Pros And Cons Of Geothermal Heat Pumps
A geothermal heat pump relies on the temperature difference between the ground and the atmosphere to heat the house. Below are some of the pros and cons of these systems.
Pros
Here are some of the benefits of using a geothermal heat pump.
Inexpensive Operations
Most forms of heating require nonrenewable resources, but not geothermal heat pumps. The heat pumps harness heat stored underground, which reduces your heating costs. Secondly, the absence of the combustion process leads to less frequent breakdowns of the heater system.
Environmentally Friendly
Many heating systems damage the environment. The extraction processes of most energy sources, as well as the byproducts released when converting the energy to heat, all pollute the environment. The level of environmental pollution is low when you use a geothermal heat pump.
Dual Functionality
A geothermal heat pump can act both as a heating and cooling system. The heat pump will cool your house in the summer when the ground temperature is lower than the surface temperature. The system will heat your home in the winter when the ground temperature is higher than the surface temperature.
Water Tank Heating
Lastly, you can also use the geothermal heat pump to heat water for use in your house. This is possible during the winter season when you are using the heat pump to heat the house. The system will lower your water heating costs and even give you hot water more efficiently than a conventional water heating system.
Cons
Despite the above advantages of geothermal heat pumps, they do have their disadvantages. Below are some examples of these cons.
Need for Backup
A geothermal heat pump part might not meet your heating needs a hundred percent. In such a case, you might have to install a backup system to supplement the heat from the pump. That would reduce the advantages of installing a heat pump in the first place.
Expensive Installation
Geothermal heat pumps are relatively expensive to install. The systems are costly to purchase and install — the latter because the installation disrupts the environment and damages existing landscaping. You might incur further costs to landscape your home and regain its pre-installation glory.
Location and Site Dependent
Lastly, a geothermal heat pump is not suitable for all areas. The temperature difference between the ground and the atmosphere should be significant for the heat pump to work. Secondly, the soil profile should be easy to excavate; a rocky profile can make installation difficult.
A geothermal heat pump is just one example of heating systems; there are others. Evaluate the pros and cons of each system to help you make an informed decision on the system to install. An HVAC professional can help you decide.
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