Geothermal Heat Pump ROI Evaluator

Evaluate geothermal heat pump economics versus your current heating fuel. Enter conditioned floor area, climate data, utility rates, and incentives to size the loop, estimate installed cost after credits, and project annual savings, payback horizon, and avoided emissions.

Include all heated and cooled spaces in square feet.
Use 65°F base heating degree days for your climate zone.
Average delivered electricity rate including supply and distribution.
Coefficient of performance at design conditions. Leave blank to assume 3.5.
Turnkey cost for loop field and heat pump per cooling ton installed.
Federal tax credit plus any stackable rebates as a percentage of installed cost.
Compare against your current fossil fuel rate. Leave blank for $1.40 per therm.
AFUE or seasonal efficiency of the heating system being replaced.

Planning tool only—consult a certified geothermal installer for detailed design and incentives.

Examples

  • 2,700 sq ft, 6,500 HDD, $0.18/kWh power, natural gas $2.50/therm ⇒ ≈4.84 tons, $31.4k gross, $22.0k net after 30% credit, ~$856 annual savings, ~25.7-year payback, 3,600 lb CO₂e avoided
  • 3,200 sq ft, 7,200 HDD, COP 4.0, $0.28/kWh, gas $2.80/therm ⇒ 5.92 tons, $41.4k gross, $29.0k net, ~$1,068 annual savings, ~27.2-year payback, 5,897 lb CO₂e avoided

FAQ

How do I adjust for vertical vs. horizontal loops?

Horizontal trenches typically need more footage per ton. Raise or lower the installed cost per ton to mirror excavation difficulty, drilling depth, and site constraints.

Does this include maintenance?

The calculator focuses on energy savings. Annual maintenance is usually lower than combustion furnaces, but budget for filter changes, loop inspections, and pump replacements over the system life.

What if I heat with electricity today?

Change the gas rate input to your electric resistance equivalent (about $0.34/kWh) and set furnace efficiency to 100% to compare against baseboard or space heaters.

Can I include domestic hot water integration?

Yes—add desuperheater savings to the annual savings figure or lower the electric rate input if you plan to offset water-heating load with geothermal.

Additional Information

  • Loop length roughly scales 450–650 feet per installed ton depending on soil conductivity, bore depth, and ground moisture.
  • Federal incentives in the U.S. cover 30% of installed cost through 2032; stack utility rebates and low-interest loans where available.
  • Tune cost per ton based on quotes—horizontal trenches trend lower, while vertical bores and rocky soil add drilling expense.
  • Include cooling benefits too: ground loops often deliver SEER-equivalent efficiencies above 30 for summer comfort and dehumidification.

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