Man inspecting a traditional heat pump
ENERGY EFFICIENT GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS

Energy efficient geothermal heat pump upgrade

Thinking about upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system by installing a geothermal heat pump? We’re here to help you understand your options and find the right solution for your energy goals, comfort and budget. To help offset the cost of a new system, TVA EnergyRight® and your local power company are offering a $1,500 rebate on geothermal heat pumps.

Is it time to replace your heating and cooling equipment?

If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is struggling to keep your home comfortable, requires frequent repairs or is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Replacing older equipment with a geothermal heat pump can dramatically reduce your energy use — and your monthly utility bills — while delivering reliable year-round comfort.

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Geothermal heat pumps can cut energy bills up to 50% when compared to conventional fossil fuel systems. Rebates from TVA EnergyRight and your local power company may be available to help offset the cost of a new system, and federal tax credits may also be available. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to look for rebates and special offers in your area.

What you need to know about geothermal heat pumps.

illustration showing how geothermal heat pumps work during the winter and summer.

What is a geothermal heat pump and how do they work?

 

Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. Unlike conventional systems that burn fuel to create heat, geothermal systems move heat between your home and the ground.

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In winter, they extract heat from the ground and transfer it indoors. In summer, they reverse the process, removing heat from your home and transferring it into the cooler earth. Because the ground temperature stays relatively constant year-round, geothermal systems are highly efficient even during extreme weather.

What are some of the benefits of geothermal heat pumps?

Geothermal heat pump systems offer unmatched efficiency, comfort and reliability. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Very low operating costs.

  • Quiet operation.

  • Heating, cooling and hot water generation from a single system.

  • Long system life.

  • Reduced environmental impact with lower gas emissions.

  • Low maintenance.

inspecting a window seal

What factors affect geothermal heat pump performance?

While geothermal systems are extremely efficient by design, several factors can influence their performance. These include the size and insulation of your home, the type of ground loop installed (horizontal, vertical or pond/lake loop), and proper system sizing and installation. Upgrading your home's insulation and sealing air leaks can also help maximize your energy savings.

Family outside of their home.

What type of geothermal heat pump do I need?

If you decide to install a geothermal heat pump, you can choose to work with a member of the Quality Contractor Network. They will evaluate your property to determine if it’s suitable for a geothermal system. They’ll consider soil conditions, land area and the proximity of your home to any underground water sources. This initial assessment helps determine which ground loop configuration is best for your system.

Find the right geothermal heat pump for your home.

A member of the Quality Contractor Network can help you determine which type of geothermal heat pump is right for your home. Here’s what you’ll need to know to get started.

How is geothermal heat pump efficiency rated?

Typically, ENERGY STAR certified geothermal heat pumps have a COP of 3.0 to 5.0 and an EER of 17.1 or higher. Geothermal heat pump efficiency is measured in two ways:

  • Coefficient of Performance (COP): Measures heating efficiency. A higher COP means more heat is produced per unit of electricity.

  • Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): Measures cooling efficiency. A higher EER means more cooling is produced for each unit of electricity used.

Resources for all your home energy needs.

Check out these other helpful home energy services.