Common Questions About Geothermal Heat Pumps in Arvada

Answers to help you decide if ground-source systems make sense for your property and budget.

You continue paying $1,200-$2,400 annually in excess heating and cooling costs vs geothermal. Over 10 years that's $12,000-$24,000 in wasted energy. Older systems also face breakdown risk, forcing emergency replacement at 20-30% higher cost than planned installation.

Undersized loops force the heat pump to work harder, reducing efficiency from 400% to 250% or lower. The system runs longer cycles, increasing wear and shortening compressor life from 20 years to 10-12. Annual energy costs rise 30-50% vs properly sized loops.

Expect $25,000-$40,000 total including excavation, ground loops, heat pump, and installation. Horizontal loops cost less but need 1,500-3,000 sq ft of yard. Vertical loops add $5,000-$10,000 but work on smaller lots. Federal tax credits cover 30% of total cost.

Yes, if you plan to stay 8-12 years. Ground temps stay 45-55°F year-round, delivering 300-600% efficiency vs 200-300% for air source. Annual savings of $800-$1,500 offset high upfront cost. Cold winters don't affect performance since ground temps remain stable.

High upfront cost ($25,000-$40,000), long installation time (1-2 weeks with yard disruption), and space requirements (1,500-3,000 sq ft for horizontal loops). Ground loop leaks are rare but expensive to locate and repair. Payback takes 8-12 years vs air source systems.

Buried loops circulate water-antifreeze mix through ground at 45-55°F. In winter, fluid absorbs ground heat and carries it to heat pump, which concentrates it for home heating. In summer, process reverses—heat pump extracts indoor heat and dumps it into cooler ground.

Yes, positively. Alluvial soil allows horizontal trenching without rock drilling or blasting, reducing excavation costs 20-30% vs rocky terrain. Plains terrain provides ample space for loop fields. Soil's thermal conductivity supports efficient heat transfer year-round.

Ground loops last 50+ years with minimal maintenance—HDPE pipe is inert and buried safely. Heat pump equipment lasts 20-25 years. When heat pump needs replacement, loops remain functional, so replacement cost equals air source system without excavation expense.

Heat Pump Installation

Common Challenges

High upfront excavation costs deter

Long install disrupts yard for weeks

Small lots lack space for loops

How We Help

300-600% heating efficiency rating

Stable earth temps eliminate defrost

New Construction Homeowners in Growing Areas

Homeowners with Large Lots Planning Upgrades

Energy-Conscious Homeowners Seeking Maximum Efficiency

Heat Pump Installation in Arvada

Heat Pump Repair in Arvada

Air Source Heat Pumps in Arvada

Mini Split Heat Pumps in Arvada

Heat Pump Maintenance in Arvada

Heat Pump Replacement in Arvada

Heat Pump Inspection in Arvada

About Lakewood Heat Pumps

Our Mission & Values

Heat Pump Repair

Air Source Heat Pumps

Mini Split Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Maintenance

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Replacement

Heat Pump Inspection

Payments

Business Hours

25-year ground loop lifespan

Lowest operating cost over system life

Plains terrain simplifies excavation