Enertech Blog

A 2025 PowerLines Utility Bill study found that 73% of Americans are concerned with the rising cost of energy bills. Many homeowners are making energy-efficient updates to their homes to combat these rising costs —a neighbor’s old windows replaced, a buddy’s solar panels installed, your brother’s new water heater delivered.  

And what about upgrades to home HVAC systems? Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces since 2021 and the gap is widening. When it comes to energy efficiency, one heat pump system tops all others—ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), also called geothermal heat pumps (GHPs).  

Sized correctly, GSHPs can achieve efficiencies up to 400% and save up to 70% on heating and cooling costs. They depend less on outside temperatures and require less maintenance than conventional HVAC systems. They do all of this by moving energy between the earth and your home. They burn nothing. 

TAPPING RENEWABLE ENERGY THAT’S STORED IN THE EARTH

Nearly half of all the solar energy available to us resides just under the earth’s surface as heat. GSHPs move this heat indoors to warm living spaces in the winter and move the heat back into the ground to cool indoor spaces during the summer. From north to south and coast to coast, they keep homes comfortable and save homeowners money year-round. 

Here are 10 common homeowner questions about these systems: 

1. Do Geothermal Heat Pumps perform well in extreme temperatures? 

The short answer is yes. GSHPs take advantage of the consistent temperature of the shallow earth (40°-70°F) to exchange air. They keep living spaces comfortable in cold and warm temperatures—from a mountain ski chalet in Utah’s harsh climes to a sunny retreat in West Palm Beach. 

2. How much can I save by switching from conventional HVAC to a ground source heat pump?   

The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) reports that homeowners generally can expect to save 50% to 70% in operating costs over other heating systems. They’ll save 30% to 40% in cooling compared to air conditioners and air-source heat pumps.

3. What can I expect in terms of long-term savings? 

It costs more to install a GSHP system than conventional HVAC, but the energy savings begin immediately. Payback for the system usually falls between 5-10 years while the energy savings continue.  

4. Is my property suitable for a Geothermal Heat Pump?

Homes throughout most of the US are suitable. A qualified GSHP installer can assess your property to determine its suitability for a GSHP system and the best configuration of looped pipes for your yard. Considerations will include soil and ground conditions, geological constraints, existing landscaping features, local regulations, zoning restrictions, and more. 

5. How long does installation take?  

The installation of a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the size of the system and its complexity, the configuration of looped pipes (horizontal or vertical), site conditions, and local permitting processes. The driller’s schedule will factor into installation time if the system requires drilling.

6. What maintenance requirements can I expect? 

GSHP systems are famously low maintenance compared to traditional HVAC systems.  Annual inspections by a skilled technician will likely include: 

• Checking for proper refrigerant levels. 

• Cleaning the heat exchanger. 

• Inspecting the ground pipes for potential leaks or pressure issues. 

The pump for the water-filled looped pipes will also require periodic inspection and servicing. 

7. What is the lifespan of a GSHP system? 

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the lifespan of a GSHP to be 25 years for the indoor components and 50+ years for the buried looped pipes. 

8. What kind of financing help can I tap to cover installation costs? 

State and local incentives, utility company rebates, and energy-efficient financing programs can sweeten the deal. 

9. Will the existing ductwork in my home work with a new geothermal system? 

Yes! In most retrofits of a geothermal heat pump in a home, the air handler of a forced-air heat pump can be attached to your existing duct work with very little modification needed. A certified contractor will be able to run an evaluation of your existing system to make sure everything will work optimally.  

If your home uses radiant baseboards or other radiant heating emitters, there are geothermal heat pumps available that can work with those distribution systems, as well! 

10. Who can answer questions about my potential transition to a GSHP system? 

A licensed installer in your area can answer critical questions about right-sized systems, drilling or trenching for loop installation, warranties, local regulations, and more. The geothermal experts at Enertech are glad to put you in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable installer.