Geothermal systems are efficient, environmentally-sensitive, comfortable, and economical. Operating savings often provide paybacks of considerably less than five years -- sometimes less than two years. The key is that geothermal heat pumps use electricity to move heat, not to generate it by the burning fuel or using electric resistance elements. Indeed, the U.S. EPA has found that no other technology with more favorable operating efficiencies and economics than emerging geothermal heat and cooling systems.