FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to install?
A: A geothermal system for a new home costs about 20– 30% more than a high-quality fossil fuel system, not including the possible need for a dedicated well or earth coupling. Difference in cost decreases as the size of the home increases.

Q. How long does it take for the system to pay for itself?
A: Regardless of home size, geothermal homeowners generally recoup the entire investment in five to seven years, and continue to reap returns for years to come.

Q. Can you convert an older home to geothermal?
A: Yes. As long as you are able to drill a well.

Q. Does the system require regular maintenance?
A: Yes. Although it requires less maintenance and repair than conventional systems.

Q. How long can I expect my system to last?
A: With proper installation and maintenance and because no fossil fuels are burned the system can be expected to last considerably longer than other installations.

Q. Are there financial incentives for installing a geothermal system?
A: Yes. Ask us about the many programs available in different areas and for various applications.

Q.Does the equipment come with a warranty?
A: Yes.

Q. Do you guarantee your work?
A: Yes. Full two-year parts and labor.

Q. Can I use geothermal for radiant floor heating?
A: Yes.

 

Tools

Geothermal vs Conventional Heating and Cooling

When your geothermal system is installed and operating, you have a fully integrated, single-source home energy system. There is no tank to fill and only one energy bill to pay. A single unit provides both heating and cooling. And, you have the peace of mind that comes from a totally combustion-free home.

Savings Intro

To compare heating systems (apples to apples) you need a common denominator. We have choosen to use "1 million BTUs" because many homes use between 45,000 - 85,000 BTUs per hour on a very cold winter day, which is just over a million BTUs per day (about 125,000,000 BTUs per year).

Because each system uses a different fuel type we need to know how many BTUs a unit of fuel contains (A). Then, using efficiency ratings of each system (B), you can calculate the number of units required to create 1 million BTUs (C), which is used to compare costs (see calculator/next tab).

   
A
B
C
Fuel Type
Fuel Unit
BTU/Unit
Heating System
Efficiency
Units Required
1 million BTU

#2 Fuel Oil

Gallon
138,000
65%
78%
84%
92%
11.15
9.29
8.63
7.88
Natural Gas
Therm
100,000
65%
78%
84%
92%
16.7
14.3
12.5
11.1
Propane
Gallon
90,000
65%
78%
84%
92%
17.5
15.0
13.1
11.6
Electric
Baseboard
kWh
3,413
100%
293
Air Source
Heat Pump
kWh
3,413
293 / 2.5 COP (Warm Climate)
293 / 1.8 COP (Cold Climate)

117.20
162.78

Geothermal Heat Pump
kWh
3,413
293 / 3.9 COP (Warm Climate)
293 / 3.4 COP (Cold Climate)
293 / 4.2 COP (Hydronic)
 75.13
86.18
69.76

Heat Pump efficiency is measured as Coefficient of Performance (COP). For instance a baseboard electric heater has a COP of 1 (it is 100% efficient). Geothermal Heat Pumps in the Northeast have COPs of 3.4 or higher (depending on system design and performance).

How to Use This Calculator

To generate 1,000,000 BTUs simply enter the units required and the cost per unit of fuel.

Type of Fuel
Units Required per M
From Col C (previous tab)
Price per Gallon
of Fuel or kWh
 
Cost per Million
BTUs ($)
Fuel Oil #2
Natural Gas
Propane Gas
Electric
Resistance
Air Source HP
Water to Air Geothermal HP