The pros and cons of using geothermal heat pumps

Using geothermal heat pumps is certainly an interesting clean energy option, even despite the fact that geothermal energy is yet to fulfill its abundant potential, and become a widely used source of energy.

The pros of using geothermal heat pumps:

1)      Geothermal energy is renewable source of energy. This means that earth's heat is being constantly replenished by the radioactive decay of elements. Unlike geothermal energy fossil fuels are finite sources of energy that will eventually become exhausted. What this means is that geothermal energy can guarantee future energy security while fossil fuels can't.

2)      Geothermal heat pumps are environmentally friendly. More geothermal energy means less fossil fuels, and less fossil fuels means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution.

3)      Efficiency of geothermal heat pumps is always better at heating when compared to traditional pure electric heaters. The reason for this is their working principle as these systems exchange heat with the ground, with underground temperatures being lot more constant than the air temperatures, throughout the entire year.

4)      Geothermal heating systems use 25% to 50% less electricity compared to traditional heating systems.

5)      Very good durability estimated at around 25 years for inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop.

6)      No noise pollution because these systems operate very silently.

7)      Low maintenance costs.

8)      Installing these systems adds extra value to your property if you decide to sell it later on.

9)      Many countries offer tax benefits and other incentives for installation of these systems

The cons of using geothermal heat pumps:

1)      High upfront costs, in average three to four times higher compared to conventional systems. The main reason behind the high upfront costs is that ground source geothermal heat pumps must have a heat exchanger in order to extract or dissipate heat from the ground. Heat exchanger is very expensive, accounting for nearly half of the total system costs.

2)       Geothermal heat pumps aren't easy to install and require advanced technical knowledge and professional service. This also contributes to total costs of these systems.