Geothermal Heating & Cooling: How to Harness the Earth’s Natural Power

Across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, more homeowners are turning to innovative solutions to stay comfortable year-round while reducing their energy bills. Heritage Home Service has proudly helped families throughout New England explore geothermal heating and cooling — a sustainable, long-term investment that uses the steady temperature beneath the earth’s surface to heat and cool your home efficiently.

If you’re looking for a way to lower your carbon footprint, reduce utility costs, and enjoy consistent comfort no matter the season, geothermal may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

What Is a Geothermal HVAC System?

A geothermal heating and cooling system (also known as a ground-source heat pump) takes advantage of the stable temperature underground, typically between 45°F and 55°F year-round in New England.

Instead of relying on outside air like traditional heat pumps, a geothermal system uses a series of buried pipes (called a ground loop) to exchange heat with the earth:

• In winter: It extracts heat from the ground and transfers it indoors to warm your home.
  
• In summer: It pulls heat out of your home and deposits it underground to keep things cool.
  

Because the ground temperature remains constant, the system doesn’t work as hard as conventional HVAC systems, resulting in exceptional efficiency.

Why Geothermal Works So Well in New England

Geothermal systems are particularly well-suited for New England’s climate:

• Cold Winters: Even on the coldest January nights in Laconia or Portland, the ground below the frost line stays at a steady temperature, providing a reliable heat source.
  
• Humid Summers: Geothermal systems reverse direction to provide air conditioning, keeping your home cool and dry during muggy months.
  
• Energy Stability: Unlike air-source systems that lose efficiency during extreme weather, geothermal remains steady year-round.
  

This consistency makes geothermal ideal for homeowners who want dependable comfort no matter the weather.

Key Benefits of Geothermal Heating & Cooling

1. Exceptional Energy Efficiency

Geothermal systems can deliver up to four units of energy for every unit of electricity used. That translates to lower monthly energy bills compared to oil, propane, or electric resistance heating.

2. Long System Lifespan

• Ground loops: 50+ years
  
• Indoor heat pump units: 20–25 years
  This durability means you’ll enjoy decades of reliable operation, often with less maintenance than traditional systems.
  

3. Environmentally Friendly

By using renewable energy stored underground, geothermal systems emit far fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuel systems. It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for both your home and the planet.

4. Quiet and Unobtrusive

With no outdoor compressor units, geothermal systems run quietly and keep your yard uncluttered — a big plus for homeowners who value peace and aesthetics.

Types of Geothermal Ground Loops

Depending on your property, Heritage may recommend one of the following loop systems:

• Closed Horizontal Loop: Trenches are dug on your property to lay pipes horizontally. Ideal for homes with ample yard space.
  
• Closed Vertical Loop: Pipes are installed vertically in deep boreholes. Perfect for smaller lots or urban areas.
  
• Pond/Lake Loop: If you have access to a nearby body of water, coils can be placed underwater for efficient heat exchange.
  

Our technicians assess your site conditions to determine the most cost-effective and efficient design for your home.

Rebates, Incentives & Long-Term Savings

Geothermal systems represent a larger upfront investment, but significant financial incentives are available to offset costs:

• Federal Tax Credits: Homeowners may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.
  
• Mass Save® and State Programs: Additional rebates and low-interest financing options are often available in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
  
• Energy Bill Reductions: Many homeowners see 40–70% savings on annual heating and cooling costs.
  

When you combine these incentives with long equipment lifespans and lower maintenance needs, geothermal often pays for itself over time.

Trust Heritage for Geothermal Expertise

Installing a geothermal system requires specialized knowledge — and that’s where Heritage Home Service comes in. Our experienced HVAC team can evaluate your property, explain your options, and design a geothermal solution that fits your home and budget.

Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing system, we handle every step with the care and expertise New England families have trusted for generations.

Ready to tap into the earth’s natural power? Contact Heritage now to learn more about geothermal systems.