What is geothermal energy?
Well, consider the word geothermal. Geo means earth and thermal means heat. So geothermal is earth heat. Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from deep in the earth’s crust. For every 328 feet below ground, the temperature increases 5.4 degrees fahrenheit. This is a renewable energy source, simply because, the water is replenished by rainfall, and the heat is continuosly produced by the earth.
Geothermal energy is utilized in 3 technological catagories: 
- Heating and cooling buildings via geothermal heat pumps
- Heating structures with direct use applications
- Generating electricity thru indirect use.
A common way geothermal energy is obtained is through tapping into geothermal sites, also called geothermal springs. These are geologically active places where the water seeps into the Earth’s crust and is heated by the Earth’s interior, rising to the surface as steam.
How do geothermal heat pumps work?
In winter, the geothermal heat pump, pumps heat from the earth into your home. In summer, it pumps heat from your home into the earth. Earth’s constant temperature contributes to the efficiency of the geothermal heat pump.
What are the pros and cons of a geothermal heat pump?
Well, honestly, the only con I could find was the start up cost. The unit itself is a bit costly, but it’s the drilling into the earth that will affect your wallet. So why spend so much money on this? The pros are outstanding. Since you are letting the earths heat, warm your home it will save you money. Most people see a return on their investment in 5 to 10 years. How is this possible? A geothermal heat pump uses 70% of it’s renewable energy from the ground. It will save you 30 – 40% on energy bills. Since the more expensive parts of this unit are protected by the earth, there are less repairs, making this a very reliable aternative energy resource. Not only does it provide 100% of your home heat sorce, it also heats your water supply as well as providing air conditioning. No additional use of oil, natural gas, or any other fossil fuel is used. It is environmentally friendly since the emissions are very low.
Just a little note: We at Campbell’s Stoves do not service, sell, or install gethermal heat pumps. Since this blog is about alternative energy sources, we thought it deserved a discussion. Please leave us a comment and let us know what you are thinking.
Sources: consumerenergycenter.org our-energy.com
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