Is a Geothermal Heat Pump Right for Your Log Home?

Because they’re extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly, geothermal heat pumps have become increasingly popular in the last couple of decades. Many log home owners find that geothermal heat pumps are a great way to keep energy bills low while keeping their homes at a comfortable temperature all year round. Before you commit to a geothermal installation, however, some research is in order. Today we’ll weigh the pros and cons of geothermal heat.

In Favor of Geothermal Heat

As we’ve already mentioned, geothermal heat pumps are remarkably energy efficient. Rather than relying on the burning of fossil fuels, geothermal heat systems work in much the same way that a refrigerator does, using a series of liquid-filled coils to draw underground heat up into your home. Once the heated liquid rises above ground level, it’s distributed throughout your home with a blower and ductwork. Rather than creating a new heat source, a geothermal system simply moves nearby heat from the inside of the earth to your home. Geothermal systems are also quiet and low maintenance because there are very few moving parts involved.

Drawbacks of Geothermal Heat

The first thing that usually deters homeowners from getting geothermal heat is the installation cost. This initial investment may cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 dollars. It will increase your home’s resale value and significantly lower your energy bills, but unless you’re planning on staying in your home for a number of years in the future the cost of installation can be a bit hard to swallow. The installation also requires a considerable amount of digging and drilling in your yard. The overall difficulty of installation will depend on your locale and soil conditions.

Want to learn more about geothermal heating? Check out this helpful guide from the U.S. Department of Energy.