Geothermal System Costs: Considerations

“How much does a geothermal system cost?”

This is the question I am most often asked. And for good reason! Almost everyone I know has a budget in mind when making a large purchase and geothermal is no different. Therefore, it is a logical first question many potential customers have. While not a new technology, geothermal systems are just breaking through as a major source of heating, cooling, and domestic hot water for homes. Especially in New York State where the rebates and tax credits are very enticing.

The short answer is that it varies. This is a “safe” answer for us as a contractor. Before we can give any information on costs, we need to gather information from you as part of our geothermal installation process. This allows us to have a better understanding of your wants and needs to tighten up the estimated cost of a geothermal installation at your home. 

Here are some of the things we need to know before we can provide an estimated cost for your system. 

About the Home

  • Is this the home you are currently living in, a home you are purchasing, or a home you are building?
  • How large is the home and how many stories is it?
  • Do you have a basement, and if so, is it also used as a living area?
  • Where is the home located, and what size is your property?
  • What are you currently doing for heating and cooling in the home? Is it a boiler, furnace, something else?

About the System

  • Do you want a top-of-the-line system with all the bells and whistles, or one that is more practical in its functionality?
  • Do you have a specific brand in mind?
  • Do you want a water-to-air heat pump or a water-to-water heat pump? Both can do heating and cooling, as well as hot water if you would like that option.
  • Will we be utilizing a horizontal, or pond, ground loop, or a vertical ground loop?

About the Installation

  • Are you planning to finance the project or pay cash?
  • Will the install require a specialized unit to fit into difficult areas (e.g. crawl spaces or attics)
  • What brand and model of heat pump would you like to use?
  • Are we going to need to do a lot of hand digging under electrical, or other utility lines?
  • Is the terrain we are digging on a steep slope, or in the woods?

Again, the safe answer, “it varies,” really is the best answer we can give without talking to you and doing a site evaluation. The best thing you can do as a consumer is to get an estimate from a reputable company with a solid installation history…someone like us! At Geotherm we have over 17 years of geothermal installation experience backed by our lifetime workmanship guarantee. Contact us today and we’ll schedule your phone consultation and site evalution, so we can generate aa quote for a system that fits your home and meets your needs. 

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