Geothermal Energy The increasing cost of energy gives homeowners the opportunity to explore alternative heating and cooling systems. Geothermal heat pumps are an available option. Although geothermal heat pumps are expensive, their efficiency and reliability will provide value that can recoup the high cost of installing them. The enormous advantages offered by this system will overcome the additional costs. Geothermal heat pumps are different from other heat pumps in that they use heat from the ground instead of extracting heat from the air. This allows for greater efficiency, especially as the air temperature becomes very cold. “While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes – from scorching heat in summer to freezing cold in winter – just a few meters below the earth's surface, the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Depending on latitude, soil temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) to 75°F (21°C). Like a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the air above in winter and cooler than the air in summer. This allows the system to achieve fairly high efficiencies (300 to 600%) on the coldest winter nights, compared to 175 to 250% for air source heat pumps on cool days” (“Geothermal Heat”, 2011). With this ability, the benefits become very advantageous, which can largely outweigh the additional cost. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), "the initial cost of a geothermal heat pump system varies widely depending on local labor rates, land geology and size." . . equipment costs can be 50 to 100 percent higher for a geothermal heat pump system…” (NAHB, 2001). These higher costs result from the ground traffic required middle of paper......central air conditioning. As an example: if you save $700 per year with a geothermal system and the price difference is $2,000, your return on investment will be less than three years. If you install a geothermal system in a new home, the monthly operating cost savings will generally offset the additional monthly cost of the mortgage, resulting in immediate positive cash flow” (Water Furnace, 2011). With these facts in mind, it’s easy to see the benefits of geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heat pump systems come with a high price tag. The high efficiency and reliability of the system present positive capabilities that offset the additional cost. 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 until this truly beneficial system becomes a widespread norm..