What is the main advantage of geothermal heating and cooling systems?

The primary advantage of geothermal heating and cooling systems lies in their high energy efficiency. Geothermal systems leverage the stable temperature of the earth beneath the surface to provide heating and cooling, which significantly reduces the energy required to either heat or cool a building compared to conventional systems.

These systems use the earth as a heat exchange medium, allowing them to operate at a higher efficiency than air-source systems. Typically, they can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 to 5, meaning they can produce three to five times more energy in heating or cooling than the electrical energy they consume. This results in lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact over time.

The other aspects may not provide the same long-term advantages. While installation costs can be higher due to the need for underground loops, the operational savings and incentives for energy efficiency are often more beneficial in the long run. Maintenance is relatively minimal, but it's not their standout feature compared to energy savings. Lastly, ease of relocation is not a strong point for geothermal systems, as the installation is usually quite complex and site-specific. Therefore, high energy efficiency is the most significant benefit of geothermal heating and cooling systems.