A WaterFurnace 7 Series 700A11 geothermal heat pump can cost about $12,000-$20,000 for the indoor unit and related equipment, or roughly $25,000-$45,000 installed with a new ground loop. The final price depends most on loop type and drilling, home ductwork, electrical work, local labor, and whether the quote includes removal and commissioning.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700A11 equipment package | $12,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 | Indoor unit and common controls; dealer pricing varies |
| Installed system with usable existing loop | $17,000 | $24,000 | $32,000 | Assumes compatible loop and limited duct changes |
| Complete installation with new ground loop | $25,000 | $34,000 | $45,000 | Includes typical equipment, loop, labor, and startup |
| Ground loop alone | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 | Common residential range; drilling and access affect price |
Assumptions: U.S. residential installation, standard equipment access, and no major electrical or duct-system reconstruction.
What a 700A11 geothermal installation usually costs
A complete 700A11 project commonly lands near $25,000-$45,000 when it includes a new loop field. A home with a properly sized, serviceable existing loop may avoid much of that ground-work expense, bringing the installation to approximately $17,000-$32,000. These are planning ranges rather than dealer quotes; location, design, and project scope can move a bid outside them.
The 700A11 is a model designation within WaterFurnace’s 7 Series geothermal line. Buyers should have the installing dealer verify the exact model configuration, capacity, voltage, and included accessories. The equipment price alone is not the total system price: a geothermal heat pump relies on a ground loop, circulation components, controls, and a compatible air-distribution system.
For a straightforward replacement, equipment and installation labor may be quoted together at around $15,000-$24,000 if the existing ground loop is retained and tests well. A new horizontal loop can add roughly $8,000-$16,000; a vertical drilled field often adds $12,000-$22,000 or more. Assumptions: Mid-range residential specifications, normal access, and a loop sized by a qualified geothermal designer.
How equipment, loop drilling, and labor appear on quotes
The ground loop and its installation are often the largest variables after the heat-pump equipment. Ask the contractor to separate equipment, loop work, labor, and required modifications, rather than giving only one lump-sum figure. The ranges below describe common residential project allowances and are not fixed manufacturer prices.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700A11 unit and controls | $12,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 | Configuration, controls, dealer markup |
| Ground loop and piping | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 | Loop type, drilling depth, soil, site access |
| Installation labor | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 | Crew hours, retrofit complexity, commissioning |
| Duct, electrical, and plumbing changes | $500 | $2,500 | $7,000 | Panel capacity, duct condition, condensate route |
| Removal and disposal | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Old equipment weight and disposal requirements |
Some bids combine the loop field, trenching or drilling, and piping under one line item. Others separate excavation, grout, header piping, flushing, and pressure testing. Confirm whether the quote includes permits, startup, system balancing, thermostat setup, and cleanup. A low equipment price can be offset by exclusions for these necessary tasks.
Labor may be estimated as a project charge or as hours at a local rate. Where itemized, HVAC and geothermal labor can run about $75-$150 per hour, but specialized drilling crews and subcontractors may be priced separately. A replacement using an existing loop may take one to three workdays; new loop construction can add several days or more depending on drilling and restoration.
Why loop type and 3-ton sizing change the estimate
Loop design, not the model name alone, is a major determinant of the installed price. Horizontal loops require land for trenches, while vertical systems use drilled boreholes and often suit smaller lots. A contractor should base the loop and unit size on a heating-and-cooling load calculation, soil and groundwater conditions, and the home’s design—not simply copy the capacity of the old equipment.
A nominal 3-ton configuration may be a useful comparison point for some 700A11 quotes, but confirm the specific model suffix and rated capacity with the dealer. A home needing 2 tons of capacity has different equipment and loop requirements from one needing 4 or 5 tons. Moving from about 3 tons to 4 tons can raise equipment and loop costs by roughly $2,000-$6,000, depending on design and local work.
Horizontal loop projects often need adequate open yard area and excavation access. A typical residential field may require several hundred feet of pipe arranged in trenches, with layout determined by the designer; rocky soil, buried utilities, landscaping, or limited access can increase excavation charges. Vertical loops reduce the surface footprint but can cost more where drilling is difficult or boreholes must be unusually deep.
Existing loop condition matters just as much as its age. A pressure test, flow check, and review of loop fluid can reveal whether it can be reused. If it is undersized, leaking, contaminated, or incompatible with the new design, replacement or repair may add several thousand dollars. Assumptions: The price effect depends on the actual load calculation, loop design, and local geology.
Which duct, electrical, and site conditions add charges
Retrofit work can add $500-$7,000 when the home needs more than a direct equipment swap. Older ductwork may need sealing, resizing, or additional returns to handle the new system’s airflow. A cramped utility room, difficult equipment removal, long piping runs, or a distant electrical panel can also extend installation time and material use.
Electrical upgrades are not automatic. The contractor should check the unit’s nameplate requirements, breaker and wire sizing, panel capacity, and any auxiliary heat arrangement. A straightforward circuit adjustment may cost a few hundred dollars, while a panel upgrade can add $2,000-$5,000 or more. Duct modifications commonly range from $500-$3,500, rising when major sections need replacement.
Ground-loop work can bring separate site-restoration expenses. Regrading, reseeding, replacing hardscape, or hauling away excess soil may add $500-$4,000, especially when the drilling or trenching area is far from equipment access. Ask whether restoration is included and whether the contractor assumes ordinary soil conditions or lists additional charges for rock, groundwater, or buried obstacles.
How Midwest and coastal bids compare
Regional labor and drilling markets can shift a quote by roughly 10%-25% from a comparable national planning estimate. Higher-cost coastal metros and areas with limited geothermal drilling crews may price labor, permits, and mobilization above the national midpoint. Rural markets can have lower labor rates but higher travel or equipment-mobilization charges.
Climate and geology also influence the design rather than simply creating a regional surcharge. A colder climate may require a larger loop field or auxiliary heat strategy than a mild-climate home of similar size. Dense urban lots can make vertical drilling more practical, but access restrictions and traffic control may raise the cost. In open suburban or rural settings, horizontal trenches may be feasible if there is enough land and suitable soil.
For a $34,000 mid-range installation, a 10%-25% regional difference represents about $3,400-$8,500. That comparison is most useful when the scope is identical: same verified model, loop configuration, capacity, duct work, controls, permits, and warranty. Assumptions: Regional percentages are budgeting estimates, not guaranteed local adjustments.
What three realistic 700A11 quotes might include
Comparing itemized scenarios helps show why two quotes for the same model can differ by more than $10,000. These examples use illustrative U.S. pricing and assume a residential project; actual costs depend on the site and contractor.
| Project scenario | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Existing loop replacement | Reuse tested loop, basic duct connection, about 20-28 crew hours | $18,000-$25,000 |
| New horizontal loop | 700A11, trenching, piping, startup, about 35-50 crew hours | $27,000-$38,000 |
| Vertical loop with upgrades | Drilled field, electrical or duct changes, restoration, about 45-65 crew hours | $36,000-$48,000 |
In the existing-loop example, the implied whole-project price is roughly $6,000-$8,300 per ton if the design is around 3 tons, but that ratio is only a rough comparison—not a substitute for line-item review. The new horizontal example can cost less than drilling when the site is open and excavation is straightforward. The vertical example includes more site work and possible upgrades, not a premium charge for the 700A11 itself.
Can an existing loop or repair keep the price down
Reusing a sound ground loop can be the most meaningful way to lower a replacement quote. Ask for test results and a written explanation of any recommendation to replace it. If the unit has a failed component rather than a major compressor or controls problem, a repair may cost far less than a full system replacement.
Common geothermal service calls can range from about $150-$400 for diagnosis, while component repairs may run $300-$2,500. A major compressor repair can reach $2,000-$5,000 or more, depending on parts and labor. Compare that expense with the age and condition of the heat pump, warranty coverage, parts availability, and whether the loop and ducts are serviceable. A repair is less compelling if multiple major components are failing or the system is improperly sized.
Request two or three quotes from contractors experienced with WaterFurnace equipment and geothermal loop design. Compare model and capacity, loop scope, electrical work, controls, startup, warranty, disposal, and exclusions. A bid that is several thousand dollars lower may omit excavation restoration, permits, or loop testing rather than offer the same job for less.
Which 700A11 upgrades are worth pricing separately
Separate required work from optional upgrades before approving a premium quote. Controls, zoning, air cleaning, humidity equipment, and duct improvements may be useful, but each should have its own price and stated purpose. Added zoning can cost around $1,500-$4,000, while advanced filtration or air-quality accessories can add roughly $300-$2,000, depending on the equipment and installation.
Ask whether a proposed accessory is required for safe, manufacturer-compliant operation or is an optional comfort improvement. Avoid paying twice for controls or thermostats already included in the equipment package. If the home has airflow problems, targeted duct sealing or balancing may provide better value than adding equipment that does not correct the underlying issue.
Warranty terms also affect comparison. Confirm the manufacturer’s parts coverage, registration deadlines, and any labor warranty offered by the installer. Extended labor coverage may add several hundred to more than $1,500, depending on duration and exclusions. The best value comparison uses the same warranty period and clearly identifies who covers labor, refrigerant, loop repairs, and service travel.
How to trim the 700A11 quote without cutting essentials
Control the scope and verify the design before choosing the lowest bid. Have the contractor perform a load calculation, inspect the existing loop, and identify necessary duct and electrical work. These checks help prevent paying for an oversized unit or replacing a loop that remains in good condition.
Where the lot allows it, ask for a priced comparison between horizontal and vertical loop options. Schedule the project before peak heating or cooling demand when local contractors have availability, and coordinate excavation with other planned yard work to reduce duplicate mobilization or restoration. Do not choose a loop type based only on its lowest initial price; land constraints and soil conditions may make a low bid impractical.
Request a written, itemized estimate with allowances for rock, extra drilling depth, disposal, permits, and restoration. Compare at least three bids with matching model configuration and capacity. Keep optional accessories separate, check whether rebates or utility incentives apply to the specific installation, and verify current eligibility before including any incentive in the budget. Avoid reducing cost by skipping loop testing, commissioning, code-required electrical work, or proper system sizing.