Tap into the earth's constant temperature for ultra-efficient heating and cooling. Geothermal systems offer the lowest operating costs and longest lifespan of any HVAC technology.
Average System Cost
Including installation and ground loop
$20,000-$40,000
Payback Period
Faster with high heating costs
5-10 years
Efficiency (COP)
300-600% efficient
3.0-6.0
System Lifespan
Indoor unit: 25 yrs, Loop: 50+ yrs
25-50+ years
Annual Savings
vs conventional HVAC
$800-$1,500
Leveraging the earth's constant temperature for year-round comfort
Ground temperature stays at 45-75°F even when air is freezing
Ground stays cool even when outside air is hot
Key Advantage: Because ground temperature remains constant year-round (45-75°F), geothermal systems maintain consistent efficiency regardless of outside air temperature. Unlike air-source heat pumps that struggle in extreme cold or heat, geothermal performance stays optimal.
The most efficient HVAC technology available
300-600% efficient (COP of 3-6). For every unit of electricity used, you get 3-6 units of heating or cooling.
Save 30-60% on heating and cooling costs compared to conventional systems. Typical savings of $800-$1,500 annually.
Indoor equipment lasts 25+ years, ground loop lasts 50+ years. Many systems outlive the home itself.
Unlike air source systems, efficiency remains constant because ground temperature stays 45-75°F year-round.
Reduces carbon emissions by 40-70% compared to fossil fuel heating. No combustion, no carbon monoxide risk.
Provides even, consistent temperatures throughout your home with no hot or cold spots. Quiet operation.
Choose the right configuration for your property
Best for: Limited land area
4-6 boreholes, 150-400 ft deep each
Best for: Adequate open land
Trenches 4-6 ft deep, 100-400 ft long
Best for: Property with water body
Coils at 8-10 ft depth in 1/2+ acre pond
Best for: Properties with well/aquifer
Uses existing well or requires new well
What makes up a complete geothermal system
Indoor equipment that circulates refrigerant and conditions air
Underground pipe system that exchanges heat with the earth
Transfers heat between ground loop and refrigerant
Delivers conditioned air or water throughout home
Everything you need to know about geothermal
In heating mode, the system extracts heat from the ground (which stays 45-75°F year-round) and concentrates it to warm your home. In cooling mode, it removes heat from your home and transfers it into the cooler ground. The earth acts as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer, providing stable, efficient operation year-round.
Total installation typically costs $20,000-$40,000 for a typical 3-4 ton system. Vertical closed-loop systems are most expensive ($25,000-$40,000) due to drilling costs. Horizontal loops are $20,000-$30,000. Pond loops are cheapest at $18,000-$25,000. A 30% federal tax credit is available, reducing net cost significantly.
Very little. The ground loop requires virtually no maintenance and has a 50+ year life. Indoor equipment needs annual filter changes and periodic professional inspections (similar to conventional HVAC). Total annual maintenance costs are typically $200-$400. There are no outdoor units to weather or maintain.
Almost any home can accommodate geothermal, but installation is easiest during new construction. Retrofits require adequate land for ground loops and may need ductwork modifications. Vertical loops work on small properties. The main requirements are: sufficient land or drilling access, suitable soil/rock conditions, and adequate space for indoor equipment.
Typically 5-10 years depending on local energy costs, climate, and replaced system efficiency. Homes replacing propane, oil, or electric resistance heat see fastest payback. When factoring in the 30% federal tax credit and longer 25+ year lifespan, geothermal offers excellent lifetime ROI despite higher upfront cost.
Geothermal works best in these situations
Professional Assessment Required: Every property is unique. A site evaluation by a certified geothermal installer will determine soil conditions, loop requirements, system sizing, and provide accurate cost estimates. Most offer free assessments.