When building a new home, it is wise to consider a heating and cooling system that has low operating costs. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are the highest efficiency option available to home owners and are 45% higher efficiency than air source heat pumps, according to the Department of Energy. This high efficiency can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the building and save big money over the life of the building.
Geothermal heat pumps are a premium product that can also improve the comfort of a building by being quieter and easier to zone than traditional HVAC systems.
In NY, a geothermal system could cost as little as $30,000 for a small, new construction home and up to 6 figures for a large home retrofit. Costs will vary based on factors such as the size of the building, difficulty in retrofitting, and type of heat emitters that are installed. For instance, a building that is retrofitted with radiant floor that also has forced air for cooling will be more expensive than forced air heating and cooling. New construction is almost always lower cost and with incentives can have a very short return on investment compared with a fossil fuel based heating and cooling system.
A NY home typically is eligible for a Utility Rebate of between $4,500-$35,000, a 20% NYS tax credit (capped at $5,000), and a federal tax credit worth 30%. As you can see, the costs and incentives can vary a lot, so it is always good to speak with a certified Clean Heat contractor such as Energy Catalyst.