Geothermal Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

With our geothermal ratings, you can cut through all the sales hype and find the best value. It truly is like taking a repairman with you while you shop. We've already performed the research and ranked them for you. We have given each brand a rating of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for our own home, we would most likely choose that brand. If more than one brand has that rating, we would choose the one with the lowest price.

We have separated the units into three basic types which are split systems, packaged systems, and direct expansion systems.

BRAND-------------water to water---water to air---combination

AERMEC-----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is a part of the RIELLO GROUP from Italy. The VENICE range of units are available in four sizes to match the needs of your home and are available as cooling only or heat pump models. The units feature reliable scroll compressors and microprocessor based control. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (aermec.com)

AVENIR ENERGIE---------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is a part of the DANFOSS GROUP and is available throughout Europe. They offer units for use with ground water as well as loop systems. The DUAL FLUID TANDEM units have two scroll compressors and stainless steel heat exchanger for durability. They offer a cooling option but the units are generally best for heating only. The GEOPACK units are designed for outdoor installation and come connected to a factory filled loop system for easy installation. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (avenir-energie.com)

BARD--------------------NA---------------2*-----------NA This brand is available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The GEO-TRIO series units have two stage scroll compressors and ECM blower motors. The warranty has been substantially improved and the units are very friendly for the installer as they come in three separate pieces for ease in handling. (bardhvac.com)

BARTL-------------------<1*--------------NA-----------NA These units are made in Germany and are available throughout Europe. They provide hot water for central heating as well as for domestic hot water. They offer a cooling option but it is not standard on the units. They offer groundwater units as well as the SOLE HEAT PUMP which uses a brine solution and loops. The units have scroll compressors for reliability and stainless steel heat exchangers for durability. They offer two stage models for added energy savings but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (bartlwp.de)

BAXI--------------------<1*--------------NA-----------NA The GEOFLO units are basic models for central heating and domestic hot water production only. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (baxi.co.uk)

BOREAL------------------<1*-------------<1*-----------3* This brand is made in Canada. The HW series units are water to water systems that are available in single speed or three speed models. The IFW series units are specifically designed for infloor radiant heating as they have all of the necessary components built into a compact easy to install package. The AHW units are combo units that are backed by a pretty good guarantee. The water to air models are available in either active or passive cooling models. The R series models feature a two speed compressor and an ECM blower motor. The standard warranty on the water to air and water to water units is not very good. (boreal-geothermal.ca)

BOSCH--------------------4*---------------4*----------NA The TW series offers water to water units with a two stage scroll compressor and they are backed by a very good warranty. The BP series offers basic single stage water to air units that feature a durable stainless steel drain pan. The CP series is a quieter version that uses a standard two inch deep MERV 11 filter. The CE series offers two stage operation as well as a variable speed blower motor. All of the units are backed by a very good warranty. (bosch-climate.us)

BUDERUS-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is a part of BOSCH THERMO GmBH. The LOGAFIX WPW units offer passive cooling as well as heating. The LOGATHERM WPS units are brine/water units that are available in six sizes to match the size of your home. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (buderus.de)

CALOREX-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are made in the U.K. and are available throughout Europe. They are for central heating and domestic hot water production only. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (calorex.com)

CARRIER------------------4*---------------4*----------NA This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES. The GT-PW series units are a very good choice for a basic water to water system. They offer an optional domestic hot water generator and are backed by a very good warranty but they are only available in 3, 5, & 10 ton sizes. They also offer a high temperature water to water unit that is for heating only applications. The GT-PX series units are ultra high efficiency water to air units with a two stage compressor and variable speed fan motor. They offer models for upflow, downflow and horozontal installations. (residential.carrier.com)

CENTURY------------------3*---------------3*----------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The HT series models are water to air units with a two stage compressor and a variable speed blower motor for added efficiency and comfort. They also have a domestic hot water generator and are backed by a good warranty. All of the units have an insulated stainless steel drain pain for durability. (century-hvac.com)

CLIMATEMASTER------------3*---------------2*----------NA This brand is a subsidiary of LSB INDUSTRIES. The TRANQUILITY 20 series are basic single stage water to air units while the TRANQUILITY 27 models have a 2 stage scroll compressor, ECM blower motor, and a standard MERV 11 filter for cleaner air. The THW series water to water units are higher temperature units for hydronic systems and provide higher water temperatures for improved heating. The TMW models are for normal temperatures. (climatemaster.com)

CLIMAVENETA-------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is a part of the DELONGHI GROUP and the units are available in Europe and the Middle East countries. The PRANA range features units with stainless steel heat exchangers and scroll compressors for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (climaveneta.it)

COMFORT AIRE------------<1*---------------1*----------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The HSW series water to water units do not have a very good warranty. The GEOMAX2 series units are water to air units with a very good warranty. They also have a 2 stage compressor, ECM blower motor, and a standard desuperheater for hot water production. They have a dealer locator by state on their website to help you to find an authorized retailer.(comfortaire-hvac.com)

DIMPLEX-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is a part of the GLEN DIMPLEX GROUP based in Ireland. The brand offers heating/domestic hot water only units as well as combined heating/cooling models. The units feature durable scroll compressors and weather compensation control for increased energy savings. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ELCO--------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA The AQUATOP T units provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water production. They offer ground water models as well as brine solution loop models. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (elco.at)

EMCAL-------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units use brine water solution and are for loop installations only. They offer thirteen sizes of units to closely match the heating load of the home. They use scroll compressors and stainless steel heat exchangers for durability and offer optional active cooling. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

EURONOM-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are available in Europe. The EXOTIC S units feature an optimized scroll compressor for efficiency and reliability. They are made of stainless steel for durability and are available in six sizes to match the needs of your home. They are for central heating and domestic hot water production only and the warranty is not very good. (euronom.se)

FLORIDA HEAT PUMP--------NA---------------NA----------NA This brand was purchased by Bosch and currently is for their units for commercial buildings. The residential unit offerings have been replaced by their own brand name. (see the BOSCH rating)

GEOCOMFORT---------------3*---------------2*----------4* This brand is from ENERTECH GLOBAL LLC. The COMPASS series of geothermal heat pumps offers aluminum micro-channel air coils to eliminate corrosion and a composite anti-microbial drain pan to inhibit mold growth. They are very quiet due to their quadruple compressor isolation system and variable speed fan motors. They feature Copeland UltraTech compressors and appliance grade cabinets. They are backed by a good warranty. (geocomfort.com)

GEOFURNACE--------------<1*--------------<1*---------<1* These heat pumps feature scroll compressors and stainless steel cabinets for durability. They use a desuperheater to assist in domestic hot water production and the forced air units have a variable speed motor. Their website is not much help and their warranty information is incomplete. (geofurnacemfg.com)

GEOSOURCE---------------<1*--------------<1*---------<1* This brand is a part of GEOSYSTEMS which is a subsidiary of RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORP. The units use cold climate technology and feature scroll compressors and ECM blowers but the warranty is not very good. (econar.com)

GEOSTAR-----------------<1*--------------<1*----------NA These units are made by WATER FURNACE INTERNATIONAL and feature scroll compressors and stainless steel heat exchangers for durability. The Aston series units are available in single or dual stage models. The Cypress series units are designed for heating/cooling with radiant heating. Their website is not much help and does not have a clear warranty policy. (geostar-geo.com)

GORENJE-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is made in Poland and sold throughout Europe. The TERRAGOR range offers brine/water units in five sizes and uses passive cooling while the AQUAGOR line uses only water. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HAUTEC------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is made in germany and sold throughout Europe. They offer units that use groundwater and also brine-water units. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HELIOTHERM--------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are made in Austria and are sold throughout Europe. They offer units for heating only as well as heat/cool units. They offer systems designed for using wells as well as brine. Their "dsi-technology" is innovative and they offer modulating units to increase efficiency. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (heliotherm.at)

HYDROHEAT---------------<1*--------------<1*----------NA This brand is a part of GEOSYSYTEMS which is a subsidiary of RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORP. The MEGA-TEK TS QUADRO-THERM is a water to air unit with a two speed compressor, ECM blower motor, and dual hot water production. The unit has a demand water heater as well as a desuperheater for domestic hot water production. The standard warranty on this brand is not very good but they have extended warranties available. (hydrodelta.com)

HYDRON MODULE------------5*---------------5*----------5* This brand is from ENERTECH GLOBAL LLC. The REVOLUTION series of geothermal heat pumps offers aluminum micro-channel air coils to eliminate corrosion and a composite anti-microbial drain pan to inhibit mold growth. They are very quiet due to their quadruple compressor isolation system and variable speed fan motors. They feature Copeland UltraTech compressors and stainless steel cabinets for durability. The H series units are a more basic version that is available in either single or two stage models. The brand is backed by an industry leading warranty. (hydronmodule.com)

HYDRO TEMP---------------NA--------------<1*----------NA This brand features custom built units. They have an excellent control board with built in zone damper controls. They offer three stage units that have two compressors in them. They have a limited dealer network and the warranty is not very good. (hydro-temp.com)

IVT----------------------1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is a part of the BOSCH THERMOTECHNOLOGY GROUP and is available in Europe. The PREMIUMLINE X models have state of the art inverter compressors as well as variable speed pumps for efficiency. They are backed by a very good guarantee but they do not provide a cooling option for the home.

KINKAI------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are made in China by GUANGZHOU KAINENG ELECTRIC CO. LTD. They offer heat and cool units. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (ikinkai.com)

KLIMAIRE-----------------NA--------------<1*----------NA The TRANQUIL units feature a stainless steel cabinet and a scroll compressor for durability. They are available in either horozontal or vertical mounted styles and offer an optional hot water booster. The warranty is not very good when compared to other brands. (klimaire.com)

KNV---------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are available in Europe. The GREENLINE SOLE units use an earth probe but they also offer models for groundwater use. They have an available built-in domestic hot water tank as well as optional cooling. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty poolicy. (knv.at)

MIAMI HEAT PUMP---------<1*--------------<1*----------NA These heat pumps are available in North and South America. The WSHP series units are basic forced air units with a stainless steel cabinet and cupro-nickel heat exchangers for durability. They offer many options including a desuperheater for domestic hot water production. The HPWW series units are basic water to water units. The warranty on this brand is not very good but they have an online store where they can be purchased.

NIBE--------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand offers heating only, heating/cooling, and heating cooling units with a built in domestic hot water tank. The warranty (especially on the compressor) is not as good as other options. (nibe.co.uk)

NORDIC------------------<1*--------------<1*---------<1* This brand is from MARITIME GEOTHERMAL LTD. They offer models in either R-22 or R-410a. They have a dealer locator with links on their website. The warranty on this brand is not good. (nordicghp.com)

NORTHERN HEAT PUMP------<1*--------------<1*---------<1* This brand is made in Canada and sold in Canada and the U.S. The AQUA3 units have two independent hot water circuits. The EXTERRA series units feature stainless steel cabinets to resist corrosion. The standard warranty on this brand is not very good. (northernheatpump.com)

OCHSNER-----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are available in Europe. They offer a wide variety of models in heating only and heating/cooling. The COMBINATION UNIVERSAL model offers heating and domestic hot water production with optional active cooling. The unit features a stainless steel hot water tank for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (ochsner.com)

POLAR BEAR ENERGY-------<1*--------------<1*----------NA This brand is made in Canada. They use pretty standard technology but do not have a very good warranty. (polarbearenergy.com)

PZP--------------------<1*----------------NA----------NA This brand is made in the Czech Republic and is available throughout Europe. The HPWW model features durable scroll compressors, an LCD display, and a MicroTC control system. the warranty on the compressor is not very good. (pzp.cz)

ROTH-------------------<1*---------------<1*----------NA The RVT models are single stage water to air units that have some very good features but the warranty on the parts (other than the compressor) is not very good. The RXT series features packaged units that have two stage compressors, a stainless steel drain pan, variable speed blower, and a copper heat exchanger for durability and efficiency. The RWT series units are water to water models in either single stage or two stage models. The two stage models use two compressors which is not the best technology. The brand has an average warranty. (roth-usa.com)

SAKURA------------------NA---------------<1*----------NA These units are made in China and are available in both 50 and 60 hz units. They offer a variety of units to fit most applications and have basic features. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (sakura-aircon.com)

SOFATH------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA This brand is from TERMATIS TECHNOLOGIES. They are made in France and sold in Europe. The standard TERMEO units are heating only units but they offer cooling as an option. (sofath.com)

STIEBEL ELTRON----------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units use a brine solution. The WPC 5-13 COOL models are available in four sizes and provide heating, domestic hot water, and cooling for the home. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

TETCO--------------------3*---------------2*----------4* This brand is manufactured by ENERTEC GLOBAL LLC. The ES4 series offers a variety of units for any application and features a stainless steel drain pan to eliminate corrosion, durable Copeland scroll compressors, and digital controls. A desuperheater for domestic hot water heating is standard on the units and a variable speed blower motor is standard on two stage models. The ESIII-X series of split geothermal heat pumps are two stage units with all of the same features and a very good warranty. (tetcogeo.com)

TILI---------------------NA--------------<1*----------NA This brand is only available in four sizes from 1.5 to 3 tons. They use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly. They have a three speed stepped fan instead of an ECM motor. (tili-northamerica.com)

TRANE--------------------4*---------------4*----------NA This brand is a part of INGERSOL RAND. Their EARTHWISE systems are available in multiple styles to meet the needs of most homes and are backed by a good warranty. The T2GX/T1GX models are packaged water to air models with variable speed fans. They are either single stage (T1GX) or two stage (T2GX) and offer a domestic hot water option. The T1GC model is a basic single stage water to air unit with a fixed speed blower. The T1GW/T2GW units are single stage (T1GW) or two stage (T2GW) water to water units. (trane.com)

VAILLANT----------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units offer optional passive cooling but the standard unit is for central heating and domestic hot water production. The geoTHERM model is for heating only while the geoTHERM EXCLUSIVE has an integrated 175 liter hot water tank and weather compensated controls. (vaillant.co.uk)

VIESSMANN---------------<1*---------------NA----------NA the VITOCAL 200-G offers passive cooling as well as central heating and features weather compensated control for improved energy savings. The VITOCAL 333-G NC has an integral 170 liter hot water tank as well as heating and pasive cooling modes. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (viessmann.com)

WATERFURNACE-------------3*---------------2*----------4* This brand offers a wide variety of units using the latest technologies. They are backed by the best standard warranty in the industry. (waterfurnace.com)

WATERKOTTE--------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are available in Europe. They offer heating and cooling as well as have a built-in domestic hot water tank. They feature scroll compressors for reliability but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (waterkotte.de)

WOLF--------------------<1*---------------NA----------NA These units are brine/water units that provide domestic hot water as well as central heating. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (wolf-hieztechnik.de)

WORCESTER---------------<1*---------------NA----------NA The GREENSTORE units are available as a "system" or "combi" model and are for central heating and domestic hot water only. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BRAND-----------------indoor units-----outdoor units

BOREAL-------------------<1*---------------NA These heat pumps are made in Canada and have all of the basic features but their warranty is not as good as other brands. (boreal-geothermal.ca)

CARRIER-------------------3*---------------5* This brand is from UNITED TECHNOLOGIES. The GT-PE series units install outdoors and are a good choice to replace an old standard air source heat pump. They are backed by a very good warranty and have a two stage compressor for efficiency and enhanced comfort. The GT-PX SPLIT series units are indoor units that have a two stage compressor and are backed by a very good warranty. (residential.carrier.com)

CENTURY-------------------4*---------------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. They offer single and two stage units that are backed by a very good warranty. They have a dealer locator by state on their website to help you to find an authorized contractor. (century-hvac.com)

CLIMATEMASTER-------------2*---------------5* This brand is a subsidiary of LSB INDUSTRIES. The outdoor models have all of the standard features and are a good choice for replacing an existing conventional air conditioner. They are backed by a good warranty. The indoor split models have all of the standard features but their warranty is not as good as some of the other brands. (climatemaster.com)

COMFORT AIRE--------------2*---------------NA This is another brand from HEAT CONTROLLER. It is identical to the CENTURY brand. (comfortaire-hvac.com)

GEOCOMFORT----------------3*---------------NA This brand is from ENERTECH GLOBAL LLC. The ST series heat pumps are available in either single or two stage models and feature Copeland UltraTech scroll compressors and appliance grade cabinets. They offer an optional desuperheater for domestic hot water and are backed backed by a very good warranty. (geocomfort.com)

GEOFURNACE---------------<1*---------------NA These heat pumps feature scroll compressors and stainless steel cabinets for durability. They use a desuperheater to assist in domestic hot water production. Their website is not much help and their warranty information is incomplete. (geofurnacemfg.com)

GEOSTAR------------------<1*---------------3* These units are made by WATER FURNACE INTERNATIONAL. They offer all of the standard features but their website is not much help and does not have a clear warranty policy. (geostar-geo.com)

HYDROHEAT----------------<1*---------------NA This brand is a part of GEOSYSTEMS which is a subsidiary of RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORP. They offer single and two speed units but the standard warranty is not very good. They have extended warranties that can be purchased. (hydrodelta.com)

HYDRON MODULE-------------5*---------------NA This is another brand from ENERTECH GLOBAL LLC. The REVOLUTION series units are available in either single or two stage models and feature Copeland UltraTech scroll compressors. They offer an optional desuperheater for domestic hot water and are backed by an industry leading warranty. (hydronmodule.com)

TETCO---------------------2*---------------NA This brand is manufactured by ENERTEC GLOBAL LLC. The ES4 series units feature a stainless steel drain pan to eliminate corrosion and durable Copeland scroll compressors. (tetcogeo.com)

TRANE---------------------3*---------------5* The T2GE model is designed for outdoor installation and is a simple single stage unit with a good warranty. The T1GN/T2GN units are mounted indoors and are either single stage (T1GN) or two stage (T2GN).

WATERFURNACE--------------3*---------------5* This brand is backed by the best warranty in the industry. They have a dealer locator on their website. (waterfurnace.com)

BRAND--------------------------RATING

AVENIR ENERGIE-------------------3* This brand is a part of the DANFOSS GROUP and is available in Europe. The units use a scroll compressor and environmentally friendly refrigerant. The standard unit is for heating but a cooling option is available. Their tandem system consists of two compressors for two stages of heating and cooling. The GEOPACK is a complete system that is ready for outdoor installation and is for radiant heating systems. (avenir-energie.com)

EARTH LINKED---------------------4* This brand uses scroll compressors. They have options for a desuperheater or a demand hot water heater. Their ADAPTIV refrigerant flow controls modulate the refrigerant flow to obtain higher efficiencies.(earthlinked.com)

ETA------------------------------4* These units feature stainless steel cabinets for durability. Their patented GSHE loop (captor) system has an insulated liquid line for efficiency. They have a dealer locator on their website. (earthtoair.com)

GREAT AIRE COMFORT SYSTEM--------4* These systems are manufactured by ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (advgeo.com)

NORDIC---------------------------5* This brand is from MARITIME GEOTHERMAL LTD. They have a dealer locator with links on their website. The DX series are available in two stage heat only or heat/cool models. The units have an ECM (variable speed) blower motor for quiet and efficienct operation. (nordicghp.com)

SOFATH---------------------------3* This brand is from TERMATIS TECHNOLOGIES SAS. It is made in France and sold in Europe. The standard NATEA system is for heating only but offers cooling as an option. (sofath.com)
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