Old homes are often critiqued for their drafty windows (usually just overdue basic maintenance) or outdated insulation methods. When we began our search for a heating and cooling solution, we prioritized energy efficiency, sustainability, and minimal impact on our home’s historic charm.

When compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, heat pumps offer:

• Dual Heating and Cooling Capability to work efficiently in cold climates (even extreme temps in upstate NY), while doubling as a cooling system in the summer
  Increased Efficiency is better for the planet and your wallet by cutting electricity use by up to 50% compared to furnaces and baseboard heating—lowering energy use and monthly utility bills
• Zoned Temperature Control for customized comfort
• Cleaner and Safer without harmful fossil fuels, fuel storage, or carbon monoxide emissions. Heat pumps have the lowest carbon emissions of any heating or cooling source
• Minimal maintenance and no hassle of scheduling fuel deliveries, fluctuating fuel costs, or installing bulky air conditioning units every summer

These benefits are available in all types of modern, high-efficiency heat pump options, including:

1. Air Source Heat Pumps: Often the simplest and least expensive, these pumps extract heat from outdoor air to warm your home and reverse the process to cool by removing heat from inside. For added flexibility, ductless versions, known as mini-split heat pumps, are also available to offer many options to work for your space
2. Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pumps: By harnessing heat from the ground through an underground pipe system, these pumps efficiently heat your home. They can also reverse the process for cooling, making them the most energy-efficient heat pump option

Since a geothermal heat pump was the best choice for us, that’s what we’ll be diving into.

Geothermal heat pump systems (also called ground source) use underground pipes to access the relatively constant air temperature underground for heating and cooling. This was the reason why we chose geothermal for our home: optimum energy efficiency. Since you can count on that consistent temperature underground, geothermal means not only dependable heating and cooling even in extreme weather conditions, but less energy usage compared to an air source option that relies on outside air temperatures, which fluctuate a lot in upstate New York.

The first step of the installation process was digging to install a closed loop system underground which can run horizontally or vertically if space is limited. While the geothermal installation cost was higher than an air source option, the long-term energy savings make it a more cost-effective option in the long run. Geothermal was the option that offered the longest lifespan—lasting more than 25 years compared to just 15 for air source heat pumps.

We have 11 acres of land, so there was plenty of space for the 2-acre horizontal loop system, which was installed by a participating contractor through the NYS Clean Heat program. Our contractor was instrumental in educating us on our options, identifying the right system for us, and pointing us to valuable cost-saving incentives from the equipment manufacturer, NY state, and the federal government. Most states have similar clean heat initiatives that provide contractor recommendations and cost incentives. So, if you don’t live in New York, visit your state’s website or energy department to find rebates and incentives.

Beyond sustainability, efficiency, and comfort, we love that there are no bulky outdoor condensers, so (post-installation) the system has minimal impact on the landscape and our view. Remote controls allow us to monitor and adjust the system from anywhere, offering us peace of mind during our busy filming schedule and trips away from the house.

Since installing our geothermal heat pump, we’ve experienced many benefits:

• Reduced Energy Costs: The system heats and cools efficiently while also providing hot water at two to three times the efficiency of a traditional water heater
• Low Maintenance: With durable ground loops and a 10-year warranty on the unit, maintenance is minimal
• Tax Incentives: Federal and state tax credits cut our installation costs in half, and long-term savings further offset the investment

This kind of magic doesn’t happen overnight! Following a few critical steps will ensure you make the best decision for your home and enjoy the benefits for many years to come. If you’re not starting at the studs as we did, schedule an inspection of your current heating system as part of a no or low-cost home energy assessment offered through most state or utility programs.

From there, you can explore heat pump options that match your home’s needs, identify manufacturer rebates, federal and state tax credits, and low-interest financing options, and connect with a certified contractor who can prepare a timeline to account for ductwork or excavation and schedule your heat pump installation.

The NYS Clean Heat program offers a detailed Heat Pump Planner tool to help all homeowners learn more about the installation process.

With the help of our state program and our certified contractor, our geothermal heat pump has prepared our home for the future while honoring its 250-year history. The system aligns with our values of sustainability and preservation, proving that you don’t have to choose between tradition and innovation. With the right system, you can reduce energy costs, lower your carbon footprint, and create a comfortable dream home that will last a lifetime.

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