Heat Pump vs. Geothermal: Which Is Better for Your Oklahoma City Home?

For most of the year, summer temperatures in Oklahoma City can climb into the 90s. Winter, however, brings sudden cold snaps. As temperatures take a turn, more and more homeowners use heat pumps and geothermal units to keep their homes comfortable. Both are great options for providing home comfort, but the question is then, “Which is better, heat pump or geothermal?” 

The experts at Suntech have broken down each of these heating options, what they excel at, and where they fall short. With one quick read, you’ll find the perfect fit for your heating and cooling needs. 

Understanding Heat Pumps and Geothermal Systems

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a heating system that provides warm air into your home by extracting it from the outside air. With the cooling option, the pump reverses the process by moving the inside air of your home to the outside. This process is done with air source units that circulate the air through your ductwork. Another option for homes without ducts is ductless mini-splits. 

The major benefit of a heat pump is that the heating and cooling capabilities provide efficient temperature control for homes in mild climates. Whether it's a hot summer or a cool winter, a heat pump provides the heating or cooling needed for a comfortable home. Additionally, the cost of the unit tends to be more affordable in contrast to a geothermal unit, along with having a much simpler installation process. 

The downside to heat pumps is that they weaken when operating in extreme temperatures. When it becomes too hot or too cold outside, the heat pump is not able to efficiently extract and transfer heat energy, resulting in much more lackluster heating and cooling. This, unfortunately, can be the case during Oklahoma’s hot summers and occasional winter freezes. 

What Is a Geothermal System?

The simple way to look at a geothermal system is as a ground-based alternative to an air-source heat pump. 

The system, typically located in areas like a garage, circulates liquid through pipework that is 300 ft underneath the ground. The pipes, called loops, absorb temperatures from the ground, to which the liquid circles back into the pump. The energy from the liquid is converted and circulated in the home as heat; to cool, heat is extracted back into the liquid, which is then cooled into the ground and circulated back into the home.

The underground system provides plenty of benefits for homeowners. The biggest benefit is that it is a much more eco-friendly option compared to other heating systems. This is due to the heating or cooling process utilizing a natural energy source. Additionally, the ground source heating and cooling provides a long-lasting heating and cooling efficiency and much lower operational costs when compared to other HVAC systems. 

The biggest downside of a geothermal system is the cost. The upfront cost of a system can cost you thousands of dollars, making it quite a steep investment at first. However, this is balanced as you continue using it as efficient energy usage and eco-friendliness provide substantial savings on your bills later on. 

Heat Pump vs. Geothermal: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Which System Is Best for Oklahoma City Homes?

Both systems are great for different needs. The preferred heating system can be narrowed down to: 

Climate Considerations

Oklahoma City experiences fluctuating temperatures throughout the year, which have heavily affected the efficiency of the heat pump. The better pick is the geothermal system as it can be better at adapting to more extreme temperatures, allowing the pump to have a much more consistent efficiency. 

Budget Factors

The choice comes down to how much you are willing to spend. A heat pump has a much more cost-effective upfront cost, but a geothermal system provides better savings over time. 

Home Suitability

The underground loops that the geothermal system requires have adequate space in a yard. So, if homeowners lack the space, such as in urban areas, a traditional heat pump is the better option. 

Energy Savings & Tax Incentives

Both systems potentially have rebates and incentives upon installation. It should be noted for Oklahoma City residents that geothermal system installations are eligible for a 30% tax credit. 

Suntech: Your Trusted HVAC Experts in Oklahoma City

Suntech has been a trusted Oklahoma City service provider for the area for over 30 years. In our long-standing history as an HVAC contractor, we have built trust among our customers with our extensive experience working with all things HVAC and plumbing.

 For our heat pumps and geothermal installations, we want to deliver the best possible HVAC experience for our customers. For this, Suntech offers free consultations for homeowners who are unsure of what system fits their heating and cooling needs. We will break down the best affordable options and provide seamless integration into your home, resulting in your ideal HVAC experience. Beyond installation, our experts provide reliable repair and maintenance solutions for both heat pumps and geothermal systems. Our team works with precision and care to restore your system to optimal working conditions. By giving us a call, you are never left without proper heating and cooling.

By calling Suntech, you are leaving your HVAC in the hands of specialists who exceed expectations. With our team, we live by the motto., “Do the best job we know how to do, each and every time.” 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do heat pumps work well in Oklahoma’s climate?

Heat pump installations work well to combat Oklahoma’s climate. Heat pumps work well as they provide both heating and cooling for homeowners while also providing excellent energy efficiency. This provides a perfect option for Oklahoma homeowners who need cooling for most of the year but need swift heating when things get cold. 

The downside for Oklahoma homeowners is that heat pumps do not do well in extreme temperatures, resulting in a steep upfront cost and possibly irritating owners who are sensitive to noisy operations. 

2. How much does a geothermal system cost compared to a heat pump?

An average geothermal system’s cost can range between 10,000 to 30,000 versus a traditional heat pump, which can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $20,000. The disparity between the prices comes from the more labor-intensive installation of a geothermal system. The process includes digging trenches or wells to install the proper piping. 

3. Will a geothermal system increase my home’s value?

Upgrading your home’s heating system to a modern geothermal system can increase your home’s value. The reason for this is that modern systems not only provide more efficient heating and cooling but lean towards being more eco-friendly, which makes for draws for prospective home buyers. 

4. Are there tax credits or rebates for installing these systems?

Yes, there is. Homeowners who install a geothermal system are eligible for a 30% tax credit. This credit is under the Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, which is for Energy Star-rated Geothermal pumps in service by January 1st, 2033. 

Contact Us

If you can’t decide what’s best for you, consider a few factors. Heat pumps excel as a much more affordable upfront installation that provides excellent efficiency during milder temperatures. Geothermal systems (while being more expensive upfront) provide excellent long-lasting efficiencies even in more extreme temperatures while being more eco-friendly.

To better understand the best fit for your home, it's always best to consult a professional. Suntech’s HVAC experts offer free consultations and assessments of your home heating and cooling needs. We will break down all the details and find the most effective and affordable option. Ready to upgrade your home’s HVAC system? Contact the Suntech team today for expert advice!