What is the best brand of
geothermal heat pump? 

Question: I don't know how to choose a geothermal heat pump brand or a contractor.  Is there a significant difference between Waterfurnace vs. Climatemaster or Waterfurnace vs. Geocomfort or is there a brand that you would recommend over another brand? Also, do you have any suggestions about how to go about finding a reputable geothermal installer?

There are many good brands of geothermal heatpump equipment out there. If your geothermal installer is trained well and satisfies his customers, then chances are he has selected a brand that best serves you as well.

This goes beyond price, a reputable geothermal brand will offer training for the dealer and demand that the contractor measures up to their standards for quality, installation and service. In short if the dealer takes care of you through service, then he is probably using a quality brand of geothermal equipment.

The best way to find a choice of geothermal installers these days is through the web. I am familiar with the WaterFurnace site, www.waterfurnace.com. There one could locate recognized dealers in their area by simply providing their zip code.

After your list choices, then you can investigate how well they conduct business. Chances are all of these dealers install conventional heating and cooling as well as geothermal systems. So you can ask for references.  

If the dealer has a reputable job with his “standard” or “non geothermal” customers, then chances are he will likewise have quality installments of geothermal systems as well. Nothing beats an experienced geothermal dealer and I would weigh in how long he’s been in business and how many systems he installed.

You need to find a contractor that will address all of your needs. A complete survey of the house will be necessary due to its age and problems with her air delivery system. It will take investigating but you will have to have your priorities addressed.

Other than installing geothermal systems, the contractor should perform load calculations to determine the exact size of equipment you need. It’s easy to understand why one would not want a system that’s too small but over sizing the system is likewise wasteful, unnecessarily expensive AND less comfortable. Comfort systems are like clothes – it must fit.

I have been in the energy consulting and energy efficient home design business for over 20 years.  I have dealt with a lot of companies, geothermal installers, and systems.  When it comes to the best brand of geothermal heat pump, Waterfurnace vs. Climatemaster or Waterfurnace vs. Geocomfort, I rate Waterfurnace first and Climatemaster second. Waterfurnace Geothermal is a worldwide company, trains their installers to do it right, and provides great customer service.

I want to thank the following Waterfurnace representative for his assistance in my research over the years.

Keith Key
Territory Manager MS / AL / FL Panhandle
WaterFurnaceInternational
103 Carriage Lane
Madison, MS 39110
Office: (877) 533-0218
Cell: (260) 442-2987
Fax: (877) 634-7470