Geothermal
The gold standard in home comfort.
Tap into the earth's constant 50–55°F ground temperature for 300–500% heating and cooling efficiency.
COP 3.0–5.0
Silent Comfort
25+ Year System Lifespan
HOW GEOTHERMAL WORKS
Ground temperature stays 50–55°F year-round. That's the engine.
A ground loop circulates fluid to exchange heat with the earth. In winter, the system extracts heat from the ground; in summer, it rejects heat back to the ground. This creates a Coefficient of Performance of 3.0–5.0: meaning $1 of electricity produces $3–5 of heating or cooling output.
Vertical closed loop
Horizontal closed loop
Boreholes 150–300 feet deep penetrate through layers to access stable ground temperatures. Minimal yard disruption: ideal for smaller North Shore lots. Most common installation method in our area due to typical lot sizes and soil conditions.
Trenches 4–8 feet deep laid across the property. Requires more yard space but offers lower drilling costs. Best suited for larger properties with sufficient acreage and fewer subsurface obstacles.
Is your property a good geothermal candidate?
- Space for drilling or trenching accessClear path around utilities, trees, hardscape, sewer lines, and other underground constraintsA heating and cooling load that supports the investmentA long-term ownership horizonBudget for a premium system with lower operating costs over timeInterest in quiet comfort, no outdoor compressor, and long equipment life
Strong fit / May not be the first choice
Strong fit
-
Larger lots with adequate space
Homeowners planning to stay long-term
Higher upfront budget available
Priority on lowest long-term operating cost
May not be the first choice
- Small or tightly constrained lotsShort-term ownership plansLimited upfront budgetPriority on lowest upfront cost over lifetime savings
The Geothermal Process
Step 01
Site Assessment
Step 02
System Design
Step 03
Installation
We evaluate your property's geology and lot size to determine if a vertical or horizontal loop is best.
Our engineers calculate precise thermal loads to size the ground loop and heat pump for peak efficiency.
Technicians install the underground loops and heat pump units with specialized equipment and minimal fuss.
Value & savings outlook
Geothermal is a premier investment for your future.
$35–$80k range
9–14 year return
Up to $6k
50+ Year Life
Total project cost
Typical payback
Standard estimated costs. Heat pumps last 25+ years.
Utility bill reductions add up for decades to come.
Local rebates
Underground loop
ComEd geothermal rebates of up to $6,000 may be available, and we verify current program rules before putting incentives into a proposal.
Extremely durable infrastructure for your estate.
These systems also integrate with existing hydronic setups. If you prefer your radiant heat or radiator system, you can frequently maintain them while replacing the boiler with a geothermal unit.
Why choose Next Step
Geothermal requires specialized expertise. We have it.
Expert leadership
Ivan & Boris Buchancow
GAOI Member
Certified to the highest standard
Years of geothermal experience and over a dozen successful installations across the Chicago area. Geothermal is not a sideline for us, it's a core competency.
Geothermal Alliance of Illinois certification ensures we meet the highest industry standards and stay current with best practices in loop-field design and system commissioning.
Complete project management
From well drilling to final commissioning
Precise engineering
Manual J every time
We coordinate every aspect: loop-field contractors, permit pull, electrical, equipment installation, and commissioning. Seamless project delivery from one accountable team.
Room-by-room load calculations ensure exact equipment sizing for your home's unique heating and cooling needs. No over-sizing. No short-cycling. No wasted energy.
Is geothermal right for your home?
Deciding between a high-efficiency heat pump and the 'gold standard' of geothermal is a major long-term move. Let's talk about it. Schedule a 15–20 minute, no-pressure phone consultation to review your lot size, energy goals, and home layout to see which path makes the most sense for you.