How it Works
The ground never changes!
Even during extreme Midwest winters and scorching hot summer days, the temperature just six feet underground remains near 50°F – every single day of the year.
Traditional HVAC systems rely on fluctuating outdoor air temperatures to heat and cool buildings, which can lead to inconsistent indoor comfort and fluctuating utility bills. Geothermal heat pumps, on the other hand, use the steady temperature of the earth to deliver consistent indoor comfort and more predictable energy costs year-round.
The Most Efficient Heating & Cooling System on the Planet. Installed Right Here in Rockford and Chicagoland.
Geothermal heat pump systems use the earth’s own stable energy to heat and cool your home — delivering year-round comfort and saving you up to 70% each year on your heating, cooling and hot water bills.
Whether you’re building a new home or business, upgrading an older system, or seeking a sustainable solution, geothermal HVAC delivers consistent indoor temperatures with minimal energy usage.
What is a geothermal heat pump? –A geothermal heat pump is an HVAC system that harvests heat from the earth to heat and cool your home or business. A geothermal heat pump is 400% to 500% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, making it the most efficient technology available today. The system has 2 primary components; 1. A heat pump 2. underground pipes called ground loops.
The Installation
- Ground loops are buried at least 6 feet under the ground to maintain stable earth temperatures.
- The underground loop piping is routed into the home
- The geothermal heat pump is installed inside your home and connected to the ground loop
- The system is filled with an antifreeze solution to prevent freezing
- Heat transfer begins! The ground loops absorb heat from the ground in heating mode and carries that heat to your home. In cooling mode, it carries heat from your home and releases it back into the ground.
Are all HVAC companys qualified to install geothermal heat pump systems?
No. Geothermal is a specialized area of heating and cooling and requires specialized training and certifications.
Why Choose Temperature Doctors for Your Geothermal Installation
Temperature Doctors are certified geothermal installers and proud members of the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois. We are EESP providers for ComEd and certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Our experienced team ensures that every geothermal system is designed, installed, and maintained for optimal performance.
We help clients throughout Rockford and the surrounding areas with:
- System design and placement for your property
- Geothermal incentives, tax credits & Instant rebates
- Local utility rebates from ComEd (up to $6,000 per home)
- Ongoing system maintenance and support
Our commitment is to deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable HVAC solutions that save money and enhance comfort year-round.
Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps
Installing a geothermal system offers multiple advantages for homeowners and businesses:
- Significant Energy Savings: Reduce heating and cooling energy use by 70–80%
- Consistent Comfort: Evenly heats and cools all areas of your home or building
- Humidity Control: Maintains ideal indoor moisture levels
- Quiet Operation: Minimal noise compared to conventional systems
- Sustainable & Renewable: Uses clean energy from the Earth
- Long Lifespan: Heat pumps last 25+ years; ground loops last up to 50 years
- Minimal Maintenance: Simple filter changes, thermostat checks, and routine inspections
Additionally, geothermal systems can also provide hot water and radiant floor heating, offering versatile comfort solutions for both residential and commercial properties in Rockford and nearby communities.
Geothermal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are geothermal heat pumps more efficient than traditional HVAC or other heat pumps?
Yes, geothermal heat pumps are 400% to 500% more efficient than traditional heating systems and 200% more efficient the air to air heat pumps. A geothermal heat pump uses 25-30% less electricity that an air source heat pump on the coldest days
How long do geothermal heat pump systems last?
A geo heat pump is designed to last. The life of a geo heat pump is approximately 25+ years. The ground loop is good for 50+ years.
Can geothermal systems heat and cool a home year-round?
Yes. The ground loops absorb heat from the ground during cold winter months and carry that heat to your home. In the summer months this process is reversed. The ground loops carry heat from your home and release it back into the ground.
Do geothermal heat pumps require a lot of maintenance?
Heat pumps require little maintenance unlike traditional systems that require maintenance twice per year. The main part of maintenance is changing the filter a minimum of twice per year.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options so the upfront cost doesn’t have to be a barrier. Combined with the federal tax credit and your monthly energy savings, most customers find geothermal very achievable financially.
What tax credits, rebates, or incentives are available for installing geothermal systems?
There are still rebates available for geothermal installations. Temperature Doctors will help ensure you get all the rebates and incentives that you would qualify for.
To qualify for both geothermal energy rebates and incentives, your system must be installed by a licensed geothermal contractor and a certified ComEd affiliate.
Do I need a large yard or special drilling for geothermal loops?
No, Our experience includes installing geothermal loops on homes with expansive acreage as well as in urban areas where houses are closely spaced.
How long does it take for geothermal to pay for itself?
A geothermal system typically pays for itself in about 5 years.
How much does a geothermal heating system cost to install?
Geothermal installation costs in Illinois can vary significantly because every system is custom-designed for the property. While you may see general price ranges online, those numbers often don’t account for the many factors that affect installation in Midwest homes.
In Illinois, most residential geothermal teat pump systems typically range from $25,000 to $55,000+ before incentives. However, the final cost depends on several important factors specific to your home and property.
A Temperature Dr.’s comfort advisor will come to your home or business, free of charge to provide a customized geothermal assessment and help you understand options and potential savings so you can make an informed decision.
Will geothermal increase my home’s value?
Yes. Studies consistently show that energy-efficient systems — particularly geothermal — increase home resale value. Buyers increasingly look for low operating costs, and a geothermal system is a major selling point.
How do geothermal heat pumps compare to air-source heat pumps?
| Feature | Air Source Heat Pump | Ground Source Heat Pump |
| Heat Source | Outside air | Consistent ground temperature (min 6’ below the ground surface |
| Efficiency | Moderate efficiency, fluctuates with extreme temperatures | Highest efficiency -Consistent year round |
| Performance | Can loose efficiency in extreme weather, may need backup heat | Stays consistent Not dependent on whether conditions or other external factors |
| Operating Cost | Cost depends on outdoor temperature | Lower utility costs – more energy savings over time |
| Life Span | 12-15 years | 25+ years for heat pump, 50+ years for ground loop |
| Noise | Outdoor unit can be noisy depending on brand/quality | Quiet operation |
| Maintenance | Maintenance 2x per year | Minimal maintenance needed. Change filters min of 2x per year |
| Space Requirements | Outdoor unit and indoor unit require space | An indoor unit and buried loops |
| Incentives | Generally, up to $1200 in rebates | Often qualifies for larger rebates and incentives |
Ready to Let the Earth Heat and Cool Your Home
There’s no obligation and no pressure. Just an honest conversation with a certified geothermal specialist who knows this technology inside and out. Let’s find out if geothermal is the right move for your home.
Schedule Your Geothermal HVAC Consultation Today
Call (815) 914-6197 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. Our knowledgeable team at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling Inc will guide you through selecting, installing, and maintaining the right system for your property, whether it’s in Rockford or the surrounding communities.
Looking for more HVAC solutions? Visit our Services page to explore additional heating, cooling, and energy-efficient options for your home or business.
