A system for the typical home will cost more than if you bought a separate furnace and central air-conditioning system. But you wouldn't really be comparing apples to apples. To get an accurate comparison of costs you need to consider the following:
• Payback or how long it takes to recover the difference in costs between the two systems using energy savings. Payback for most geothermal heat-pump systems runs two to six years.
• Energy efficiency of the two Systems. To get an accurate picture, make sure efficiency claims are substantiated. Your lifestyle and how well your home is insulated affect how economical a system will be.
• Total operating savings from heating, cooling and domestic hot water must be combined to get an accurate picture of total energy savings.
• Energy costs and availability, both present and future.
• Maintenance costs and system reliability • System lifespan.
