The Geothermal Advantage, Part Two
As you can see, with solar energy, we have come a long way from the dark ages, and just like you have a choice in what heating company you are going to use, you have the choice to use this free energy provided by the sun and driven from the earth. You have a choice in how you are going to bring electricity and gas into your home. After all, these are elements are a necessity, and we can’t get around that fact; we do not want to be left in the dark or in the cold.
What is geothermal?
Geothermal is heat that is collected from the earth, since there is thermal energy housed in rocks and water deep in the earth’s crust. You can use this resource from the earth in heating systems that do not require heat pumps or power plants. This kind of heating is called a direct heating system, because the energy comes straight from the earth’s water.
The other option is called a ground source heat pump system, and for this system a pump uses the water from the earth as a source of heat for the winter months. In addition, it can be used as a heat sink during the summer. And yes, geothermal is another renewable energy resource.
You can use geothermal heating systems in places such as newly built schools or swimming pools, and even for houses - it could be provided as space heating.
This kind of solar heating system is a dual supplier of energy, because it can also produce electricity that can be added to an electricity grid.
For residential homes, whether old or new, consumers are finding out about this natural heating and cooling system. It is becoming more and more popular, because of the utility bills savings that can be made which proves that this source of energy is cost effective. A 2,000 square foot home can be cooled off and heated for about $50.00 a month or less. How cool is that? It is better than paying two or three hundred dollars to be nice and cozy, and you can have electricity too!
With a geothermal system, this is what you can expect:
1. The system, when installed, can be indoors or underground.
2. There are few parts that wear out, so there will be very low maintenance.
3. There are no irritating noises from the condenser fans.
4. This system is not affected by outside temperatures. Regardless of the seasons, it will work adequately.
The costs you will incur are for purchasing the equipment and minimal running cost of the system, but just like other renewable energy products and systems, geothermal will pay for itself in time, and the savings will show up on your utility bills.
