There has been a growing interest in geothermal energy in recent years, and with good reason. As we look to renewable sources of energy to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, geothermal energy can become a big part of the solution.

As with many non-traditional energy sources, geothermal energy is often misunderstood. To help clear the air, we’ve debunked the 5 most common myths about geothermal heat pumps with facts from the Ontario Geothermal Association.

Myth #1: Geothermal heat pumps do not work well in cold climates.

Fact: The earth’s temperature remains fairly constant 2 metres underground. As a result, geothermal heat pumps have no trouble generating heat in cold climates, as long as they are properly sized, designed, and installed.

Myth #2: A geothermal heat pump isn’t as efficient as a high-efficiency furnace.

Fact: A geothermal heat pump is vastly more efficient than any conventional heating system because it doesn’t burn fuel to create warmth. Much like a refrigerator, it moves existing heat from one area to another. In addition, the system requires a lot less energy to cool your home than a conventional AC system or an air-source heat pump.

Myth #3: Geothermal installation requires a large amount of real estate.

Fact: There are two main types of geothermal systems and they are differentiated by whether the ground loops are positioned vertically or horizontally. A horizontal ground loop requires enough space to dig shallow trenches over a wide area of land, roughly 4000 – 8000 square feet. A vertical ground loop, on the other hand, is installed in one or more holes buried 60 to 150 metres deep, meaning very little surface area is needed.

Myth #4: A geothermal heat pump is noisy.

Fact: The system is quiet and there is no outside equipment to bother neighbours.

Myth #5 Geothermal systems do not last and eventually wear out.

Fact:. The equipment for a geothermal system has a similar lifespan to a conventional HVAC system, but lasts much longer than an air-source heat pump. When it is time for a replacement, only the equipment needs to be replaced as the ground loops used for a geothermal heat pump can typically last between 50-75 years.

The team at Bryan’s Fuel is proud to be an accredited geothermal heat pump dealer through the Ontario Geothermal Association and International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. We have expertise in engineering geothermal energy solutions for a variety of properties and situations.

For more information on how we can provide you with safe and environmentally-friendly home energy, contact our team today for a no-obligation quote.