What are the advantages and disadvantages of the geothermal heat pump?
Advantages and disadvantages must be analyzed in comparison to other approaches. In general, the primary advantages of geothermal are lower energy usage per BTU of heating and cooling produced (roughly half that of conventional systems); lower equipment maintenance costs; higher equipment reliability; smaller equipment footprint; quieter operation; and greater heating and cooling flexibility. The primary disadvantages of geothermal are the increased initial capital cost of installation (typically 50% greater than equivalent conventional systems); and the space requirements for a well field used to exchange heat with the ground.
