# How My Geothermal Heat Pump Really Performed (2 Years) Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTb7TKJzr5g Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/DTb7TKJzr5g Generated: 2025-10-21T13:03:36.275+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The owner found that their WaterFurnace 7 Series geothermal heat pump, installed in a brand new, highly insulated Massachusetts home, performed exceptionally well over two years, resulting in extremely low annual energy costs of around $949 (or $90.06/month) for HVAC and hot water production, making the high upfront investment worthwhile despite the initial $78,000 cost before incentives. **Key Points:** - The geothermal system's first full year operating cost was $949 ($60.20/month average), with the second year costing slightly more at $954. - The geothermal system's energy use accounted for only 14.8% of the home's total energy consumption, significantly less than the 52% typically used by HVAC in US homes. - The home's high insulation and the geothermal system's variable capacity allowed for maintaining a consistent temperature range of 72°F to 75°F without significant temperature swings or requiring manual thermostat adjustments. - The initial installation cost was $78,000, which was reduced to $54,600 after claiming the 30% federal Clean Energy Tax Credit. - The geothermal system's operating cost is projected to remain significantly lower (around $950/year) compared to a comparable air source heat pump (projected $2,100/year) over 30 years. - The system includes a desuperheater that captures waste heat to preheat water, feeding into a separate hot water tank, which further reduces utility bills. - The installer used small, nimble drilling rigs suitable for tighter locations, though the author notes that going with a horizontal loop instead of vertical drilling could reduce initial costs. ![Screenshot at 00:00: The exterior of the newly constructed, blue-sided home in Massachusetts featuring multiple arrays of solar panels on the metal roof, indicating the owner's focus on energy efficiency and net-zero goals.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-00.png) **Context:** The video provides a two-year review of the performance and cost savings associated with installing a high-efficiency WaterFurnace 7 Series geothermal heat pump system in a newly constructed, highly energy-efficient home in Massachusetts. The owner had aggressive net-zero goals and invested heavily upfront in solar panels and the geothermal system to achieve long-term operational savings and energy independence. ## Detailed Analysis The reviewer shares their two-year experience with a WaterFurnace 7 Series geothermal heat pump installed in their new, highly insulated Massachusetts home, which was built with solar panels and a network closet setup to support net-zero ambitions. The installation involved drilling a 400-foot vertical well in the backyard, costing $78,000 initially, but dropping to $54,600 after a 30% federal tax credit. The system includes a desuperheater that preheats the hot water supply, reducing the load on the separate hot water heater. The homeowner reports maintaining a highly consistent temperature (72°F to 75°F) thanks to the variable capacity unit, without needing to touch the thermostat or worry about extreme outdoor temperatures affecting performance, unlike air source heat pumps. Energy usage data shows the geothermal system accounts for only 14.8% of the home's total energy use, vastly lower than the 52% average for heating/cooling in US homes. Operational costs were incredibly low, averaging $60.20 per month ($949 for the first year, $954 for the second) for both HVAC and hot water production. The author concludes that despite the high initial cost, the system was worth it due to the extreme efficiency and low operational expenses, projecting significant savings over an air source system over 30 years. ### Geothermal Installation & Cost - 400-foot vertical well drilled in the backyard - Initial cost was $78,000, reduced to $54,600 after a 30% federal tax credit - Horizontal loops are a cheaper alternative to drilling if space allows. ### System Performance & Efficiency - System maintains a tight temperature band (72°F-75°F) due to variable capacity, avoiding temperature swings seen in single/two-stage systems - Geothermal accounts for only 14.8% of total energy use, compared to 52% for typical HVAC systems. ### Operational Costs & Savings - Year 1 cost was $949 ($60.20/month average); Year 2 cost was $954/year - Projected annual operating cost is $950, compared to $2,100 for an air source system over 30 years. ### Key Features - Includes a desuperheater to preheat water using waste heat, significantly reducing the hot water heater's workload - Smart Recovery feature on the Ecobee thermostat helps the system pre-condition the house efficiently. ### Energy Breakdown - Without the EV charger and network closet, HVAC (Geothermal) accounts for 20.8% of energy use; the network closet is the next largest draw at 17.3%. ![Screenshot at 00:01: Close-up of the WaterFurnace 7 Series geothermal unit installed indoors.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 00:11: Drilling rig operating in the yard to install the 400-foot vertical ground loop.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-11.png) ![Screenshot at 00:14: Trenching work showing the ground loop installation process \(horizontal loop visual used for comparison\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-14.png) ![Screenshot at 00:16: Interior view of the mechanical room showing the geothermal unit next to a hot water tank.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-16.png) ![Screenshot at 00:28: A comparison chart illustrating how variable capacity geothermal systems maintain a much tighter temperature setpoint \(green line\) than single or two-stage systems.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-28.png) ![Screenshot at 00:52: Newton's cradle illustrating the law of conservation of energy.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-00-52.png) ![Screenshot at 01:48: Diagram illustrating the ground loop transferring heat to/from the earth.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-01-48.png) ![Screenshot at 02:35: The desuperheater component on the hot water tank, which captures waste heat to preheat water.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-02-35.png) ![Screenshot at 03:04: Title card: "Why I wanted it \(and why you might too\)".](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-03-04.png) ![Screenshot at 03:46: The presenter discussing the high upfront costs of the geothermal system installation \($78,000 before incentives\). This is juxtaposed with an aerial view of the solar-equipped home, reinforcing the high-investment, net-zero goal structure of the project.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DTb7TKJzr5g/00-03-46.png)