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After recovering from the shock of receiving your utility bill, you might be interested in alternative energy sources. Let’s consider the pros of using geothermal in your home.
Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because it comes from the core of the Earth on a continual basis. At its most basic level, it is really nuclear energy. This is because it is produced as a byproduct of the processes going on at the core of the Earth.
Scientists generally agree that the core of the earth is a super dense nuclear reactor, which produces heat and a magnetic field as byproducts. Without either of these resources, life would not exist on earth. A lack of heat would leave us looking like Pluto. A lack of a magnetic field would result in solar radiation that sun block just couldn’t handle.
An additional advantage of geothermal is it is very flexible at the residential level. Heat pumps and thermal energy storage systems provide both heating and cooling, so places with hot summers and large air-conditioning needs find the systems more advantageous.
Unlike solar panels, geothermal systems typically do not impact the appearance of a home. By definition, the systems involve the placement of piles or coils five feet under ground. Since they rarely have to be dug up, landscaping can be placed over the coils and no one is the wiser. Well, you are when your utility bills drop dramatically.
The environmental benefits of geothermal heating systems are fairly clear. Since the process involves a heat exchange between your home and the constant temperature of the earth, there is no real environmental impact. The only exception to this statements involves geothermal systems that use a refrigerant as a conducting liquid. In such case, the refrigerant is generally toxic and must be accounted for when it is changed out of the system. Compared to something like coal, however, this is a nominal concern.
One of the biggest advantages of geothermal energy is it compares favorably with traditional fossil fuels. Fossil fuels produce massive amounts of pollution. Geothermal does not. Fossil fuels are becoming harder to find. Geothermal will always be available. Fossil fuels, such as oil, are not readily available throughout the world, which gives rise to wars and such. Geothermal energy is available in every country.
Is geothermal energy going to become the dominant energy source in the world? Probably not. It is difficult to use in certain applications, such as cars. For large scale energy production and home climate control, however, the pros of geothermal energy should be obvious.
Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com – a directory of solar power companies. Visit our renewable energy page to read more about the advantages of geothermal energy. |
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