you need to know. Learn
more 
Tags: geothermal heating and cooling,
disadvantages of geothermal energy, geothermal heat pumps.
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