Geothermal Energy

When I visited the Roman baths I was amazed at how forward thinking they were. I remember learning in Science how the Earth's core is very very hot. So if that's true why don't we use it to heat our buildings and spas the way the Romans did?
I'm talking about Geo-thermal energy. Countries like Iceland use up to date technologies to make the most of this usually untapped resource. All of Iceland's space and water heating comes from geothermal sources saving an estimated $100 million a year over what it would have cost to use fossil fuels. (according to REUK.co.uk) Iceland also uses geothermal heat to keep their streets and parking free of ice and snow. I wonder how many lives that saves in traffic accidents? They also have plans to split hydrogen from water to create fuel cells to power their vehicles and boats.
That's what Iceland's doing but here at home we have heat pumps that individuals can buy to not only heat their homes but to cool it as well. I've read that it can save homeowners 30 - 70% in heating costs and 20 - 50% in cooling costs when compared to a conventional system. (according to the geothermal Heat Pump Consortium Inc. 4/27/08) It is also great for the environment because it's a virtually endless supply of energy on a continuous basis as opposed to wind and solar which can fluctuate.
Of course certain regions have higher reservoir temperatures which makes utilizing this resource more appealing, but with new designs virtually any home in the U.S. could tap into this source. States with the best potential for high volumes of use of this technology include Nevada, part of Utah, Idaho, California, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico have reservoir temperatures of over 212 degrees F. But most of the Western states have lower temperatures that are still high enough to produce an abundance of power. (according to the U.S. Department of Energy)
Just think about all the energy savings that could be make if everyone in these areas changed their heating & cooling systems for their homes and businesses. In addition they could heat their pools, provide hot tap water and enjoy radiant heated floors to warm their toes in the winter. Home owners here could enjoy ice free driveways like Icelanders enjoy their ice and snow free streets and parking areas.
There was a tax credit available for homes converting to geothermal which expired last year but an extension for the tax credit is pending. (information from waterfurnace.com) I can't think of any reason this tax credit shouldn't exist long enough for everyone to take advantage of this energy and planet saving technology.
The initial cost of installing one of these systems is more expensive than a conventional system by 50 - 100% because of the added labor of drilling but with the savings I described earlier you could recoup somewhere between $358 - $1,475 per year. According to the California Energy Commission you can expect to see a return on your investment financially between 2 and 10 years. But there could be additional savings in repairs not being factored in as well because these systems have fewer mechanical components that could break down than conventional units. Then of course you have a clean conscience as well knowing that you have done one more thing to reduce your own carbon foot print on the planet.