Bad Things About Geothermal Heat Pumps

While most people assume that most newer energy forms are holistically great, there are still bad things about geothermal heat pumps. Many people think since geothermal energy 'comes' from deep down in the Earth that there is nothing dangerous or harmful about it. However, geothermal heating has its downfalls.

Geothermal heat pumps work by pumping heat from a grounded area through a system. While there are many configurations for the systems (such as horizontal ground closed-loop, vertical ground closed-loop and pond closed-loops) most begin underground and push heat upwards. The idea of geothermal heating and cooling is by no means new, as the actual pumps have been in use since about the 1940s.

While there are several pros to geothermal heat pumps, there are several large cons. These include:

• Initial cost
• Water supply needed
• Chemical agents
• Coordination of installation
• Limits possible expansions in the future
• Frequency of replacement

When considering a geothermal heat pump, one must plan in advance. The average heat pump can cost around $7,500. This high output cost is up to three times as much the cost of a conventional heating system. In addition to the actual device itself, there is the initial cost of installation. Outside of the cost of labor, it can often cost in excess of $10,000 to install the device as it requires deep ground drilling. It's also difficult to find qualified contractors capable of the installation in certain areas of the country, further adding to the cost of a geothermal heating system.

As Tristate.Apogee.net highlights, an open loop system can often require large sums of water to work. For those who pay for their water supply, this additional cost can be alarming. This can also restrict the use of open-loop systems in homes to those who live anywhere near a major body of water such as coastal regions. There are also environmental restrictions on how this water can be returned to the Earth.

While an open loop system requires large sums of water, one of the bad things about geothermal heat pumps is that closed-loop systems use chemical agents throughout the whole system. For those looking to geothermal energy as a way of getting away from chemicals, this can be off putting. Many of these chemicals--such as antifreeze solutions used to prevent corrosion produce CFC's (which are well known ozone depleting substances).

Because the project to install a heat pump requires deep drilling and precise measurements, it's often important for mechanics, construction crews, architects and sometimes environmental officers to work together to install a heat pump system. As a result, the project can become costly and take longer than one would hope for.

Installing a heat pump system involving geothermal energy is a major project and the system cannot be quickly removed. Large scale construction projects may be jeopardized by the installation of a geothermal heating system. As a result, one may feel that their hands are tied as a homeowner in relation to possible expansion projects.

The actual pump installed in a geothermal system is meant to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. This continual cost can be a burden to many. Additionally, if one does not stay apprised of their heat pumps life span, the system can break down and cause additional costs.

While it may seem that geothermal heat pumps are nothing but costly, there are many advantages to the system. Each pump conserves significantly more energy than a regular heating system. They can also heat water for the house (reducing or possibly eliminating the need for a hot water heater) and are more efficient. They are also quieter. However, they do have their mild environmental side affects that can worry some. When considering a geothermal system, one must analyze the individual details of their home and weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision in either direction.

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