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Geothermal Systems

In the quest for more efficient energy systems, some people are looking underground – not for oil or any kind of fossil fuel, but for the warmth that is stored naturally in the Earth.

Geothermal heating systems pull warmth from the ground during cold months and pull heat from your house during hot months and send it underground for storage. This ground source heat pump costs considerably more to install – about $13,000 more – but those costs are recouped within a few years because it costs so much less to operate. After all, the heat stored under your home is free.

What you do need to pay for (in addition to the equipment) is the cost to power the pump. About one-third of the energy needed comes from the electric company, with the remaining two thirds coming from the Earth.

Another benefit – it’s at least 80 percent more efficient than electric heating and 60 percent more efficient than oil. Plus, it’s clean energy, and it’s quiet.

Energy-conscious homeowners are starting to install geothermal systems, as well as some schools.

For more information about geothermal heating systems, please click here.

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org