Pros And Cons Of A Geothermal System
Your options for heating and cooling your home are a great deal more expansive than they were in previous years. With the introduction of such things as geothermal heat pumps, you can choose a system that works for your home and budget. If you are considering a geothermal heating pump, here are some of the pros and cons that could influence your decision.
Pros
One of the biggest advantages of a geothermal system in your home is that there is a possibility for real savings on your energy costs. Geothermal systems work by extracting heat and cold from the ground and transferring into your home. By contrast, other systems have to focus on converting air from other sources into the heat and cool air that is needed in your home. As a result, the geothermal system is less of a drag on your energy, which means lower bills.
If you are concerned with your impact on the environment, geothermal might be your best choice. Geothermal relies on renewable energy to function. This means no carbon monoxide or other harmful substances being dispelled into the air.
Geothermal systems are also relatively low maintenance. Since a large part of the system is buried underground, the main components are protected from other elements that typically plague other types of systems.
Cons
Although there are a lot of benefits to having a geothermal system, there are some disadvantages. For instance, the upfront cost of the system can be daunting to some people. The cost for a complete system starts at about $10,000. This price typically includes the excavation and installation of the system. However, it is important to note that the cost of the system is almost offset by the energy savings and the savings on maintenance.
Another disadvantage is that it can sometimes be difficult to find an experienced installer. Geothermal systems are still considered to be relatively new technology. As a result, you might have difficulty finding someone in your area who has experience with installing and maintaining the system.
The heating system goes underground, which means that a large section of your yard will need to be excavated. If you have spent a considerable amount of time working on your landscaping, this can be a real disadvantage.
Whether or not a geothermal system is right for you is debatable. Talk to your HVAC technician like one from R & B Heating & Air Conditioning to find out if it is an option and if it would fit your current needs.