How efficient are ground source heat for heating a new build house?

Question

How efficient are ground source heat for heating a new build house?

Answer 1

Ground source heat (called geothermal sources) are quite efficient for heating houses primarily because they're environmentally friendly and renewable, thereby saving a lot in energy bills.

The key is to have a ground-source heat pump that heats your home in winter and acts as an air-conditioning unit in summer. The alternative to this is to have a passive solar home designed in such a way that it heats and cools your house naturally.

Since passive solar systems are easily adaptable to new homes, this is the fast becoming the preferred choice for new homeowners.

Answer 2

My parents have this geothermal heat for their house, built in 2002.  They put in a back up furnace in case they needed a little boost, but it doesn't get used much.  They save a bunch on utility costs every year, but I don't know if it is worth the price they charge for the system or the hefty repair bill they got hit with for the A/C.