Understanding geothermal heating

Written by: Eric Fleming

Buried beneath the surface of the Earth is a huge source of energy – and it’s not fossil fuels. In this case, the energy source is the heat trapped by the Earth itself known as geothermal heating. Harness that energy, and what you have is a fantastic, efficient means of heating your home.

What is geothermal heating?

While some type of geothermal heating system has existed since the days of the Roman Empire, today’s systems are more sophisticated for general home use. These systems involve a geothermal heat pump that pumps cold water through underground pipes. As the water circulates, it absorbs heat from the ground which is then extracted by a heat exchanger.

The extracted heat is then used to warm the home. Rechilled water is circulated through the underground pipes once more to continue the cycle. During the summer, this same system can be reversed to cool your home.

Geothermal heating vs. gas/electric furnaces

The main benefits to geothermal heating are cost and efficiency which is helped by geothermal energy being renewable. Current estimates say that a home heated via a residential geothermal heat pump saves 30% to 70% when compared with a traditional furnace, and 20% to 50% when compared with a standard air conditioning system.

Also, as no fossil fuels are burned, a geothermal heating system is much more environmentally friendly than a gas/oil burning furnace.

Geothermal heating system considerations

Initial setup cost is one concern when considering a geothermal heat pump system for the home. Compared with a traditional furnace or air conditioning system, the geothermal heating system costs initially appear prohibitive. But when judged against yearly heating bills, the excess setup costs for geothermal heating and cooling quickly pay for itself.

A geothermal heating system can be a valuable addition to your home. By connecting with professional geothermal heating experts through BuyerZone’s free request for price quotes service, you can find the appropriate solution for your household.