The Pros & Cons Of Geothermal Heating

From Central to Northeastern Indiana, having good, reliable home heating is important. Winter can be brutal from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne or Angola when we’re hit with the typical onslaught of freezing temperatures, snow or ice. 

One type of heat that’s reliable, economical and consistent, but maybe not as well-known among Indiana homeowners, is geothermal heating . While some may believe geothermal is better suited to warmer areas, it’s actually suitable in every climate. 

Geothermal heating is more popular internationally compared to the United States. Sweden, New Zealand and even Iceland are among the countries that widely use this energy source for both individual homes and entire power grids. Fun fact: Iceland gets about 25% of its electricity from geothermal power.

Advantages To Utilizing Geothermal Heating For Your Indiana Home

• First, geothermal energy is a renewable energy source meaning that it’s derived from natural sources, in this case the ground. A renewable source is replenished faster than it’s used. 
• Geothermal heat emits no emissions, making it clean energy compared to energy produced by fossil fuels which release carbons into the air during use. 
• A geothermal heating system has a very long lifespan compared to a standard heat pump or furnace. If the geothermal system has been properly designed and installed, the ground loops can last a minimum of 50 years! Comparatively, a standard heat pump needs replacing about every 10 – 15 years, while a conventional furnace typically lasts no more than 20 years. The only component of a geothermal system that will need to be replaced sooner is the ground source heat pump, which often lasts 20 – 25 years.
• Compared to other common heating sources, geothermal heating systems also require less overall maintenance.

The biggest disadvantage of geothermal heating is the upfront installation costs. Overall expenses vary depending on the land area available, allowing the installation of a horizontal vs. a vertical loop system. The installation costs are offset by the savings over time. While your system will still use electricity, the air below the earth’s surface is providing the energy source, avoiding the need to purchase heating oil, natural or propane gas to operate the system. This, plus the longevity of the system provides an unparalleled return on investment.

To learn more about geothermal heating and whether it could be a reasonable option for your Indiana home, contact Masters Heating & Cooling . Schedule your appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists today.