Is a Geothermal Energy System Right for Your Home?

"Geothermal energy comes from heat just below the earth's surface, where temperatures stay steady between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Geothermal power plants use this heat to make electricity, but homeowners can also use it to heat or cool their homes with a geothermal heat pump, which exchanges heat with the ground. These systems are good for the environment and can save money. Geothermal energy is clean, always available, and a reliable low-carbon choice."

"A January 2025 U.S. Department of Energy analysis found that if geothermal heat pumps were widely used, the country could avoid building 24,500 miles of new power lines by 2050-enough to cross the U.S. eight times. If about 70% of U.S. buildings were retrofitted with geothermal heat pumps and building improvements, electricity demand could drop by up to 13% compared to decarbonizing without geothermal technology."

"Geothermal heat pumps usually use 25% to 50% less electricity than regular heating and cooling systems. They are quieter, last longer, and need less maintenance. Homeowners can save up to 60% on heating and up to 50% on cooling costs each year. The EPA considers geothermal heat pumps one of the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available, with about 70% of the energy used coming from renewable energy stored in the ground."

Geothermal energy originates from steady subsurface temperatures (45–75°F) and can power plants or heat pumps that exchange heat with the ground. Geothermal heat pumps offer reliable, low‑carbon heating and cooling, typically using 25–50% less electricity than conventional systems while operating quieter, lasting longer, and requiring less maintenance. Homeowners can save up to 60% on heating and up to 50% on cooling annually. A January 2025 DOE analysis found widespread geothermal adoption could avoid building 24,500 miles of new power lines by 2050 and that retrofitting about 70% of buildings could reduce electricity demand up to 13%. Current U.S. residential uptake remains near 1%.

Read at Earth911