Geothermal systems , which harness the consistent temperature below ground to heat and cool a house , eliminate fossil fuel , and depending on the time of year , may generate electricity back to the grid . Installation is more expensive than the conventional approach ( homeadvisor . com estimates about $ 10,000 locally ) but costs can be returned in energy savings in as little as five to ten years . Maintenance is pretty straightforward , McKinley says , but you need to know what you ’ re getting into . “ There ’ s always a risk in working with innovative technology ,” McKinley says . “ We had problems related to an undersized pump but now it ’ s replaced , we don ’ t even know it ’ s there .” The couple ’ s previous , oil-heated house was more highly detailed in trims and moldings ; its reincarnation is simpler but puts an emphasis on systems . And on a chilly late winter morning , an energy-efficient home with radiant heating in the floors is very appealing , they agree . “ It envelopes you in warmth .” �
72 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2022