Now that you have a better idea of what geothermal energy is, we here at Georgia Geothermal bet you want to know “Why should I use geothermal energy?”
Geothermal energy is sustainable, more cost-effective than fossil fuel options, and will eventually pay for itself over time. Although there are some drawbacks in employing geothermal energy and the initial cost of installing a geothermal energy solution can be prohibitive for some households, there are many advantages to using geothermal energy as opposed to fossil fuels or other green energy solutions, assuming you can afford to install a geothermal energy solution.
Being Green with Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Operating Costs
Geothermal energy is completely renewable, making it one of the most pragmatic green energy solutions presently open to residents and businesses alike.
Because geothermal energy stems from the heat given off by the sun as well as the decay of radioactive elements in the earth’s surface, depleting a geothermal energy site is nearly impossible—unlike standard fossil fuel energy sources such as natural gas and coal. Also, since you are not burning those types of fuel, you greatly reduce the emissions of dangerous gases into the atmosphere.
Living in Georgia generally means driving your car everywhere. If you can help it, shouldn’t you try to reduce your carbon footprint wherever else you can?
Saving Some Green with Geothermal Energy
Next, although preparing the area for a geothermal energy unit requires a sizable investment, they are overall much cheaper to use than fossil fuel equivalents, paying for themselves over time.
Because geothermal energy can be captured locally, the transportation costs associated with fossil fuels are eliminated. Geothermal systems generally require less space than other energy options, further lowering their cost to the consumer. The sun and the earth’s crust provide the heat required to create the electricity to power homes and businesses.
Saving the planet may only matter to some people. Saving money is important to everyone.
Risks of Geothermal Energy
Finally, geothermal energy has a few drawbacks, and Georgia Geothermal would be remiss in not informing its readers about some of them.
Geothermal energy solutions require a good deal of hard labor up front, and the cost associated with such work prohibits the average Georgia resident from getting a geothermal energy solution. Those planning to stay in a home the length of their mortgage should consider it, however. The moeny saved on yearly energy bills eventually pays for the unit.
Also, there have been a few mentions of seismic activity (such as localized earthquakes) because of the drilling for geothermal power plants. Since homes require less energy, there in little chance of seismic activity on account of residential geothermal pumps.
Although there are some risks, the advantages geothermal energy provides over other energy choices make it a viable energy option to Georgia citizens in residential and commercial areas alike. The financial savings over time outweigh the somewhat costly initial investment—not to mention the service you will be doing to the environment by cutting down the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere. In a state like Georgia, anything we can do to reduce our carbon footprint and emissions is worth it.
If you have any other questions about what is geothermal energy or why you should use it, please Contact Georgia Geothermal today. We would love to hear from you.
