Are you ready to leave fossil fuel heating behind? Are you done with outdoor AC units you need to hose off every spring, or air-source heat pumps that just can’t compete with winter temperatures in Arizona?

It’s time to consider upgrading to a geothermal heat pump for your Glendale home. You will enjoy years of comfort, lower energy costs, and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the planet by using a sustainable resource—heat energy from underground.

At Clear Air Conditioning & Heating, we understand the price might seem steep. You will pay more than you would for a gas furnace, air conditioner, or air-source heat pump. However, we believe this eco-friendly heating and cooling system’s efficiency, reliability, and longevity, coupled with incentives, make it a wise investment.

Before we look at what influences geothermal installation and equipment costs, let’s review how it works.

How Does Geothermal Work?

Unlike conventional HVAC units that fight against volatile outdoor air temperatures, geothermal systems draw on the stable, underground temperatures just a few feet below the surface. The consistent temperature allows for exceptional efficiency.

An underground loop—a network of buried pipes filled with circulating liquid—is the core of a geothermal system. During winter, this fluid absorbs the earth’s natural warmth, carrying it to an indoor heat pump that distributes the heat throughout your home. In the summer, the process reverses, with the system extracting heat from your home’s air and transferring it to the cooler ground.

Geothermal systems are incredibly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly because they move heat rather than generate it by burning fossil fuels. The result is lower monthly utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. They also provide consistent, reliable heating and cooling year-round, and both the underground loop and the indoor heat pump last for years.

How Much Does Geothermal Cost?

A one-size-fits-all price does not apply to all geothermal systems. The final cost depends on various factors specific to your home and property. Online sources provide broad national estimates, but your specific quote will likely differ.

Here are some general price ranges from reputable sources to give you a rough idea:

• Carrier estimates geothermal systems and installation at $12,000 to $45,000.
• Forbes cites an average low of $17,000, a middle of $24,500, and a high of $32,300.
• The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says geothermal systems cost $15,000 to $40,000.

These ranges vary significantly because of key factors like system size, the type of ground loop installed, and local soil conditions. Our experienced installers at Clear Air Conditioning & Heating can give you a precise, tailored estimate for your property.

Key Factors Influencing Geothermal System Costs

Installing a geothermal system is more involved than a simple furnace or AC swap. The process is more complex, which accounts for the higher initial cost. Here’s a breakdown of the variables that will affect your final price:

System Size: The size of your home and its heating and cooling needs directly impact the size of the system required. A smaller home will need a smaller, less expensive unit.

Property Conditions: The soil type on your land is crucial. Moist soil transfers heat more efficiently, which can reduce installation costs. Dry or rocky soil is more difficult to work with and can increase labor expenses.

Underground Loop Type: This is one of the most significant cost drivers. Horizontal loops involve digging long, shallow trenches. They are less expensive than vertical loops but require more space and are not suitable for smaller backyards. Vertical loops require drilling deep, narrow holes. They take up less space but are more expensive because of the specialized equipment and labor needed.

Labor and Permits: Labor costs vary by region and local permits. Regulations can add to the overall price.

Financing Your Geothermal Project

At Clear Air Conditioning & Heating, we understand that new HVAC equipment, especially geothermal systems, can stress your budget. That is why we offer financing to help break up the price into manageable monthly payments.

Ask our pros about financing options for your geothermal project!

Don’t Forget About Rebates and Incentives!

Various financial incentives can significantly offset the initial cost of a geothermal system.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 established federally funded, state-run programs that offer rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, including geothermal systems. These funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and expire when depleted or by September 30, 2031, whichever comes first.

These programs offer two main types of rebates:

Income-based (HEAR): These can cover 50% (moderate-income) or even 100% (low-income) of the project costs, making geothermal a possibility for a wide range of homeowners.

Performance-based (HOMES): These rebates are tied to the estimated or measured energy savings of home improvements, including geothermal systems.

The Buildings Hub, which collects data, news, and policy information about electrification and decarbonization, offers a HOMES and HEAR state tracker showing which states have active rebate programs and which are still awaiting approval.

Some utility companies also offer incentives for geothermal installation. We can assist you in finding these local rebates.

Ready for Your Personalized Quote?

Request an instant quote for free right here on our website, or give us a call get a professional consultation to get a clear picture of what a geothermal system will cost for your Glendale home. We can provide a detailed cost estimate based on an accurate property assessment and heating and cooling evaluation.

Call us at 480-770-4132 or get an instant quote online to get started.

The post Understanding Geothermal Heat Pump Costs first appeared on Clear Air Conditioning & Heating and is written by Clear Air Conditioning & Heating.

Homeowners in Glendale, generally favor heat pumps for their energy efficiency and dual heating and cooling capabilities. However, like any HVAC system, they can develop issues that impact performance.

One of the more frustrating problems a homeowner can face is when their heat pump turns on and off repeatedly. This issue can lead to increased wear and tear on the system, a spike in energy bills, and decreased home comfort.

So, what exactly is going on—and how can you fix it? Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. has the answers!

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What Is Short Cycling?
• Causes of Heat Pump Short Cycling
• How Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Can Help

What Is Short Cycling?

The continuous on-and-off behavior is known as short cycling. When a heat pump short cycles, it fails to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. Instead, it turns on for a short time, shuts off abruptly, and then starts back up again shortly after. This cycle can repeat over and over, making the system work harder while achieving less.

Not only is short cycling inefficient, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your heat pump. Since it requires more frequent starts, components like compressors and fan motors can wear out prematurely. On top of that, your home in Glendale, may never feel truly comfortable because the unit can’t maintain a steady indoor temperature.

Causes of Heat Pump Short Cycling

If your heat pump is short cycling, it’s important to diagnose the problem early. Below are four of the most common causes and what you should do to correct them.

1. Air Filter Clogs Lead to Short Cycling

Whenever your heat pump has a problem, always start by checking the air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow and put stress on the system. When air can’t circulate properly, the heat pump may overheat or struggle to sense the room’s temperature, triggering it to shut off early. Then, once it cools down, it restarts—repeating the cycle.

The solution is simple: replace or clean your air filter, depending on whether it’s disposable or reusable. As a general rule, filters should be inspected every 1–3 months and changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

Keeping your filter clean ensures your heat pump can “breathe” properly, which supports longer cycles, better comfort, and improved energy efficiency throughout your Arizona home.

2. Thermostat Errors and Short Cycling

If your thermostat is giving inaccurate readings, your heat pump may turn off before your home reaches the set temperature. This can often be traced back to the thermostat’s placement. If installed too close to a vent, window, or heat source (like direct sunlight), it might falsely detect that the home has reached the desired temperature, triggering an early shutoff.

Another possibility is faulty wiring between your thermostat and the heat pump, causing the system to receive mixed signals.

Either way, it’s best to have one of our certified professionals from Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. inspect the system and thermostat. We can recalibrate, relocate, or replace your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately communicating with your HVAC system.

3. Short Cycling Caused by Leaky Refrigerant

Refrigerant is critical to your heat pump’s ability to heat and cool. During summer, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors. In winter, the process reverses to draw heat into your home. If your system develops a refrigerant leak, it won’t be able to transfer heat effectively.

As a result, the unit struggles to meet the temperature setting, and short cycling can occur. One common sign of a refrigerant issue is ice buildup on your outdoor unit, especially during warmer weather. You might also notice a hissing sound, warm air blowing during cooling mode, or extended cycle times.

Refrigerant handling should always be done by a licensed HVAC technician. If you suspect a leak, contact one of our skilled experts at Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. to safely repair it and recharge your system.

4. Oversized Unit Is the Primary Short Cycling Reason

This is one of the most serious—and unfortunately, common—causes of short cycling. If your heat pump is too large for your home, it will heat or cool the space very quickly, then shut off prematurely because it thinks it’s done. However, because it didn’t run long enough to properly circulate air or manage humidity, the system kicks back on soon after.

This leads to constant cycling, high humidity, uneven temperatures, and high energy bills. Oversized systems also experience more mechanical stress, which can shorten their lifespan.

How Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Can Help

At Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc., we always perform proper load calculations before recommending or installing any HVAC equipment.

Using tools like the ACCA Manual J Load Calculation, we determine the exact capacity your home requires. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper sizing improves energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and overall system performance.

If your heat pump was installed without a Manual J test, we highly recommend scheduling one to determine whether resizing is necessary.

Call Us for All Your Heat Pump Needs

If your heat pump in Glendale, AZ, is short cycling or not performing as it should, don’t wait. These issues can worsen over time and lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

Contact our team at Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. today at 480-360-1243. We’re happy to inspect your system, diagnose the problem, and provide expert solutions to keep your home comfortable year-round.

You can also request service online. Whether it’s maintenance, repair, or a full system replacement, we’re here to help you get the most from your heat pump investment.

The post Why Is My Heat Pump Turning On and Off Frequently? first appeared on Clear Air Conditioning & Heating and is written by Clear Air Conditioning & Heating.

One reason Arizona homeowners love heat pumps is they function as an all-in-one unit. Instead of purchasing and maintaining a separate furnace and air conditioning system, you can simply transition your heat pump from the heat setting to the cooling setting and vice versa as seasons warrant.

Our Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. team wants you to understand how to make this transition safely and effectively.

How a Heat Pump Works

Instead of generating heat by burning a fuel like natural gas, a heat pump simply moves the heat from one location to another. Essentially, it operates just like an air conditioner but has the capability to perform the action in both directions.

Air conditioners do not create cooled air. Instead, a constantly moving refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home, pumps it to the outdoor unit, and releases the heat outside. The result is a lower indoor temperature. A heat pump can work as an air conditioner in the summer.

During the winter, the heat pump takes heat from the outside air, which is possible even in cold outdoor temperatures, and releases that heat inside your home to warm your Glendale living space.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a heat pump can reduce your electricity by up to 50 percent over conventional furnace systems, saving you in energy costs.

Homeowner Maintenance To-Do List

As a homeowner, the transition seasons of spring and fall are the perfect times to conduct some basic heat pump maintenance. These simple steps will help ensure your system is ready for the upcoming season.

First, replace your air filter. Most filters should be replaced every three to six months. This can help improve your heat pump’s efficiency and operation as well as your home’s indoor air quality. Then, take a look at the outside unit and be sure you cut down and remove weeds or other growth within two or three feet, so your heat pump has plenty of air circulation.

It’s a good idea to clean your coils before winter arrives, because the cold weather makes it much harder. Also, flush and clean out your drain line and prime the trap if needed. If your heat pump uses electric heat, look for any wire damage or discoloration.

Finally, check your thermostat settings and adjust them for winter weather.

Professional Maintenance To-Do List

If you’ve completed your homeowner checklist for transitioning your heat pump, it’s time to call in our professionals for a biannual check. Our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team will provide a complete inspection, cleaning, and tune-up at an affordable price that will ultimately save you stress, time, and money on repairs later in the season.

A professional should check and adjust refrigerant levels in your heat pump. Only a professional can add coolant and repair leaks correctly.

If you noticed any potential electrical problems, a trained technician can repair exposed wiring or loose connections. Your blower motor should be oiled, and its wheels should be inspected for balance. Finally, your evaporator coils should be checked and cleaned during this visit.

Protect Your Heat Pump During Shoulder Seasons

When nights tend to be cold and days warmer during spring and autumn, it can get tricky to use your heat pump effectively. In some cases, switching between the heating and air conditioning modes can lead to an overworked system and related problems.

Your heat pump uses a great deal of energy to turn on and off, and switching constantly between heating and cooling can result in short-cycling types of issues like tripping the circuit breaker.

If your heat pump is in air conditioner mode, and your thermostat is set to cooling, your outdoor condensing unit will be working. If the set-point temperature is set higher to turn off the cooling function and then moved lower due to a need for heat, it can lock up the compressor. The same problem can occur in heating mode as well.

Some heat pumps incorporate a digital thermostat or an anti-short-cycling trigger to prevent this problem. However, you can also be sure you give your system a five-minute break if you’re switching between cooling and heating frequently during the shoulder seasons.

Call Us With Any Heat Pump Needs

When you’re ready for your professional maintenance service call on your heat pump, contact Clear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. in Glendale, AZ, to schedule an appointment. We’d be happy to come out to perform a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and tune-up. Or if you find you need a repair or replacement, we will help you there as well. Call 623-516-8373 or request service online today.

The post Transitioning Your Heat Pump first appeared on Clear Air Conditioning & Heating and is written by Clear Air Conditioning & Heating.