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Geothermal heat pumps have become more popular, as we find more ways to contribute to conserving energy and saving money. Geothermal heat pump prices are higher than a more conventional heat pumps and while many times it is stated that your savings exceed the initial geothermal heat pump cost, you have to take into consideration they need to be replaced.
(See also, Tips for Saving on Heating Costs)
How do conventional heat pumps work?
A conventional heat pump will extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside to circulate through the ductwork in your home by a fan. When it is very cold out, your heat pump has to work harder to maintain warm temperatures in your home.
Pros of the geothermal heat pump
Geothermal heat pumps are more efficient
Geothermal heat pumps are similar to conventional heat pumps, except they use heat from earth, rather than from the air. This is more energy efficient because the ground maintains a constant temperature just a few feet below the surface. This is true even when there are extreme temperatures above the surface.
Geothermal heat pumps are more efficient because during the winter, the heat is moved from the earth into your house. In the summer, they can pull the heat from your home and discharge it into the earth. The stable, even heat of the earth can provide heating and air conditioning.
Geothermal heat pumps conserve more energy than conventional heat pumps
Almost 70% of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable energy that come form the ground. Because the earth has a constant temperature, the pump does not have to work as hard, using less energy. Less energy results in lower energy bills. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pump installation can lower your energy bills 30% to 40%.
Geothermal heat pumps can heat household water
Geothermal heat pumps can come with a desuperheater device that can circulate into the regular water heater tank. In the summer time, the heat that is taken from the house would be expelled into the loop and will heat the water for free. In the winter, the desuperheater can reduce your water heating bills by half. Use your regular water heater for your other household needs in the spring and fall, to provide hot water.
Cons of the geothermal heat pump
Geothermal heat pump prices
The initial geothermal heat pump cost is rather high. A geothermal heat pump system can cost about $2,500 per ton of capacity. An average home would use a three-ton unit, which would cost around $7,500. This is almost twice the cost of a conventional heat pump system, which averages to about $4,000, including air conditioning.
This is only the beginning. The cost of drilling can add on another $10,000 to $30,000.
Restricts future site expansions
The life of the geothermal heat pump averages 15 years. Therefore, it is essential to plan for replacement of heat pumps.
While geothermal heat pumps are initially expensive, they are considered to be an energy efficient investment. However, it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that they will need to be replaced.
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