Ground Source Heat Pump Cost – The Ultimate Buying Guide

Ground source heat pumps, also called geothermal heat pumps, are your most efficient central HVAC option – and your most expensive one.

geothermal heat pump system
source: Energy.gov

And that leads to…

Geothermal’s Big Question: Is cutting energy use and operating cost every month by 15% to more than 60% compared with an air source heat pump worth the upfront cost of a geothermal heat pump system?

There is no universal “right answer” because each situation is unique. So, the information provided here will help you answer that question within your own context.

“15% to more than 60%”? Yes, when comparing the efficiency of traditional split system heat pumps to geothermal heat pumps. Air source units are available in SEER ratings of 14 to 26 SEER.

Ground source heat pumps are produced with efficiencies of 18 to 58 EER, which is equivalent to 20.5 to 67 SEER. For further comparison, mini split ductless heat pumps range in efficiency from about 16 to 42 SEER.

OK, with that groundwork done, let’s get to the details.

Cost Range

$14,000 to $42,000 for most systems. The most expensive can exceed $50,000, but that’s rare.

Geothermal heat pump cost varies widely – some would say wildly – because of your system options, which are outlined below.

The price of a complete, new system is $14,000 to $42,000 – that’s the “wild” range. Most homeowners pay closer to the middle of the normal range of $21,500 to $32,000 based on the system size and the type of loop system used. If your cost estimate is in the upper-$20,000s, it will be close to average.

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Solar Powered Air Conditioning Basics: Costs & What You Need to Know

Solar panels can generate large amounts of electricity during the year. For example, a 10-kilowatt system produces well over 15,000 kWh per year with favorable sunlight conditions.

Solar-powered AC unit on a residential metal roof

Since central air conditioners have the highest energy consumption in most homes and commercial buildings, it makes sense to ask the question: “Can my air conditioner run with solar power?” The short answer is yes, but there are some technical details to consider.

First, we must keep in mind that solar panels have a variable output that depends on sunlight. They are most productive around noon, but their output is lower in the early morning and late afternoon when there is less sunlight. Solar panels also become much less productive with cloudy weather, and their output drops to zero at night.

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Carrier vs. Trane Furnace: Cost, Pros & Cons – Furnace Reviews

A comparison of Trane vs. Carrier furnaces features the two top-rated brands in the industry.

Yes, they’ve got the largest marketing budgets, so they are household names – but independent testing and homeowner surveys also put them at or near the top of the heap in reliability and customer satisfaction. Trane is a small step ahead.

Cost Overview

80% efficient furnaces – Average Installed Costs: 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE Furnaces

  • Carrier: $3,100 – $7,050
  • Trane: $3,250 – $7,200

90%-Plus efficient furnaces – Average Installed Costs: 80,000 BTU 90% and Higher Furnaces

  • Carrier: $5,300 – $8,900
  • Trane: $5,450 – $9,100

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