Using Geothermal
If you're building a custom home or doing a major HVAC upgrade, you've likely explored various heating and cooling systems. One option that is gaining traction—especially for homes built for the long haul—is geothermal energy. Below, we break down when geothermal makes sense, and the benefits that make it worth considering.
What is geothermal HVAC?
Geothermal (or ground-source) heat pump systems leverage the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat or cool your home. Instead of relying solely on outside air like traditional systems, the system circulates a fluid in a 300 foot deep well to exchange heat with the ground. In summer the ground absorbs heat, and in winter it helps deliver warmth.
When does geothermal make sense for your home?
Here are the key scenarios where installing a geothermal system is particularly smart:
• New custom home construction
When you're designing a home from the ground up (especially with Brentwood Builders LLC, etc.), you have the flexibility to integrate the buried closed loops early in construction. Which means no retrofitting is required, and you can design ductwork, insulation, and zone systems optimized around the geothermal unit.
• Larger square footage or high-performance homes
For homes with large volume, lots of conditioned space, or very tight envelope performance, the efficiencies of geothermal become more compelling. The more time the system runs and the more energy it produces, the stronger the return on investment.
• Long-term ownership mindset
If you plan to stay in the house for many years (7 +), the payback period on geothermal is far better. The system has higher upfront costs than traditional HVAC systems, so the savings accumulate over time.
• Homes with lots of heating + cooling demand
If your region sees big swings (hot summers, cold winters) or you have specialized zones (e.g., home gym, media room, pool house), geothermal can handle both heating and cooling efficiently—even simultaneous heating & cooling in different zones.
• Land availability and suitable site conditions
Because Brentwood Builders uses wells as opposed to surface loops, most yards are large enough to accommodate a geothermal system.
• Desire for quieter, more durable system
Geothermal systems often operate more quietly (the compressor can be inside, and there's no large outdoor condensing unit). They also tend to have long lifespans (loops may last 50 + years) and lower maintenance if properly designed.
Key benefits of geothermal systems
Here are the major advantages, and how they matter for a custom home builder and homeowner.
1. Energy efficiency and lower operating cost
Because the system is leveraging stable ground temperatures, geothermal heat pumps can achieve higher efficiencies than air-source systems. That translates into lower monthly energy bills—especially helpful in large homes where HVAC is a major portion of operating cost.
2. Environmental sustainability
If reducing your home's carbon footprint is part of the design brief, geothermal is a strong choice. Fewer fossil-fuel inputs, less electricity used per unit of heating or cooling, and it integrates well with renewable generation (solar PV, etc.) to push toward net-zero or near-net-zero performance.
3. Comfort and consistent performance
Geothermal systems deliver very consistent temperatures, fewer drafts, and better humidity control (especially when coupled with high-quality indoor air systems). Because they're not subject to outdoor temperature extremes, they maintain comfort more reliably.
4. Longevity and fewer major components outdoors
The ground loop field is often very long lived. The indoor heat pump equipment is also typically better protected from the elements. For a premium custom home, that means less visible equipment, less maintenance fuss, and a system that aligns with a "built for generations" mindset.
5. Quiet operation and design aesthetic
Because much of the mechanical equipment is hidden, and there's no large outdoor condenser fan blowing all summer, geothermal systems support a cleaner exterior aesthetic and quieter performance—important in upscale custom homes where architecture, landscaping and serenity matter.
6. Resiliency and flexibility
In some designs, geothermal systems can integrate with backup systems, hybrid designs, and even provide domestic hot water. That flexibility is a valuable design advantage when you're working with custom mechanical plans, multiple zones, and high-end amenities.
Cost considerations and planning
Of course, geothermal isn't "free"—it requires a higher upfront investment than conventional systems. So, when recommending it, we consider:
The incremental cost versus a high-efficiency air-source heat pump.
The expected energy savings (based on climate, size of home, hours of usage).
Integration with the rest of the mechanical system (ductwork, zoning, controls) and how that system will perform over time.
Incentives and tax credits (federal/state/local) which may offset most, if not all, additional costs.
Lifecycle value: If you're building a home intended to last multiple decades, the upfront cost is easier to justify.
How we approach geothermal with our custom homes
At Brentwood Builders, for clients who are interested in geothermal, we recommend early coordination with mechanical engineers during the design phase. Key steps include:
Evaluate the loads: HVAC, water heating, pool/spa loads, and any special zones.
Review site conditions: Search for potential locations for wells.
Discuss integration: Do we combine geothermal with radiant floor heating? A dedicated dehumidification system? Smart zoning?
Cost/benefit modelling: we build scenarios comparing high-end traditional systems vs geothermal, so you can see payback and lifetime cost.
Mechanical/architectural coordination: ensure equipment rooms, loop field layout, service access, and aesthetic placement all work with the home architecture.
Plan for maintenance and service: while geothermal is robust, we still model for maintenance access, filters, and eventual system replacement timelines.
Final thoughts
If you're building a custom home with longevity, high performance, and a desire for efficiency and comfort, geothermal is absolutely worth a serious look. While it may not make sense for every project (especially smaller homes or sites with limited space), when the conditions align, it offers outstanding value, performance, and design compatibility.
Let's talk more about whether geothermal makes sense for your next home. We'll walk you through the trade-offs, help you model the savings, and design the system into your home early so that it performs beautifully and seamlessly for decades.