Is geothermal heating and cooling worth it? Learn the basics of home geothermal systems and decide if it’s right for you.
Though they don’t make any noise themselves, geothermal heating and cooling systems are booming these days as architects and homeowners recognize the wisdom in this decades-old, fossil fuel-independent technology. Once used mainly in commercial buildings, these efficient and durable systems are now installed in about 50,000 U.S. homes each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Many people think geothermal is a new technology, which makes builders and homeowners reluctant to use it,” says Jim Bose, executive director of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA), a nonprofit that promotes ground source heat pump technology. “Actually, it’s an idea that’s more than 150 years old.”
Though geothermal systems can have a high upfront cost, savings in operating costs usually mean the systems pay for themselves in less than a decade. Most systems carry a 50-year warranty and operate at 50 to 70 percent higher efficiency than most other heating systems. As geothermal’s history of documented research and reliability grows, the technology will develop too, says Bose, who has worked in the geothermal industry since the 1970s. New tax incentives and rebates will drive residential use over the next five years, he predicts.
Geothermal basics
Geothermal takes advantage of one of nature’s wonders–the earth’s nearly constant underground temperature of 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit–to provide year-round heating and cooling. Geothermal systems exchange heat with the earth using an underground network of pipes filled with water or refrigerant. In winter, the fluid pulls heat from the ground and transfers it to the house through a heat exchanger. An indoor fan system circulates air through the house. In summer, the system deposits heat from the house into the earth and brings cool air back in.
Nearly any home–old or new–can take advantage of versatile ground source heat pump (GHP) systems. Retrofits often use existing ductwork with minimal modifications, and the slinky loop system makes pipe installation possible even on small, tight lots.
Down to Earth
Wondering if a geothermal heating and cooling system is right for you? It’s easy to weigh the pros and cons of this clever technology.
Pros
- Efficient and eco-friendly. GHP systems transfer heat instead of creating it, so they don’t rely on fossil fuels. GHPs get high ratings from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Durable. Underground loops are protected from external elements such as inclement weather and vandalism, and they rank high in safety with no open flame, flammable fuel or fuel storage tanks; no combustion is involved. Pipes are fusion-welded to prevent leaks. The pipes have a life expectancy of 50 years or more.
- Inexpensive to operate. With fewer mechanical operating components, GHPs require less service than conventional heating and cooling systems and have a high-reliability rating, keeping maintenance costs low.
- Space-saving. Hardware for GHPs is smaller than conventional heating and cooling systems and requires a smaller mechanical room, which frees up floor space for other uses.
- Comfortable. GHP systems maintain humidity at a constant comfort level.
- Quiet. GHP systems have no outside compressors, which eliminates exterior noise.
Cons
- Expensive initial investment. Installation costs can be several times higher than comparable conventional systems.
- Difficult to repair. Repairs to underground pipes, though seldom necessary, can be difficult and expensive.
- Require backup. In extreme climates and rural areas, the systems require an emergency backup system.
Loop Groups
Residential applications use closed-loop or open-loop systems, depending on land and water availability. In a closed-loop system, water or refrigerant circulates through pipes laid underground. Pipes for a closed-loop system can be laid deep underground in a vertical system or twist over a wider, shallower area in a horizontal system. An open-loop system requires a nearby water source such as a pond, lake or river. After the heat exchange, water from the system returns to its source or is released to an acceptable discharge site.
Closed-Loop-Horizontal-$$
- Pros: Most cost-effective for residences; simpler installation
- Cons: Requires more land for installation; requires longer pipe lengths
Closed-loop-Vertical-$$$$
- Pros: Good for limited land availability; less disturbance of existing landscapes
- Cons: Installation may be more difficult and expensive depending on soil quality and type
Pond/lake Closed-Loop-$$$
- Pros: Pond/lake closed-loop
- Cons: Requires adequate, quality water source with volume
Surface Body Water, Open-Loop-$$$
- Pros: Takes advantage of available water sources; less expensive to install
- Cons: Requires recharge well or approved discharge site; requires more maintenance; regulatory issues regarding ground water
Don’t Try This at Home
Although geothermal is a simple concept, it’s an engineered technology that requires specialized training and equipment to install. It’s not a do-it-yourself project. To assure your GHP system performs properly and efficiently, choose an accredited installer, then be sure to check references.
For a problem-free, low-maintenance system, use a qualified HVAC designer. Each site must be evaluated individually for geology, hydrology and land availability considerations, including:
- assessment of the house’s heating and cooling loads
- soil’s heat transfer rate
- type of soil and rock, to determine trench depth
- water quality test (for open-loop systems)
- recovery rate of ground water (for open-loop systems)
- amount of land required for the system
- underground utilities and sprinkler systems
- local building codes and regulations
Underground loops for both open and closed systems require a couple of days to install for most residences. Expect the installation to create some landscape disturbance.
Tax Relief
Beginning in the summer of 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made energy-efficient home improvement credits available for energy-efficient improvements. The system must meet or exceed federal Energy Star requirements. Check with an accountant for the required forms and information. Some states and utility companies also offer rebates and lower utility rates for GHPs.
Linda Allen practices ecological and economical green living and gardening in Oklahoma.
