Geothermal: The Future of Heating and Cooling on Long Island

Most Long Islanders know GreenLogic as a leader in solar energy, but our clean energy expertise extends beyond the rooftop. For more than 15 years, we have been helping homeowners and builders design systems that reduce energy costs, increase comfort, and lower environmental impact.

How Geothermal Works

Geothermal heating and cooling systems harness the steady temperatures that exist just below the earth’s surface. While outdoor air can swing dramatically from freezing in the winter to scorching in the summer, the ground a few feet down maintains a constant temperature of around 50 to 60 degrees year-round. By circulating fluid through underground loops, geothermal systems use this natural stability to move heat in or out of a home, depending on the season. In the winter, the system extracts heat from the earth and delivers it indoors; in the summer, it reverses the process, pulling heat from the house and transferring it back underground.

This process is not only reliable but also highly efficient. A well-designed geothermal system can cut electricity use for heating and cooling nearly in half when compared to air-source heat pumps. It also eliminates the need for noisy outdoor condensers, instead relying on durable underground infrastructure that can last for decades. Indoor geothermal equipment typically lasts 20 to 25 years, while the underground loop field can function for 50 years or more.

When Geothermal is the Right Fit

It is important to recognize that geothermal is not the right solution for every home. Retrofitting is most successful in properties where a homeowner needs both new heating and new cooling equipment at the same time. The home must already have a ducted system, as geothermal does not integrate with baseboards or radiators. There also needs to be adequate space on the property to drill wells or ground loops, and the home should be reasonably well-insulated and air sealed to capture the full benefits of the system. Finally, geothermal is best suited to homeowners with a long-term horizon, since the greatest value comes from years of low operating costs and reduced maintenance.

For new construction, however, geothermal becomes almost a no-brainer. Starting in 2026, New York building codes will require the use of heat pump systems in all new homes. That means builders and homeowners will be purchasing new HVAC equipment regardless of which technology they choose. Given the choice, it makes sense to select the most efficient and durable system available. Geothermal not only uses far less electricity than air-source heat pumps, but it also lasts longer and provides more consistent comfort.

The Advantage of Pairing Geothermal with Solar

The real breakthrough comes when geothermal is paired with solar energy. Each technology is powerful on its own, but together they create a home that approaches true energy independence. Geothermal significantly reduces the amount of electricity required to heat and cool a home. Solar then provides the renewable power to run that system. The result is a house that can cover most, if not all, of its own energy needs.

For homeowners, this combination delivers two major benefits. First, it locks in long-term savings. By lowering consumption and generating clean electricity on-site, families are shielded from rising utility costs for decades. Second, it represents a major step toward sustainability. Heating and cooling are typically the largest sources of household energy use and carbon emissions. When those systems are powered by a geothermal loop and solar panels, the environmental impact shrinks dramatically.

Why Work with GreenLogic

At GreenLogic, we bring more than solar expertise. From initial consultation and design through installation and maintenance, our team works to ensure every project is tailored to the property and the homeowner’s goals. Whether you are retrofitting an existing home under the right conditions or planning a new build that must meet the coming code requirements, GreenLogic can help you design a geothermal and solar solution that provides decades of comfort, savings, and sustainability.

Interested in exploring geothermal and solar for your home or project? Contact GreenLogic today and discover how the power beneath your feet – and the power of the sun – can work together to transform your home.