Magic Heat Pumps

(Page 7 of 8)

April/May 2005
By Greg Pahl 
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The price of a geothermal system can vary greatly due to a wide range of site-specific factors. As a general rule of thumb, the cost of one of these systems can run from $7,500 to more than $15,000, with open systems generally less expensive than closed-loop systems. The IGSHPA estimates an average system will cost about $2,500 per ton of unit capacity, not including modifications to your home that might be necessary. The total installed cost of a complete geothermal system can be twice that of a fossil-fueled heating and cooling system. At these prices, be sure to ask your utility if rebates are available for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. (Your utility also might have a list of local dealers and contractors.)

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On the flip side, a recent EPA study showed that geothermal heat pumps have the lowest lifetime cost of all conventional home-heating systems available. So if you are able to get past the initial installation expense, you will save money in the long run. The study also showed that geothermal systems have the lowest impact on the environment when compared to fossil-fueled systems.

Choosing a heat pump

The type of heat pump magic that’s right for you — air, earth or water — largely depends on your climate. If you live in a moderate climate zone, consider an air-source heat pump. If your winters have consistent subfreezing temperatures, a geothermal system might be your best bet. Assuming the project looks logistically feasible, find local contractors experienced with heat pumps, ask questions and get several cost estimates. Crunch the numbers and decide if it will be a good long-term investment. Even if the numbers don’t add up, you might decide to go ahead anyway because you want to minimize your dependence on ever-more expensive fossil fuels by tapping free solar energy instead.


Adapted from Natural Home Heating (Chelsea Green Publishing) by Greg Pahl, which contains more information about heat pumps and other energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat your home.

Heat Pump Resources

Air-conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute
(703) 524-8800
www.ari.org

Energy Savers program
(877) 337-3463
www.energysavers.gov

Energy Star program
(888) 782-7937
www.energystar.gov

Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
(410) 953-7150
www.geoexchange.org

Geothermal Resources Council
(530) 758-2360
www.geothermal.org

International Ground Source
Heat Pump Association
(800) 626-4747
www.igshpa.okstate.edu

Ground-source Heat pumps
The following companies make Energy Star-rated geothermal systems:

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