The Geothermal Quick Check
Answer a few quick questions to see whether your home may be a good candidate for geothermal heating and cooling.
1) What kind of home do you have?
A. Single-family home
B. New home being built
C. Renovation / major remodel
D. Condo / apartment / townhouse
What this tells us:
If you answered A, B, or C keep going Geothermal is most often installed in single-family homes, custom builds, and larger renovations. If you are in a Condo, townhouse or apartment geo probably isn’t for you unless installed at the building phase.
2) Are you building new, replacing an old system, or just exploring?
A. Building a new home
B. Replacing an aging heating/cooling system
C. Renovating and upgrading comfort/efficiency
D. Just curious for now
What this tells us:
A: Excellent time to consider geothermal.
B: Also a strong time, especially if your current system is old, expensive, or unreliable.
C: Often a very good fit.
D: Fine too. You may still be a future candidate.
3) What do you currently use for heating?
A. Oil
B. Propane
C. Electric resistance / baseboard
D. Natural gas
E. Existing heat pump
F. Not sure
What this tells us:
Oil, propane, or electric resistance: Often the strongest geothermal candidates because operating costs can drop significantly.
Natural gas: Can still be a fit, especially for comfort, long-term value, cooling, or luxury homes, but savings may be less dramatic depending on local utility rates.
Existing heat pump: Geothermal may still improve comfort, efficiency, and cold-weather performance.
Not sure: No problem, we can still evaluate.
4) Do you also want air conditioning?
A. Yes, definitely
B. I already have AC but want better comfort
C. No, heating is the main concern
What this tells us:
A or B: Geothermal becomes even more attractive because it can provide both heating and cooling in one integrated system.
C: Still worth considering, especially if heating bills are high.
5) How old is your current system?
A. Over 15 years old
B. 10–15 years old
C. Under 10 years old
D. I’m building new
What this tells us:
A or D: Excellent timing.
B: Good time to start planning. Did you know Geothermal equipment outlasts all other heating and cooling systems?
C: You may still qualify, but you may be earlier in the decision cycle.
6) How would you describe your utility bills?
A. Very high
B. Higher than I’d like
C. Manageable
D. I’m more interested in comfort and long-term value than savings
What this tells us:
A or B: Strong indicator that geothermal may be worth a serious look.
C: It may still make sense depending on your goals.
D: Also valid. Many homeowners choose geothermal for quiet comfort, consistency, and long-term value.
7) Do you have land available on your property?
A. Yes, plenty of yard space (1/2 acre or more of usable yard)
B. Some land, but not a huge lot (1/4 acre to 1/2 acre of usable yard)
C. Very little outdoor space under 1/4 acre of usable yard
D. Not sure
What this tells us:
A: Great. Horizontal or vertical loop options may be possible.
B: Still very possible. Vertical drilling is often used when land is more limited.
C: Doesn’t rule it out. Did you know Geothermal ground loops can be installed vertically and under a driveway?
D: A site visit can determine this quickly.
8) Is your home already ducted?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Partially
D. I don’t know
What this tells us:
A: Easier path in many homes.
B or C: Still possible. Ductless or hybrid approaches may work, or ductwork may be added.
D: We can determine that during a visit.
9) What matters most to you?
A. Lower heating and cooling costs
B. Better comfort year-round
C. Quiet, clean, efficient performance
D. Long-term investment in the home
E. Reducing reliance on oil/propane
F. All of the above
What this tells us:
All of these are strong reasons to consider geothermal.
10) How long do you plan to stay in your home?
A. This is my forever home no plans to move
B. Atleast ten more years
C. 5 years or less
If you answered A:
Geothermal is very likely worth serious consideration. Homeowners planning to stay long term often see the greatest value through lower operating costs, greater comfort, quieter performance, and long-term health and home benefits.
If you answered B:
You may still be a strong candidate for geothermal. The overall value will depend on factors like your home’s insulation, ductwork, current heating system, and installation budget.
If you answered C:
Geothermal may still be worth exploring, especially if comfort, resale value, or replacing an expensive old system matters to you, but the long-term financial return may be less compelling on a shorter timeline.
Quick Results
You’re likely a strong geothermal candidate if you answered mostly A, B or C.
Result:
Yes, geothermal is very likely worth a serious look.
You should schedule a site visit or estimate.
If you answered mostly D-F you may not be a good candidate for Geothermal but the good news is Ultra Installs installs multiple heating and cooling systems. We can visit your home and calculate geothermal and other systems at the same time to ensure the best option financially and for your maximum comfort.
Result:
Geothermal may still be a fit, but it depends on your property, goals, and system design.
A quick evaluation would tell you much more.
Geothermal may not be the best first option if:
You answered mostly:
- condo/apartment
- very limited site access
- no land and no drilling possible
- not replacing a system anytime soon
- not interested in a larger upfront investment
Result:
Geothermal may be less practical right now, but there may be other high-efficiency options worth exploring.
Want your Geo Check reviewed by an expert?
If your answers suggest geothermal could be a fit, the next step is a quick property review.
Find out whether replacing your current system now makes sense
