Do you need backup heat with geothermal?

• <div><p>If a geothermal heat pump is installed correctly, then you shouldn’t have to worry about having a backup heat source such as a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/furnace-and-heating-basics.htm">furnace</a> or oil boiler. However, there are geothermal systems installed that include a backup in case the heat pump fails due to extreme cold. This is simply a backup heat pump you’ll likely never need and not an alternative heat source.</p></div>

How long do geothermal systems last?

• <div><p>You can expect a geothermal system to last for years. According to the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_geothermal_heat_pumps.pdf">Department of Energy, </a>the underground infrastructure for the heat pumps lasts about 25 to 50 years, which includes the pipes buried in the soil. The actual heat pump itself has a life span of around 25 years.</p></div>

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TRUSTED BY WASHBURN, IL HOMEOWNERS

4.6
Average homeowner rating
27
Verified heating oil services reviews

Verified Reviews for Heating Oil Service pros in Washburn, IL

*The Angi rating for Heating Oil Service companies in Washburn, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Heating Oil Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Heating Oil Service companies in Washburn, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Heating Oil Service needs.

Last update on November 25, 2025

Reviewed in March 2022
DRF was able to complete a next day install at a reasonable price. The guys that came to complete it were courteous, efficient and explained the functions of the new water heater well. The customer service throughout was exceptional, from intake to install.
DRF Water Heating Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2017
I went a couple of months and I didn’t have any heat and I used my kitchen stove for heat. It was during Thanksgiving that I did not have any heat. It cost me nothing. What they did was they put the, it had been going on for so long that when the boss found out about it, he decided to do it for...
Heinold Heating and Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in November 2015
I hired a man to look at my heating system if it don't work I'm looking at a sear modification
Sears Roofing
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Reviewed in January 2015
Very good service. Mark was knowledgeable and helped us figure out what we needed to heat and cool our new home. He also recommended insulation for our basement. They came out the day after we closed and were the first of our contractors done with our home improvement projects.
Meister Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in February 2014
He refused to do the finished trim work on the replaced window, even though a measured replacement was accepted. This is usually standard on a window job to help protect against heat, water, and cold. He miss ordered the window but I allowed it to spare him issue with menards. I filed a...
BILL DEXTER HOME REPAIR
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Reviewed in November 2013
Everything went perfectly, then I screwed up when the water heater started to leak.2013. Called different plumber to replace, and he refused to warranty the leaking unit. Contacted Jeff and even though no business for him, he took care of the claim. It is sad that businesses like Peoria...
PEORIA HEIGHTS PLUMBING INC
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Reviewed in August 2012
We noticed a leak from the bottom of the hot water heater and some rusty water flowing out. We called Carl's in the morning and he got someone out right away. He immediately recognized that the bottom was rusting out and that the heater had to be replaced. He thought it was out of warranty, but...
Carl's Plumbing Services Inc
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Reviewed in October 2011
Still not resolved. Terrible follow up - damaged plants, huge oil spill on drive. Gave me a terrible time about coming back to chip off spilled dried concrete all over lip of porch and especially bad language.
KIMBLE'S CONCRETE
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Reviewed in September 2010
I traded my vehicle to Dan for a truck. The truck looked to be in perfect condition though it had a rebuilt title. Dan explained the situation & that his company had done the body work on the truck. I bought the truck in 'AS IS' condition understanding there was no warrenty. As I drove home the...
Dan Kniep Auto
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Find Heating oil pros in Washburn

AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling

4.00(

)

AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling

4.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

12 years of experience

We at AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling know you have many choices when it comes to hiring a HVAC company to come into your home. AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling strives to be your number one "go-to" company to take care of all your air quality needs. AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling will service your existing equipment. You can call AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling anytime, 24 hours, 7 days a week. When your equipment needs replaced, AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling will make sure your home or business is comfortable before our technicians leave. AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling will not leave you without any heat or cool air, not even for one night. AbsoLutes Heating & Cooling looks forward to serving you and your families' heating and cooling needs now and generations to come! Give us a call today!

G&B Mechanical

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G&B Mechanical

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31 years of experience

The G & B heating and A/C business was started in 1994 and the assets were purchased in 2008 by Mike Strauman & Sons to establish G & B Mechanical, adding to the already growing residential and commercial work with Large Commercial and Industrial work

Heating Oil questions, answered by experts

The most obvious downside is the high upfront cost of buying and installing one of these systems. Additionally, sometimes the system can take a longer time to heat than alternatives like a boiler. Also, if something goes wrong with the geothermal pump, repairs are often significantly more expensive than repairing traditional, above-ground heat pumps.

Most maintenance checks take 2-5 hours, though extensive repairs may take longer.

If a geothermal heat pump is installed correctly, then you shouldn’t have to worry about having a backup heat source such as a furnace or oil boiler. However, there are geothermal systems installed that include a backup in case the heat pump fails due to extreme cold. This is simply a backup heat pump you’ll likely never need and not an alternative heat source.

An evaporator or swamp cooler is a common alternative for small spaces. These coolers blow moist air into a space to help cool it down. They are more affordable than misters and use much less water. However, coolers will not have the same cooling effect as misters, cannot help plants survive the heat, and only reach a small area.

You can expect a geothermal system to last for years. According to the Department of Energy, the underground infrastructure for the heat pumps lasts about 25 to 50 years, which includes the pipes buried in the soil. The actual heat pump itself has a life span of around 25 years.

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