Ground source heat pump tax credits were recently reinstated for the current tax year through Jan. 1, 2022. The tax credit applies to residential and commercial installations of Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Ground source heating is a renewable and reliable source of heat. The earth absorbs the suns energy and at a depth of 6 feet the soil maintains a more consistent temperature year round. We can use this natural energy to heat and cool water circulated through an underground loop. Closed loop systems can be water-based or refrigerant-based. During the winter, the fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and into the building. Conversely, in summer, the relatively cool ground absorbs waste heat more readily than warm outdoor air.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal energy is the most energy-efficient system of air handling and can lower energy costs by 25 to 40 percent, with fewer emissions, lower maintenance and no danger of underground contaminants. There is also a reduced use of refrigerants.

Controlled Air, Inc. is certified and accredited by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association for ground source heat pump installations.

Ground Source Heat Pumps offer great benefits (Information provided by IGSHPA.)

• Simultaneously heat & cool different parts of the same building
• Very quiet–users do not know when the system is operating
• Can be set up in multiple zones, with each zone having an individual room control
• Greater freedoms in building design due to 50-80% less mechanical room space
• No outside equipment to hide, eliminating vandalism and roof top units
• Pipes have 50-year life expectancy
• All electric, which eliminates multiple utility services
• Expel boiler and chiller maintenance
• Ground heat exchanger is maintenance free and will last 40+ years

Geothermal in Connecticut

Right now rebates of $500 to $1,500 per ton are available for qualifying systems provided by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Please visit Energize CT Geothermal Heat Pump Rebates page to learn more.

Geothermal energy is listed as a Class I renewable energy source as defined in the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 16-1(a)(26)(iv).