Frequently Asked Questions

What is a geothermal system?

A geothermal system is a heating and cooling system that uses refrigerant to heat and cool your home. In the summer, we take the heat from your home and put it in the earth; in the winter we transfer heat from the earth and bring it into the home. We use the earth’s natural stored energy to heat and cool the home. We also heat up to 50% of your domestic hot water.

How efficient is a geothermal system?

Geothermal exceeds 400% efficiency, or 4 COP. For every dollar of electricity you buy, you can expect to get four dollars worth of heat in return. Think of an electric plug-in heater, this is 100% efficient — you buy one dollar of electricity and you get one dollar of heat. With geothermal you buy electricity to run the compressor and pumps to transfer heat as opposed to directly creating heat.

Can I install geothermal into my existing home?

The majority of the installs today are in existing homes. We replace the current gas or oil furnace and the outside air conditioner unit is no longer needed. There are also Geothermal Split systems that use the current gas furnace for moving the air as well as the backup heat. If you have purchased a new gas furnace and it is only a few years old, we can install a geothermal system onto your existing furnace.

How do I know if geothermal is right for my home?

Simply give us a call and we will do a complete geothermal assessment of your home showing cost paybacks, annual operating costs and comparisons to your current system. Whether it is a new or existing home, you should consider a geothermal system because of the efficiencies, rebates and tax credits.

How much does a geothermal system cost?

It depends on the size of the system, the loops that are installed, new or existing home, etc. There are a lot of variables, however I will say that the majority of installs range from $36,000 to $75,000 prior to tax credits and utility rebates. Let’s say a 5-ton geothermal on ComEd electricity costs $60,000. Our system will qualify for a $18,000 tax credit (30% of the total install cost) and an ComEd rebate of up to $6,000. That gives you a new out of pocket of $36,000! That is almost 50% of the total cost!

What are the current rebates offered by ComEd for geothermal equipment?

Please check the ComEd website for the most up-to-date information:

Will a geothermal system decrease my heating and cooling bills?

Yes. A geothermal system will decrease your heating and cooling bills dramatically. Some people will save as much as 70%. McDonald Energy will do a complete analysis of your current system and identifying your current utility providers and provide all the info we need to predict your annual costs to heat and cool. Most people will heat and cool annually for less than $500/year!

What time of year is best to install a geothermal system?

We can install a unit at most any time of the year, but the spring is best because we don’t have to worry about the ground freezing. The best promotions are also available in the spring. With a newly installed system, you can also take advantage of our financing and start saving on your cooling bills prior to fall and winter coming.

How long will it take to install a geothermal system and have it operational?

In an existing home, we will install the loop field first; this can usually be done in a couple of weeks. After the loop is done, we will install the geothermal unit in 2 - 3 days. We will never leave the customer without heating or cooling overnight, no matter what time of year it is.

Where can I find information from the geothermal equipment manufacturer?

See the following manufacturer’s information online:

What warranties come with the geothermal equipment?

The standard manufacturer warranty is 10 years for parts and 5 years for labor. If the unit is registered online with the manufacturer within 90 days, the warranty covers 10 years parts and labor. Extended warranty options are available through McDonald Renewable Energy. Please contact us for details.

Do you offer financing?

We do not offer financing, but you may obtain through our partnership with Clean Energy Credit Union. Please visit their website for details.