What is Geothermal Home Heating?

Geothermal home heating is a way of using geothermal energy to heat a home, or at least partially heat a home. While there are high initial costs due to the installation of the system, over time these costs can be paid for through savings in utility bills. While geothermal home heating is a relatively new process, it has caught on in many areas, especially with new home or building construction.

Geothermal home heating works by taking the heat available in the ground and transferring it up to a home. While the ground temperature is much warmer than the air temperature in most winter locations, there is likely still not enough heat to make most people feel comfortable. Traditional heating often makes up the rest of the difference. However, that traditional heater does not have to work as hard or as long to do so.

The process works by building a loop underneath the ground near the home to extract heat. This may be done by using water, which takes on the temperature of its surroundings and is then pumped up. The heat is extracted from the water and it is then sent back down into the ground. This is a continuous loop process.

The environmental benefits of geothermal home heating are very easy to see. There is no burning of fossil fuels or use of other non-renewable fuels, other than the electricity needed to run the heat pump. With no pollution being created, the use of geothermal home heating is a popular choice for those who are environmentally conscious and worried about their carbon footprints.

The financial benefits of geothermal home heating are more difficult to predict, simply because of the installation cost. In general, installation may run as little as a few thousands dollars to more than $10,000 US Dollars (USD). This depends on the location of your property, the ease of drilling and the rates paid to local laborers. In general, it is thought the system can save anywhere between $400 and $1,000 per year normally, making a net savings possible in less than a decade.

While geothermal home heating is an expensive proposition at first, it is a much easier process if it is undertaken at the time a home is being built. For those who are looking a buying a new home, ask the builder if a geothermal system is offered. If not, a private contractor may be able to be brought in to work alongside the home builder to cut down on costs.