Kentucky Utilities commissioned studies by three engineering firms who modeled the life cycle costs of alternatives including GeoExchange. Even assuming that the GeoExchange system would cost more to install, the enormous operating and maintenance savings yielded 12 to 19 percent life cycle savings over 20 years. The study also compares energy costs for 24 schools with various HVAC designs. The three lowest operating cost schools have GeoExchange. Maintenance savings are remarkable.
Routine maintenance is primarily replacement of air filters, and can be done by custodial staff.
No in-school technicians are needed in GeoExchange schools. Independent School District has converted many of its facilities to GeoExchange. One of the advantages they find is that maintaining spare parts is easier than with alternative systems. The heat pumps are modular and interchangeable, and Austin no longer needs to stock parts for multiple boiler and chillers. Classroom comfort and user satisfaction.