Is A Heat Pump Right For You? 3 Homes With Geothermal: How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — Geothermal systems, which draw energy from the reservoirs of hot water beneath Earth’s surface, are pricey to install, but can save anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent on heating costs and 20 percent to 50 percent on cooling costs, according to government estimates.

Geothermal is the ultimate renewable resource that can never be depleted as long as Earth exists. It’s clean, with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Also, the Department of Energy explained on its website, ground-source heat pumps can be used almost anywhere in the United States because all areas have nearly constant shallow ground temperatures. But, the agency said, the degree of efficiency and cost savings can vary by region.

Tax credits for ground-source heat pumps take some of the sting out of the cost of putting in a geothermal system, and special mortgage financing may be available. If you’re looking for homes where the investment in geothermal has already been made, check out the three houses in Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania featured this week in How Much House.

Minnesota | $599,000

54560 W. Horseshoe Lake, Bigfork
Listed by: Kurt E. Sutherland | Exp Realty
Square feet: 4,016
Acreage: 14 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: 2013

This Minnesota Northwoods lake house near Chippewa National Forest is perfect for outdoor lovers, whether as a seasonal retreat or a year-round residence. A geothermal heating system keeps it a comfortable temperature year-round, and in-floor heat in the basement keeps it toasty in the winter.

The kitchen has exquisite custom cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The vaulted great room has a cozy fireplace. Bedrooms are generously sized, and the washer and dryer are on the main floor. The primary suite has an ensuite garden tub and a private deck for great views of the lake and woods.

A private lake ensures an abundance of fish, including pan fish (sunnies), crappies, bass, perch, northern pike and some walleyes. An outbuilding houses toys of all kinds. There’s also a large stone fire pit for cozy outdoor gatherings.

The 14-acre property is spread across three lots and could be divided in the future. Peek inside for more photos.

New York | $675,000

400 Salisbury Turnpike, Milan
Listed by: Dina Palin | Houlihan Lawrence-Millbrook
Square feet: 3,089
Acreage: 1 acre
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: 1961

This nature lover’s dream home not only has geothermal energy, it also makes use of passive and active solar. Located within a two-hour commute of New York City, the home has a cabin feel with a 1960s fireplace with a wood stove inset and hardwood floors.

Skylights are found throughout the home and in the kitchen, where they show off a moss-covered rock face along the eastern wall. The south-facing kitchen features gorgeous cobalt blue Mexican tile and large glass French doors that lead to an outdoor dining deck in the private, fenced-in garden.

A radiant solar-powered addition more than doubles the size of the house, adding a second-floor main bedroom with views of the woods, an ensuite tiled bathroom and a private deck. The home has two other bedrooms that share a full bath finished with bamboo floors. A Murphy bed in the main downstairs area also creates flexibility.

The home also has an infrared sauna. Peek inside for more photos.

Pennsylvania | $359,900

220 Wilbur St., Liverpool
Listed by: Robin L Stoner | Regional Realty Group Inc.
Square feet: 3,503
Acreage: 0.28 acres
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 4 (3 full)
Year built: 2003

Geothermal heating and cooling provide year-round comfort without breaking the budget at this six-bedroom home with fantastic views of Mahantango Mountain and Susquehanna River.

The first-floor primary bedroom suite has 36-inch doorways, a roll-in shower and roll-under sink, making it fully accessible. The laundry is on the main floor, too. The great room has a gas fireplace and opens to the dining room, which has built-in cabinetry and sliders that open to a wrap-around deck.

Light floods this home from the cathedral foyer to the oversized kitchen windows. The second-floor loft overlook has a skylight for natural light. There are four more bedrooms upstairs.

A sixth bedroom with a connected bath is found on the ground level, where there’s also a large family room with a gas fireplace, kitchenette, built-in table and plenty of storage spaces. Peek inside for more photos.

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