On heatwave days, conventional air conditioners consume huge amounts of electricity, running at full capacity to cope with high outdoor temperatures. The result is a surge in demand on the grid, leading to overloads, high costs, and increased risk of power outages.
Geothermal cooling relies on the stable, low temperature of the subsurface, which remains essentially unchanged regardless of extreme outdoor heat. As a result, it operates with far less energy and without adding stress to the grid, delivering consistent and efficient cooling with up to a 40% reduction in consumption.
How does this happen?
Geothermal Heat Pumps use the ground as their source, not the outside air. This means they always operate at stable efficiency even under extreme heat conditions, since the Earth maintains a relatively constant internal temperature (e.g., Crete: 17–21°C).
Installation Cost and Benefits
Undoubtedly, the upfront installation cost of a geothermal system is higher compared to conventional air conditioners. However, geothermal is a long-term investment—not only for the household or business, but for the energy system as a whole. The state should support such applications with financial instruments and subsidies, because in practice they function as a form of “implicit energy storage”: by continuously and steadily reducing demand, they limit the need for additional capacity during peak hours. In other words, every geothermal installation permanently lightens the load on the electrical grid, reducing the need for new infrastructure, backup systems, or energy imports.
Quiet and Smooth Operation
Another significant advantage of geothermal heat pumps is their quiet and smooth operation. They run with consistent performance and without external units, which reduces wear on mechanical components. This smooth operation significantly extends the system’s lifespan, while also ensuring low maintenance costs and reliable, stable cooling for many years.
Andreas Koutelidakis
MSc Mining Resources Engineer, University of Crete
Accredited Installer (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association)
whelveenergy.gr
