What is geothermal energy? 

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because heat is continuously produced inside the earth. People use geothermal heat for bathing, to heat buildings, and to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is old technology. Ask any early caveman who lived in a cave. Geothermal energy is contained in the rocks and fluids beneath the earth’s crust and can be found as far down to the earth’s hot molten rock, magma. 

How is it produced? 

A mechanical room in each apartment houses the geothermal unit and transfer fluid is pumped back to the ground loop with variable speed circulating pumps. Each geothermal unit supplies heated or cooled air through ductwork with no additional auxiliary fans or backup heating system required. 

Is it actually energy efficient? 

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called ground source heat pumps the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective space conditioning systems available. Its source is the almost unlimited amount of heat generated by the Earth’s core. Even in geothermal areas dependent on a reservoir of hot water, the volume taken out can be reinjected, making it a sustainable energy source. 

Is it better than fossil fuels? 

Experts say geothermal energy is cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective than burning fossil fuels, and it can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Geothermal power plants emit 97% less acid rain-causing sulfur compounds and about 99% less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel power plants of similar size. (IEA) Other forms of heat production are more carbon intensive, more energy intensive, and less efficient.