Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because it comes from the Earth’s natural heat, which is continuously replenished. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy does not deplete over time, making it a sustainable option for long-term energy use. Learn more from about How Geothermal Heat Pump Works on our blog or check out U.S. Energy Information Administration website for basics about geothermal energy.

Geothermal energy harnesses heat from beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity or provide direct heating and cooling through geothermal heat pumps. Wells are drilled into geothermal reservoirs to access steam or hot water, which then drives turbines connected to electricity generators. We've compiled in-depth explanation about how geothermal energy works in our blog. Additional resources: How Geothermal Energy Works

There are numerous advantages to installing geothermal heat pump, which we've covered in depth in this article. In summary, some of the main advantages of geothermal energy are: Renewable and sustainable energy source Low carbon footprint and environmentally friendly Cost-effective for heating and cooling systems High efficiency with minimal land footprint Reliable and available 24/7, unlike solar or wind energy You can find more educational resources in this National Geographic article.

High upfront installation costs Location-dependent (requires suitable geothermal resources) Potential for land subsidence or seismic activity Maintenance and scaling challenges in certain areas

Geothermal Power Plants – Facilities that generate electricity using steam from underground reservoirs. Geothermal Heat Pumps – Systems that utilize stable underground temperatures to provide heating and cooling for homes and businesses. Direct Use Applications – Hot springs, greenhouses, and industrial processes using geothermal heat directly.

The depth required for geothermal wells varies. For residential geothermal heat pumps, drilling typically ranges between 100 to 400 feet deep. For large-scale geothermal power plants, wells can extend up to several miles underground. More details: NREL.gov

No, geothermal energy does not run out as long as reservoirs are properly managed. The Earth's core continuously generates heat, ensuring a long-term, sustainable energy source.

A geothermal heat pump transfers heat between the ground and a building. In winter, it extracts heat from the Earth to warm indoor spaces, and in summer, it reverses the process by removing heat from the building and depositing it underground. Want to know more? We put together an extensive blog post to help you understand the mechanics behind geothermal heat pump: https://www.marylandgeo.com/post/how-geothermal-heat-pump-works

Generating electricity in geothermal power plants Heating and cooling residential and commercial buildings Direct heating applications, such as greenhouses and spas

Geothermal heat pumps require minimal maintenance compared to traditional HVAC systems. Regular filter changes, occasional inspections, and routine check-ups on fluid levels and system pressure help keep the system running efficiently.

Maryland offers a geothermal energy tax credit to homeowners who install qualifying geothermal systems. This incentive helps reduce installation costs and promotes the adoption of clean energy. Learn more: Maryland Energy Administration

The cost of a geothermal heat pump system in Maryland varies based on system size, property requirements, and installation complexity. On average, costs range from $10,000 to $30,000, but federal and state incentives can significantly reduce expenses.

GRECs (Geothermal Renewable Energy Credits) are credits earned for producing geothermal energy. Homeowners and businesses can sell these credits to offset costs. Maryland also offers geothermal rebates and incentives to encourage sustainable energy adoption. More info: Maryland Geothermal Association

The installation process for a residential geothermal heat pump system typically takes 2 to 3 days for the heat pump and loop installation. Larger or more complex systems may take longer. Learn more about the whole process in our blog: https://www.marylandgeo.com/post/installing-a-geothermal-system

A properly installed geothermal system can reduce energy bills by 30-70% compared to conventional heating and cooling systems, depending on home insulation and climate conditions. Read about it more here: https://www.marylandgeo.com/post/savings-with-geothermal-energy

Maryland Geothermal is widely recognized as one of the best geothermal installers in Maryland. With years of experience specializing in residential geothermal heating and cooling systems, we offer expert installation, service, and support tailored to Maryland’s climate and soil conditions. Maryland Geothermal works with licensed contractors familiar with state and local building codes to ensure efficient, code-compliant installations. We also help homeowners take advantage of residential geothermal tax credits, Maryland GRECs, and other incentives to maximize savings. Serving areas across Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties—including Bethesda, Bowie, Potomac, College Park, and more—Maryland Geothermal delivers trusted, energy-efficient solutions backed by local expertise. Contact Maryland Geothermal today at (703) 719-8409 or email jake@northamericangeo.com to schedule a consultation.

You can apply for Maryland GRECs and geothermal incentives through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and local utility programs. Be sure to check eligibility requirements and application deadlines. We've summarized everything you need to know in this blog post.

Geothermal systems work best in properties with available land for drilling, stable underground temperatures, and soil conditions that support heat transfer. A professional geothermal installer can assess feasibility through a site evaluation. Check out our Residential page for basic prerequisites, or read our blog post about installation requirements.