If you're looking to invest in an energy source for your home that's sustainable and environmentally friendly, look no further. Geothermal energy is taking off and becoming more popular every day. As homeowners start to use it, society moves towards renewables and away from fossil fuels. 

Geothermal energy is the process of using the stored heat inside the earth. It is a simple system that can provide both heating and cooling options for any season. 

How does it work?

Geothermal energy uses heat from inside the earth's crust for two separate situations. First, it can generate electricity through steam. Plus, it can heat or cool houses and various other buildings, too. This process is relatively simple, entailing a constructed loop of pipes underground. Water or a refrigerant moves through this pipe system during production. 

During cold weather, the liquid will warm up as it travels underground, drawing the heat from the underground conditions. Since ground temperatures surrounding the pipes remain at 50 to 60ËšF year-round, it's an ideal place for geothermal energy. The hot liquid heats your home, then cools as it travels back underground to restart the process. It can also run in reverse during warmer weather, transferring heat outwards into the ground, instead of absorbing it. 

With your geothermal system in place of a furnace or AC unit, you can control heating or cooling whenever you want.

What is the installation process?

If you decide that geothermal is the right energy source for your home, you'll want to know what to prepare for first. The installation is the most time-consuming part of the process, as it can take about two days for a professional to complete. After that, you can relax and change your home's temperature with the touch of a button. 

Geothermal installation requires a specific location on or near your property. Experts will need to select an area to dig and plot the piping system. Then, they connect it to your house, allowing it to operate similarly to any furnace or AC unit. 

After the installation process is complete, you're good for a while — geothermal systems last for many years. Because of the easy implementation and energy-efficiency, it makes for a great resource to heat and cool your home. However, homeowners should evaluate the pros and cons before deciding.

Pros and cons of geothermal energy

The low-maintenance aspect of the system is one of the main advantages. It allows homeowners to go about their daily lives with no frequent updates or additional purchases necessary. 

The indoor component of the system can last up to 25 years, which averages out to 15 years more than a furnace or conventional AC unit. The underground portion can last for 50 years or more. As another benefit, you can save more per month with geothermal energy as opposed to fossil fuels. 

One of the primary drawbacks of geothermal energy is its initial cost, which will depend on your home, size and necessities. It can range from $10,000 to $25,000. However, most experts say that within 10 years, the system will pay for itself. 

Geothermal systems can be location-specific, too. Sometimes installation won't apply to places like urban areas, so you'll want to check your viability for a system at your home. 

Is geothermal right for your home?

The pros tend to outweigh the cons when it comes to geothermal energy. However, the choice to cut out fossil fuels and opt for renewables will ultimately be your decision. 

Geothermal energy is an environmentally friendly resource that you can use to replace your AC and furnace. It's a versatile system that leaves maintenance behind and focuses on performance. 

If you're a homeowner looking to invest in a sustainable and renewable energy source, geothermal energy could be the best fit for you.