Now that you have learned a little bit about what geothermal energy is, we here at Atlanta Geothermal are sure you’re now wondering “Why should I use geothermal energy?”
Not only is geothermal energy totally sustainable, it is also much more cost-effective than fossil fuel options and will eventually pay for itself over time. Granted, there are some risks to using geothermal energy, and the initial cost of installing a geothermal energy solution can be prohibitive for some households, but assuming you can afford to install a geothermal energy solution, there are many advantages to using geothermal energy as opposed to fossil fuels or other green energy solutions.
Go Green with Geothermal Energy
Go Green With Geothermal
As already mentioned, geothermal energy is completely sustainable, making it one of the most practical green energy solutions available to both private citizens and commercial businesses.
Because geothermal energy comes from heat generated by the natural decay of radioactive elements in the earth’s crust as well as the heat given off by the sun, it is impossible to deplete it—unlike traditional fossil fuel energy sources such as coal and oil. Also, since you are not burning those types of fuel, you greatly reduce the emissions of dangerous gases into the atmosphere.
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Save Green with Geothermal Energy
Next, although there can be a sizable initial investment in the equipment needed to capture geothermal energy, it is overall much cheaper to use than fossil fuel equivalents.
Because geothermal energy can be captured from anywhere, the transportation costs are eliminated. Geothermal pumps and power plants require less space than other energy options, further mitigating their cost. Instead of having to rely on risky offshore drilling or other countries, 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.
Drawbacks to Geothermal Energy
Lastly, there are a few drawbacks that come with using geothermal energy, and Atlanta Geothermal would be remiss in not informing its readers about some of them.
The labor costs of drilling and laying the piping necessary for geothermal energy generally prevent private consumers from seriously considering it as a viable energy solution. If you plan to stay in that particular home for several years, you may want to think about it, though. You will save significantly on your yearly energy bills.
There have been a couple reports of seismic activity (i.e., small earthquakes) occurring as a result of the initial drilling for geothermal power plants. Because not as much energy is required to power a home, the likelihood of seismic activity as a result of residential geothermal pumps is negligible.
Although there are a few disadvantages, the advantages geothermal provides over comparable energy options make it a practical energy solution for Atlanta citizens in residential and commercial areas alike. The financial savings over time outweigh the potentially hefty upfront costs—not to mention the service you will be doing to the earth by reducing the emission of dangerous gases into the atmosphere. In a city like Atlanta, anything we can do to reduce our carbon footprints and emissions is worth it.
If you have any other questions about what is geothermal energy or why you should use it, please Contact Atlanta Geothermal today. We would love to hear from you.
