Preparation Cost

• Installation of a geothermal heat pump can be expensive. The biggest cost is the drilling, which can range anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on how deep the hole and the type of terrain.
  
  

Installation/Equipment Cost

• As of 2010, a geothermal heat pump costs about $2,500 per ton. A typical home will use a 3-ton unit, which would cost about $7,500. This up-front installation cost is much higher than other types of heating and cooling.
  
  

Maintenance Cost

• Because a geothermal heat pump is mostly buried underground, it is protected from the elements. It generally needs very little maintenance. It also has fewer mechanical parts than many other systems, making it virtually worry-free.
  
  

Energy Cost

• The big lure for a geothermal heat pump is the monthly savings. The heat and cold used to maintain house temperature is pulled right from the ground. Because the energy is in a constant loop, the energy cost per month is very low compared to any other system.
  
  

Overall Cost

• Even though geothermal heat pumps are expensive to install, the installation costs are generally recouped within 5 to 10 years via savings on electricity and energy. Studies taken by utility companies have determined that more than 95 percent of geothermal users would recommend the system.