There are different “types” of geothermal heat pumps based on variations in the type of ground loop and indoor unit configuration.

Ground loop. The ground loop is the heat exchange surface for your heat pump. A home will typically need several hundred to thousand feet of piping in the ground loop to provide enough heat in the coldest part of the year. Ground loops are divided into “closed” and “open” loops:

Closed loops use a continuous loop of buried piping, typically made out of high density polyethylene. A closed loop system will circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze that is not directly exposed to the environment. Most closed loop systems are installed in vertical configurations, in which the ground loop is run through multiple boreholes that are drilled several hundred feet deep into the ground . 

Some closed loop systems are installed in horizontal configurations, in which the ground loop is run through multiple trenches approximately 5 ft deep and around 300-400 feet long.

Open loop systems can be used where there is an available source of groundwater available on the property from a well. Instead of circulating an antifreeze mixture, an open loop system will pump groundwater into the heat pump unit indoors for heat extraction before being safely returned to the ground. Open loop systems are typically cheaper to install and more efficient (due to the more consistent year-round temperature of groundwater), though they require a readily-available source of clean groundwater and may require additional permitting or environmental review.

The indoor heat pump unit configuration will also vary depending on whether you use ductwork (forced hot air) or a hot water (hydronic) distribution system:

• A water-to-air system connects your indoor heat pump to a central air handler and uses your home’s existing ductwork to distribute heating and cooling throughout the home. Some modifications to your ductwork may be necessary to make it suitable for a geothermal system.

A water-to-water system connects your heat pump to your existing hot water distribution system to provide heating. An air handler (and ductwork) is necessary to provide air conditioning.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to heat and cool your home. They don’t produce any carbon monoxide or any other greenhouse gasses that contribute both to your increased carbon footprint and air pollution.

A geothermal system also has a low electricity demand which in the course of a year could result in meaningful savings. If you are an eco-minded homeowner, switching to geothermal is one of the best choices you can make. More Affordable to Operate.

Despite the higher initial costs of purchasing and installing a geothermal heat pump, geothermal heating and cooling technology boasts lower operating costs. You will definitely see the savings over time.

A geothermal system offers a 400 percent efficiency rating, creating four units of energy for every unit of electrically produced energy. These systems simply transfer heat. They do not create it by burning fuel. They draw energy from the ground which results in most homeowners saving up to 70 percent on utility bills.

*information curtousy of https://bass-air.com/articles/7-benefits-of-geothermal-heating-and-cooling-systems

While GSHPs can be a great fit for many  homes and businesses in our region, they are not without a few drawbacks:

• High upfront costs. GSHPs are very expensive to install, with most systems costing at least $20,000 after incentives to install. While their significant energy savings pay for themselves, they can take several years to pay back the difference compared to traditional fossil fuel or central AC systems.
• Landscaping considerations. GSHP systems require drilling or excavation in your yard or lot. Vertical loop systems require the least disruption to your property, though there will still be some disturbance associated with the drilling process and moving drilling equipment around. Ask your installer about what options there are for minimizing disruptions and restoring landscaping after installation.
• Installation time. As system designing and drilling/excavation is required, the geothermal installation process can take a week or more to complete. If you need a heating or cooling system replacement quickly, a GSHP system may not be well-suited for an emergency replacement.
• Ductwork installation or modification may be required. Geothermal systems can offer both heating and cooling, but there can be some limitations to the existing distribution systems with which a GSHP system will work. While geothermal heat pumps can work with hydronic (hot water) distribution systems, they are not compatible with steam heating systems. Ductwork is required for your geothermal system to provide air conditioning. Even if you already have ducts, some modifications may be necessary to adapt your ductwork for geothermal.

GSHP retrofits can work in most homes. If you answer “Yes” to any of the questions below, a geothermal system may be a good fit for you:

• Do you heat with oil, propane or electric resistance?
• Do you want whole-home central air conditioning and heating in one system?
• Are you concerned about the aesthetics of air source heat pumps?
• Do you want the most efficient, environmentally-friendly system available?
• Is your boiler/furnace or central AC system 15+ years old?

Geothermal heat pumps are considered to be “clean” heating and cooling systems because they do not create heat, but rather they transfer renewable heat from the ground into your building. This process is powered by electricity, which can also be sourced from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydro.

Even though our grid is only about 12% renewable today (and getting greener every year), a GSHP system powered by grid electricity will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from heating by 30-75+%!

Yes. Geothermal systems can be installed with desuperheaters that can provide you with about half of your home’s annual hot water needs. A geothermal system operating in cooling mode will typically store unwanted heat in the ground. A desuperheater will use that waste heat to pre-heat your hot water before it enters your hot water tank. A desuperheater add-on will cost around $1,800 but will cost nothing extra to operate!

A geothermal installation will typically take 2-3 months to complete from when you sign a contract. This includes:

• Detailed Heat Load Calculation: This step is required to submit for the utility rebate and NYS Energy Code, but more importantly it guarentees comfort. 
• Equipment ordering: Once the contact is signed, the installer will order the equipment for your home.
• Drilling/excavation, installation, and commissioning:  Your installer will drill/excavate and install your system. Loop field installation usually takes 1-3 days.  Installtion in the mechanical room usually takes 2-5 days.  Additional time may be required for updates to the existing distribution system. 
• Inspections: Your installer will arrange to have the system inspected by your code enforcement officer. 

The cost of a geothermal heat pump system will range due to the customization needed for your home and the difference in incentives available. Typically geothermal systems will start at $20,000 after incentives.