Anyone considering geothermal heating and cooling for their home often wonders, “How much does a geothermal heating and cooling system cost?” In this blog, we will answer all your questions related to residential geothermal heating and cooling costs.
Keep reading to know:
Residential geothermal heating and cooling cost in Alberta [2024]
The starting cost of a geothermal system is around $5,000 per ton for horizontal ground loops (where backyard space permits). It can go as high as $9,000 per ton for vertical loops when drilling is required due to limited yard space. The overall average cost of geothermal heating and cooling for homes can range between $30,000 and $60,000, which includes installation of HVAC equipment and the ground loop. The price can increase for large homes with high-end geothermal systems.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Geothermal Heat Pumps for Homes
The cost of a geothermal heating and cooling system varies depending on the following key factors:
System capacity: The capacity is measured in tons. Each ton equals 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs). Homeowners spend between $2,500 and $8,000 per ton for the system’s capacity.
Size of your home: This factor decides the capacity of your geothermal heating and cooling system. A home between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet needs a 3-4 ton system capacity.
Type:
| Type | Closed or Open-Loop? | Description |
| Horizontal loop | Closed | For rural homes, more affordable |
| Vertical loop | Closed | Works for rural and urban homes with limited yard space, more expensive |
| Pond loop | Closed | Less expensive, but should be located near the water |
| Open-loop | Open | Less expensive but needs to be near the freshwater supply |
System efficiency: A geothermal heat pump’s efficiency can range between 15 EER (Energy Efficient Ratio) to 45 EER and higher for cooling systems. The higher the efficiency, the better the performance. Also, high-end features such as remote monitoring and Wi-Fi can add to the price of your geothermal heating and cooling system.
Your location: A large yard often costs less than a yard that needs land modifications. Similarly, a big home means a large and more costly geothermal heat pump.
There might be other factors you should consider when calculating the cost of the geothermal heating and cooling system for your home. You should also count in the following costs:
- Operating Costs
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Costs of common add-ons, such as insulation, energy-efficient windows, clear air ducts, energy audit, and rooftop solar.
FAQs
Is residential geothermal worth it?
Yes, it is. Experts claim that property owners can save up to 70% on heating and 50% on cooling costs by installing a residential geothermal system.
Is geothermal better than Solar?
Solar energy does not work in areas that mostly remain cloudy. On the other hand, geothermal energy is available in every region regardless of the weather.
Is geothermal heating and cooling worth the cost?
Of course, yes. Geothermal heating and cooling is an extremely cost-effective way to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer without trading off comfort.
How long does it take for geothermal to pay for itself?
A geothermal heating and cooling system takes about 10 years to pay for itself. The system’s lifespan is anywhere from about 25 to 50 years. Although the upfront cost may sound higher to some homeowners, the system will reduce your energy bills by up to 70% compared to conventional HVAC systems.
Call Envirotech Geothermal at 866-464-3287 for a quick quote or to inquire about your project. Alternatively, you can complete the form at the top of our website to receive a tough budgetary figure for your project: envirotechgeo.com.
Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work Well in Cold Conditions?
The quickest and shortest answer is yes. Geothermal heat pumps utilize the heat below the ground, which is available even in areas where the temperature drops below freezing. This makes geothermal heat pumps an effective solution to keep homes and offices warm even in the coldest climates.
However, given its name, “Geothermal heat pump,” people often develop a misconception that the system is only used to warm buildings during winter. As discussed above, this is half the information, and a geothermal heat pump is meant to keep you comfortable in all weather – cold or hot.
Moving forward in this blog, we will discuss how this works:
How does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?
Geothermal heat pumps are a highly energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional HVAC systems. The technology utilizes the earth’s underground temperature to keep the indoor environment cool in summer and warm on cold days.
A geothermal heat pump acts as an underground heat collector. The pump uses connected pipes buried underground to extract heat. The loop, buried vertically or horizontally, circulates a fluid that absorbs heat to the surrounding soil, depending on whether the outside climate is colder or warmer than the soil.
If the outside ambient is colder than the ground, the heat pump removes, concentrates, and transfers heat to the building. If it is warmer, the geothermal heat pump removes the heat from the building and deposits it underground. The system features conventional ductwork for distributing heated or cooled air from the pump throughout the building.
People often confuse geothermal heat pumps with air source heat pumps. But both are different. Keep reading to know how:
Difference Between Air Source Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal and air source heat pumps undoubtedly share the common goal: keep your home warm in cold and cold in warm months. So, whichever solution you pick, you will get a complete, all-in-one heating and cooling solution for your home or office.
The difference comes from how both of these heat pumps operate. As we know by now, a geothermal heat pump uses heat trapped underground in the earth. On the other hand, an air source heat pump uses outside air to control the indoor climate. In winter, the pump pulls heat from the outdoor air and uses it to warm your place. In the summer, it pulls heat out of your home and keeps your place cool.
Although both work similarly, geothermal systems are more energy-efficient than air source heat pumps, especially in cold conditions. They can save up to 70% on your heating bills compared to natural gas, propane, or oil-fired systems.
Sizing Matters
Geothermal heat pumps should be properly sized to deliver the heat your home or office needs during cold climates. Incorrectly sized equipment will generate insufficient heat, leaving you shivering and relying on additional heat sources. The heat pump will run continuously but will not deliver the expected warmth. So, choose the correctly sized geothermal heat pump to keep your family, workers, and yourself warm and comfortable when the outdoor temperature is freezing.
Highly Experienced Professionals with Pro Geothermal Solutions
We understand that you are making a significant investment in the heating and cooling technology for your space. Our technicians have experience working with all types of homes and business premises, serving them with excellent geothermal solutions and services. We also provide maintenance and repair services to extend the lifespan of your equipment. So, whenever you need a new geothermal heating and cooling solution or any relevant services, trust Envirotech Geothermal for reliable and safe installation.
FAQs
What is the minimum temperature for a geothermal heat pump?
A geothermal heat pump works at the constant temperature of the shallow earth, that is, 40°-70°F/4.5°-21°C.
Can geothermal be used in cold climates?
Yes. In fact, geothermal heat pumps are better than air source heat pumps at producing warmth for indoor ambiance during cold climates.
Do ground source heat pumps work in winter?
Yes, extracting heat from the earth is the basic and main function of ground source heat pumps, which is another name for geothermal heat pumps. So, regardless of the weather conditions, ground source heat pumps.
Contact us now for quality heat pumps work.
