In very cold climates, geothermal collection pipes may need to be buried fairly deep, which adds to the cost of the system. In addition, a backup heat source may be necessary overnight or during cold snaps. However, it's important to remember that geothermal energy is efficient, sustainable, renewable, and creates no emissions. Any electricity that's used to supplement heat supplied by the geothermal system is minimal, and the geothermal activity itself improves efficiency, thus reducintg the amount of electricity required. The system is extremely low tech and requires little to no maintenance.
Geothermal wells are complex, requiring expensive equipment and sometimes very deep drilling. Heat supplied through underground aquifers can supply much more heat than shallow buried pipes, but pice of these types of systems can make geothermal power impractical for most people.
