A geothermal heat pump takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to provide highly efficient heating and cooling. In the winter, fluid circulating in underground pipes carries the earth’s heat to your home, where it is concentrated to provide heating. In the summer, the process is reversed and heat from your home is carried back to the earth through the pipes to provide cooling.

A few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground temperature remains fairly stable through the year, ranging from 45 degrees in the North to 70 degrees in the South. Ground temperatures, like those in a cave, are warmer than the air above in the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. A geothermal heat pump taps these conditions, carrying energy through a series of fluid-filled copper or plastic pipes installed underground. This allows the geothermal heat pump to provide space heating and cooling. Some systems can also heat water.

According to studies, ENERGY STAR^®-certified geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy costs by 20 to 70 percent. Approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable energy from the ground. The systems use a small amount of electricity to operate the heat pump, ground loop pump and distribution fan or pump.

A geothermal heat pump is a reliable, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly heating and cooling choice. It operates safely and quietly, with no combustion, direct emissions or exposed outdoor equipment, such as a fuel tank.   Because it is mechanically simple and all exterior equipment is below ground, protected from the weather, maintenance costs are often lower than other heating and cooling systems.

How We Help

We make it affordable to install a geothermal heat pump system with rebates of $750 per ton for customers who heat with electric or natural gas and up to $1,500 per ton for customers who heat with fuel oil or propane for qualifying systems. Total rebate amount not to exceed $10,000 per home.

Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.

Rebate applications for 2020 rebates are being accepted and processed for payment. Please submit your 2020 rebate within the prescribed timeframe on the rebate form. Please contact Eversource or United Illuminating at 877-WISE-USE with questions.

• A closed loop circulates fluid through an underground field. The loop is enclosed in vertical and/or horizontal trenches.
• Single or multiple pumps, fans and compressors provide heating and cooling.
• A distribution system, typically ductwork, carries air throughout the home to maintain an even temperature.

Step 1 -

See the rebate application on this page for details on qualifying geothermal heat pump equipment.

Step 2 -

Choose a geothermal contractor for your installation. Although you are free to use any geothermal contractor, feel free to choose a contractor from our list. 

Find a geothermal contractor.

Step 3 -

Have your qualifying unit installed.

Step 4 -

Submit your rebate application along with required documentation. Rebate amount is $750 per ton for customers who heat with electric or natural gas and up to $1,500 per ton for customer who heat with fuel oil or propane.  Total rebate amount not to exceed $10,000 per home.

Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information. 

Eversource and UI residential electric service customers are eligible for incentives for the installation of a geothermal closed loop or direct expansion, packaged or matched coil/split* including water to water-designed types up to six tons per unit.

Geothermal equipment must be a closed loop or direct expansion type and ENERGY STAR^® certified in order to be eligible for a rebate.

• Field testing must be done under appropriate test conditions
• AHRI/ISO/ASHRAE Standard 13256-1 closed loop systems
• AHRI/ISO/ASHRAE Standard 870 for DX systems

A list of ENERGY STAR certified geothermal equipment can be found on the ENERGY STAR website.

The rebate for qualifying geothermal units is $750 per nominal AHRI-rated cooling ton for successfully commissioned geothermal systems (existing homes heating with electric or natural gas to a maximum rebate amount of $10,000 per home).  Oil & propane homes only - Rebate is paid in ½ ton increments capped at $1,500 per ton, up to $10,000 total rebate.

Be aware of the time limitations of the rebate offers!

*Multiple sections and fans must be AHRI matched.

If you are a Connecticut resident and are not served by one of the utilities listed above, please visit your municipal utility’s website to see what programs are available to you. 

Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.