These two are renewable energy technologies which use ground heat to warm and cool our houses. Even though they sound the same, they operate differently and vary to a great extent. Let us find out the details about heat pumps vs geothermal pumps and compare which is better for us.
Heat Pumps Vs Geothermal Pumps
Heat pumps – They collect and transfer heat from the air. A heat pump simply moves heat from one location (the source) to another.
Geothermal pumps – They collect and transfer heat from the ground. Geothermal pumps are also known as ground source heat pumps (GHSPs) and they use the ground temperature to operate.
Both machines use energy-efficient technologies working on the same basic principle of heat transfer by refrigeration cycle.
Parameters | Geothermal Heat Pumps | Standard Heat Pumps |
Average Installation Cost | $15,000 to $35,000 | $3,800 to $8,200 |
Additional Costs | Higher upfront cost | Higher operating costs |
Lifespan | 20 to 25 years (indoor), 40 to 60 years (ground loops) | 10 to 15 years |
Efficiency | Highly efficient even on the coldest winter nights | Generally less efficient |
Geothermal Pump Vs Heat Pump Efficiency
Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) – They usually have an efficiency of 200-400%, which means that they produce 2-4kWh of heat output for every 1kWh of electricity to run the pump.
Geothermal heat pumps – They provide 300%-600% energy efficiency and cut energy consumption by around 25% to 50%.
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Factors Affecting Efficiency of Heat and Geothermal Pumps
A heat pump’s efficiency is measured by the following:
1. Coefficient of Performance (COP) – This measures the amount of heat generated for each unit of electricity. The higher the heat production per unit, the better will be COP and efficiency. It varies on operating conditions like temperatures (indoor and outdoor), heat pump type, and heating load.
2. Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) – It is the average COP calculated over the entire heating season. It considers factors like different operating conditions and energy consumption of auxiliary components like fans and pumps.
Geothermal heat pumps have the highest COP and SPF ranges, which is why they are considered the most efficient for both heating and cooling purposes.
Note – SPF and COP values can also change from place to place.
We have created a table below that summarizes the average SPF and COP range of air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Heat Pump Type | Average SPF (Seasonal Performance Factor) | Average COP (Coefficient of Performance) |
Air-Source Heat Pumps | 2 to 2.5 | 2.5 to 2.8 |
Geothermal Heat Pumps | 3.7 to 4 | 3 to 5 |
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Geothermal Vs. Heat Pump Cost
Geothermal heat pumps – They cost around $10,000 – $30,000
Conventional heat pumps – These pumps cost around $3,800 to $8,000
Geothermal pumps are more expensive than standard heat pumps. However, the electricity price and usage patterns may vary depending on the location, climate, and preferences of the user.
There are 2 key factors to be considered for the cost of a heat pump.
- Initial Cost – It covers the purchase and installation cost of the system.
- Ongoing Expenses – It covers maintenance fees and electricity charges. It can vary on the basis of efficiency, usage patterns, and electricity rates.
Air Source Heat Pumps Vs. Geothermal Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are generally classified as air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps. Let’s see how they differ.
Feature | Air Source Heat Pump | Geothermal Heat Pump |
Incentives | Yes | Yes |
Lifespan | 15-25 years | 25-50 years |
Space | Less space required | More space required |
Installation Cost | Easy installation; costs around $3,500 to $20,000 | More complex installation; costs around $15,000 to $35,000 |
Performance | Varies with outdoor temperature and humidity | Consistent and reliable |
Noise | Moderate | Low |
Maintenance | Moderate | Low |
Environmental impact | Low | Lower |
Ground Source Heat Pump Vs Geothermal Heat Pump

Ground source heat pumps are also known as water source heat pumps as they use water as the source of heat. They derive energy from a lake, river, or well.
Parameters | Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) | Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) |
Geographic Availability | Ideal for areas with more tectonic activity | Universally ideal |
Required Infrastructure | Large plants, heavy equipment | Smaller-scale installations |
Applications | Not ideal for small settings | Ideal for individual use |
Cost | Expensive drilling | Generally more accessible and less expensive |
Cross-Reference: Air source heat pumps vs ground source heat pumps
So, today, overall we have compared heat pumps vs geothermal pumps in various aspects to assist you in deciding on what is best for your home. Although their suitability differs from region to region, you can always consult an expert in your region. If you are looking for more such informative blogs, explore our website.
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