This single hydronic heat pump features Aurora base communicating controls with optional advanced controls as well as refrigeration and performance. 

Because it uses the earth as a free heat source or heat sink, geothermal is inherently a highly efficient technology that can help homeowners and building owners save a significant amount of energy and money. And, as advances in technology continue to improve the efficiency and controls of these units, the industry is concurrently investigating ways to make geothermal an affordable option for all.

For the past decade, those in the geothermal heating and cooling industry have benefited from two tax credits that incentivize residential and commercial geothermal installations. But both of these tax credits are four months away from expiring, and all efforts to extend them have failed thus far.

Geothermal manufacturers, distributors, and organizations like the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) have stepped up their training efforts to ensure HVACR contractors are installing and servicing geothermal equipment to the highest standard.

The two-day event, which focused on helping dealers strengthen and grow their businesses, featured presentations on WaterFurnace products, marketing tools, training, financing, and more. Attendees also heard updates from the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) regarding the geothermal tax credits.

This unit is designed to heat and cool an entire house, office, or even only one zone without the cost or complexity of a buffer tank and the associated valves and pumps. 

This two-stage unit is built for drop-in installation. Its small footprint and enhanced serviceability features make it a solution for retrofit applications or new construction, and the compact size allows easier installation where space is limited. It is available in 2- to 6-ton models. 

Geothermal heat energy is part of Assembly Bill 10342 — the New York State Climate & Community Protection Act, which would cut greenhouse gases by 100 percent by 2050 with an interim goal of 50 percent by 2030. The legislation promotes renewable energy, including GHPs.

Millennials are price-sensitive, as cost has the greatest influence on their purchase decisions above all other factors, including quality, brand, store, and availability. So, they may not be willing to pay more for the higher efficiency HVAC systems that they claim to want.