Geothermal heat pump vs air source heat pump.?

Question

Can someone PLEASE tell me which is better, geothermal heating or air source heat pump. We are trying to make the choice to change our heating from all oil to one of these and it is so confusing. We live in Ontario Canada so cold winters if that helps. I know with the a.s heat pump you need a backup but it can still be efficient...but geotherma is still the most efficient but cost up front his huge. Please help.

Answer 1

You will have a problem with air source heat pumps at very cold temperatures so you would need a backup. There are some coming on the market from Japan that  go down to 0 deg. F and are extremely efficient. Two manufacturers that I am aware of are Fujitsu and Mitsubishi, I think Sanyo may also have them.

I expect the cost of a geothermal installation will effectively rule that option out.

Answer 2

The cost of the backup for a.s. may eat up much of your up-front savings. Geo is very effective and worth the up-front cost, especially in new construction. It is harder to pay for it in a remodel, but over time you will see the savings.

Answer 3

You've answered your own question- geothermal is better in the area you live in, but more expensive.   Weather it pays for itself depends on how long you plan to live at the current house and power prices.   If you've got a shallow ground water level you could go for a heat pump that uses a drilled well to  gather the heat from lower down instead of digging a trench.