{"id":82386,"date":"2023-04-07T12:10:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T19:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=82386"},"modified":"2023-08-18T09:55:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T16:55:00","slug":"what-is-geothermal-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-geothermal-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Geothermal Energy and How Can You Use it At Home?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Geothermal energy generates electricity and heats buildings by using heat stored beneath the earth\u2019s surface. It has <\/span>gained popularity<\/span><\/a> recently due to its reliability, environmental friendliness, and long-term <\/span>cost-effectiveness<\/span><\/a>. This type of energy can be used to power homes and businesses in a variety of ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what is geothermal energy and how can you use it at home? Whether you live in a <\/span>house in Salem, OR<\/span><\/a>, or a tiny home in <\/span>Duluth, MN,<\/span><\/a> read on to learn about geothermal energy, including what it is, how it affects the environment, and how you can use it to heat your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is geothermal energy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Geothermal energy is a <\/span>renewable energy source<\/span><\/a> produced by the natural decay of radioactive elements near the earth\u2019s core. The heat then rises to the surface through a process of <\/span>natural convection<\/span><\/a>. Geothermal energy works by tapping into this heat source, either by drilling wells or using a heat exchanger system buried in the ground. The heat is then used to generate electricity or to heat and cool buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another form of geothermal energy is the stable natural temperature of the shallow underground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do we use geothermal energy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are <\/b>three primary uses<\/b><\/a> for geothermal energy: electricity generation, direct-use, and GeoExchange systems <\/b>(geothermal heat pumps, or GHP). Electricity generation and direct-use are common in commercial and industrial settings and can help meet the world\u2019s renewable energy needs. Geothermal heat pumps, however, are suitable for most homes around the world and can help reduce your environmental footprint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Geothermal heat pumps<\/span><\/h3>\n

Depending on latitude, the shallow ground beneath the earth maintains a temperature <\/span>between 45 and 75\u00b0F<\/span><\/a> year-round, meaning it\u2019s often cooler than the air in the summer and warmer in the winter. <\/span>Geothermal heat pumps<\/span><\/a> take advantage of the stable underground temperature by <\/span>exchanging heat<\/span><\/a> with the earth to heat and cool buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Geothermal heating systems are incredibly efficient and can work on a large scale to efficiently regulate the temperatures of many buildings. This is called <\/span>district heating and cooling<\/span><\/a> (or teleheating). <\/span>Reykjavik, Iceland<\/span><\/a>, is a good case study for this; today, nearly the entire city uses geothermal energy to heat and cool buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to use geothermal energy at home<\/span><\/h2>\n

You can install a <\/span>geothermal heat pump<\/span><\/a> to heat and cool your home year-round. A heat pump takes advantage of the stable heat underground by using a series of buried pipes. These pipes transfer the heat to a heat exchanger, which heats or cools the air in your home. In the winter, the heat pump removes heat from the exchanger, and in the summer, the pump moves heat into the exchanger, pushing the heat underground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heat pump systems<\/a> are more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems because they require less energy to transfer heat and are nearly immune from environmental factors. They also have a longer lifespan and are quieter than other traditional systems.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your home might also have access to geothermal hot water, which you can use for domestic purposes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of geothermal heat pump systems<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are <\/span>four common types<\/span><\/a> of geothermal ground loop systems, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Let\u2019s break them down.<\/span><\/p>\n