Geothermal Energy The rising cost of energy offers homeowners the opportunity to explore alternative heating and cooling systems. Ground source heat pumps are an available option. Although geothermal heat pumps are expensive, their efficiency and reliability will provide value that can recoup the high installation costs. The enormous benefits offered by this system will outweigh the additional costs. Ground source heat pumps are different from other heat pumps in that they use heat from the ground instead of extracting heat from the air. This provides greater efficiency especially when the air temperature becomes very cold. “While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes – from searing heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the winter – just a few meters below the Earth's surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Depending on latitude, ground temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) to 21°C (75°F). As in a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the air above during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. This allows the system to achieve quite high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air source heat pumps on cold days” (“Geothermal Heat”, 2011). With this capability the benefits become very favorable, which can significantly outweigh the additional costs. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), “The initial cost of a geothermal heat pump system varies greatly based on local labor rates, lot geology, and metering. . . equipment costs can be 50-100% higher for a geothermal heat pump system…” (NAHB, 2001). These higher costs arise from the required ground circulation l...... middle of paper ...... ntral air conditioner. For example: If you save $700 a year with a geothermal system and the price difference is $2,000, your payback will be less than three years. If you install a geothermal system in a new home, the monthly savings in operating costs will generally offset the additional monthly mortgage cost, resulting in an immediate positive cash flow” (Water Furnace, 2011). With these facts in mind, it's easy to see the benefits of geothermal heat pumps. Ground source heat pump systems come at a premium. The high efficiency and reliability of the system have positive capabilities that outweigh the additional costs. After using one of these systems for the past five years in my home, I can attest to the benefits and advantages. It is only a matter of time and public awareness before this truly beneficial system becomes a widespread standard.