Opinion: How Geothermal HVAC Lowers Costs, Improves Grid Resilience

Geothermal heating and cooling systems can reduce energy costs and dramatically improve efficiency.

1 minute read

June 22, 2025, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


New five-story apartment building under construction.

A building at Barry Farm under construction. | Barry Farm / Barry Farm

A new affordable housing development in Southeast D.C. uses an innovative geothermal HVAC system to provide more efficient heating and cooling.

According to an opinion piece by Matthias Paustian and Glenn Hall in Greater Greater Washington, “The geothermal HVAC system, part of a $2.5 million pilot project funded by the DC Public Service Commission (PSC), uses a closed loop of water-filled pipes to provide highly efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.The geothermal HVAC system, part of a $2.5 million pilot project funded by the DC Public Service Commission (PSC), uses a closed loop of water-filled pipes to provide highly efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.”

Geothermal systems, in addition to reducing costs for residents, can make the grid more resilient by reducing electricity demand. “According to research from Transformative Strategies Consulting, municipalities across the US are pursuing this technology to lower household energy costs for residents, a strategy that can be replicated here in DC.”

According to the authors, “ It’s time to bring these clean energy systems, which can be integrated into both new and existing neighborhoods, to DC so that residents can access affordable energy without the safety risks associated with methane gas.”

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Greater Greater Washington

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