Many geothermal heat pump systems carry the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and EPA ENERGY STARŪ label. ENERGY STARŪ-labeled equipment can now be financed with special ENERGY STARŪ loans from banks and other financial institutions. The goal of the loan program is to make ENERGY STARŪ equipment easier to purchase, so ENERGY STARŪ loans were created with attractive terms. Some loans have lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, or both. Ask your contractor about ENERGY STARŪ loans or call the ENERGY STARŪ toll-free hotline at 1-888-STAR-YES for a list of financing options.

Homeowners should check with their utility and ask if they offer any rebates, financing, or special electric rate programs. Another way to help finance the purchase of a GHP system is to roll the cost into an "energy-efficient mortgage" that would cover this and other energy-saving improvements to the home. Banks and mortgage companies can provide more information on these loans.

These mortgages can create positive cash flow from the start. Say that installing a geothermal heat pump system adds $25 per month to the mortgage. However, because a GHP system is so efficient, it will save more than $30 per month in energy costs.