How Does Geothermal Heating & Cooling Work?

Whether it’s a winter cold snap or a summer scorcher, the ground five feet below the surface maintains a constant temperature year round. This constant earth temperature is higher than average winter temperatures, and lower than average summer temperatures.

Geothermal systems use this difference in temperature to transfer heat between your home and the earth with two key parts:

A heat pump inside your home (usually in place of your traditional system)
Buried pipe systems (called ground loops) circulate heat transfer fluid

The heat pump and circulating fluid continuously transfer heat. During summer, the geothermal system draws heat from the air in your home and transfers it to the ground. During winter, it draws heat from the ground and transfers it to your home.

Looking for a longer explanation?

Check out our in-depth blog post on how geothermal works.

Are you more of a visual learner?

Dandelion co-founder Kathy Hannun explains how geothermal systems heat and cool your home.
Learn More

What’s the difference between Dandelion Geothermal and a traditional furnace?

Energy Independent

Tap into the endless heat below your yard. Never buy (or run out of) fuel oil again.

Traditional furnaces require sourcing fuel, which is subject to supply and demand and impacted by the political landscape.

2-in-1 Heating and Cooling

One HVAC system to rule them all. The most efficient heating and air conditioning system from our smart, wifi-connected heat pump.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Low Operating Costs

Consistent pricing you can count on. No more negotiating annual delivery contracts or wondering how the news cycle will affect your heating bill.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Convenient

More time, less hassle. Say goodbye to frequent maintenance visits, service calls, and heating deliveries.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Increases Your Home’s Value

Invest in your home, and reap the rewards. Fuel & propane customers can save $1,000s on heating & cooling every year.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Hyper-Efficient

Four times more efficient for less than you’re paying now. Higher efficiency = more money saved.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Safe

No flames and no fumes. Furnaces have the potential to produce serious health hazards like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Renewable Technology

Good for the planet (and your wallet). Home heating comes second only to automobiles when it comes to air pollution, and oil-burning furnaces consume more fossil fuels than diesel trucks.

SomeTextAboutStuff

Long-Lasting Equipment

Reliable heating and cooling for decades to come. Geothermal heat pumps typically last 20 to 25 years, and the ground loops installed in the yard can last more than 50 years. Even up to 100!

SomeTextAboutStuff

Tax Incentives

One more reason why now is a great time to upgrade to geothermal. Qualify for generous federal, state, and utility tax incentives to lower your costs.

SomeTextAboutStuff

See Why New York Homeowners Love Dandelion Geothermal

“We will never run out of fuel oil again and we no longer need to call around to get prices on oil delivery.”
Matt V.
Albany County
“Our indoor air quality has improved tremendously. I am so grateful to not smell burning oil when the furnace starts up.”
Sean D.
Dutchess County
“Each person I've been in contact with at Dandelion has been kind and attentive - their mission is clear at all times.”
Carolyn M.
Columbia County
“It’s a no-brainer, economically speaking and for the planet.”
Michael D.
Westchester County
“Couldn't be happier. Kids loved the AC this summer. Something we've never had before.”
Stefan C.
Sullivan County
“What I love most about the system is that it is a steady heat. My parents even commented that the house feels warmer when they came to visit.”
Kristan A.
Saratoga County, NY
“We paid nothing upfront and paid less our first year than we paid each year for oil.”
Scott S.
Saratoga County, NY

How Much Can You Save With Dandelion Geothermal?

Select which type of fuel your home uses below:
Fuel OilOil
Air Source Heat PumpAir Source
Natural GasNat. Gas
Propane
Here is an example of a typical 2,500 square foot home in Cortlandt, NY with fuel oil heating and central air conditioning versus a Dandelion Home Geothermal Heating and Cooling System.
Home Heating & Cooling Costs
Fuel Oil & Central AC
$3,890
per year
Dandelion Geothermal
$1,832
per year
53% less expensive per year
vs
Home Heating Cost Savings
Annual Heating Load (BTUs)
107,050,227
Fuel Oil Furnace
$3,448
Fuel Oil Usage (Gallons)
862
Price Per Gallon
$4.00
Oil Efficiency
90%
Dandelion Geothermal System
$1,557
Electric Usage (kWh)
7,983
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Heat Pump Efficiency (Avg. COP)
3.9
$1,891
per year
$157
per month
Home Cooling Cost Savings
Annual Cooling Load (BTUs)
27,978,340
Central AC
$443
Electric Usage (kWh)
2,270
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
12.3
Dandelion Geothermal System
$275
Electric Usage (kWh)
1,412
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
19.8
$168
per year
$14
per month
Total Heating and Cooling Cost Savings
$2,059
per year

53% reduction in Annual Heating & Cooling Costs with a Dandelion Geothermal System

$171
per month
Here is an example of a typical 2,500 square foot home in Poughkeepsie, NY with air source heat pump and central air conditioning versus a Dandelion Home Geothermal Heating and Cooling System.
Home Heating & Cooling Costs
Air Source Heat Pump
$3,551
per year
Dandelion Geothermal
$1,832
per year
48% less expensive per year
vs
Home Heating Cost Savings
Annual Heating Load (BTUs)
107,050,227
Air Source Heat Pump
$3,109
Electric Usage (kWh)
15,941
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Heat Pump Efficiency (Avg. COP)
2.0
Dandelion Geothermal System
$1,557
Electric Usage (kWh)
7,983
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Heat Pump Efficiency (Avg. COP)
3.9
$1,552
per year
$129
per month
Home Cooling Cost Savings
Annual Cooling Load (BTUs)
27,978,340
Central AC
$443
Electric Usage (kWh)
2,270
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
12.3
Dandelion Geothermal System
$275
Electric Usage (kWh)
1,412
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
19.8
$168
per year
$14
per month
Total Heating and Cooling Cost Savings
$1,720
per year

48% reduction in Annual Heating & Cooling Costs with a Dandelion Geothermal System

$143
per month
Here is an example of a typical 2,500 square foot home in Cortlandt, NY with natural gas and central air conditioning versus a Dandelion Home Geothermal Heating and Cooling System.
Home Heating & Cooling Costs
Natural Gas & Central AC
$2,450
per year
Dandelion Geothermal
$1,832
per year
25% less expensive per year
vs
Home Heating Cost Savings
Annual Heating Load (BTUs)
107,050,227
Natural Gas Furnace
$2,007
Natural Gas Usage (Therms)
1,115
Price Per Therm
$1.80
Natural Gas Efficiency
96%
Dandelion Geothermal System
$1,557
Electric Usage (kWh)
7,983
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Heat Pump Efficiency (Avg. COP)
3.9
$450
per year
$37
per month
Home Cooling Cost Savings
Annual Cooling Load (BTUs)
27,978,340
Central AC
$443
Electric Usage (kWh)
2,270
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
12.3
Dandelion Geothermal System
$275
Electric Usage (kWh)
1,412
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
19.8
$168
per year
$14
per month
Total Heating and Cooling Cost Savings
$618
per year

25% reduction in Annual Heating & Cooling Costs with a Dandelion Geothermal System

$51
per month
Here is an example of a typical 2,500 square foot home in Cortlandt, NY with propane and central air conditioning versus a Dandelion Home Geothermal Heating and Cooling System.
Home Heating & Cooling Costs
Propane & Central AC
$4,321
per year
Dandelion Geothermal
$1,832
per year
60% less expensive per year
vs
Home Heating Cost Savings
Annual Heating Load (BTUs)
107,050,227
Propane Furnace
$3,879
Propane Usage (Gallons)
1,369
Price Per Gallon
$3.00
Propane Efficiency (15 yr old furnace)
90%
Dandelion Geothermal System
$1,557
Electric Usage (kWh)
7,983
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Heat Pump Efficiency (Avg. COP)
3.9
$2,322
per year
$193
per month
Home Cooling Cost Savings
Annual Cooling Load (BTUs)
27,978,340
Central AC
$443
Electric Usage (kWh)
2,270
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
12.3
Dandelion Geothermal System
$275
Electric Usage (kWh)
1,412
Price Per kWh
$0.20
Central AC Efficiency (EER)
19.8
$168
per year
$14
per month
Total Heating and Cooling Cost Savings
$168
per year

60% reduction in Annual Heating & Cooling Costs with a Dandelion Geothermal System

$14
per month

See how much you can save with Dandelion Geothermal

Upgrade to geothermal with $0 down financing
Get A Free Quote