Geothermal Water Heater & Desuperheater Installation in Oklahoma

Most homeowners with a geothermal heat pump don’t realize the system can heat their domestic hot water for free — or nearly free — as a byproduct of normal operation. Hartzell’s Heat & Air installs desuperheater systems and dedicated geothermal water heating equipment throughout Oklahoma. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades available to any geothermal homeowner, and almost no competitor around here talks about it. Background reading: geothermal heat pumps.

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What Is a Desuperheater?

A desuperheater is a heat exchanger built into or added to your geothermal heat pump. During normal operation, the refrigerant gets very hot before it enters the condenser coil — that’s the “superheat” phase. A desuperheater bleeds off that excess heat and uses it to preheat your domestic hot water tank before the refrigerant continues through its normal cycle.

The heat would otherwise be released into the ground loop. Instead, it goes into your water heater. Zero extra energy cost to you.

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How It Works With Your Existing Water Heater

A desuperheater doesn’t replace your water heater — it works alongside it. A small circulation pump (typically 1/25 HP) moves water from the bottom of your existing tank through the desuperheater coil and back. The geothermal unit heats it to 90–120°F. Your existing water heater then tops it off if needed — or does nothing if it’s already hot enough.

• Works with gas or electric water heaters — the existing tank stays in place
• Automatic bypass — when the geothermal isn’t running, the circuit sits idle with no wasted energy
• Minimal maintenance — the circulation pump is the only moving part added to the system
• Quiet — the pump is barely audible from across the room

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Dedicated Geothermal Water Heating Systems

For maximum hot water production, a dedicated water-to-water geothermal heat pump can be installed separately from your space conditioning system. These units use the ground loop exclusively for water heating and can maintain 120–140°F tank temperatures year-round — essentially free hot water regardless of season.

Best fit for:

• Large households with high hot water demand
• Homes with hot tubs, large soaking tubs, or radiant floor loops
• Small commercial applications — restaurants, car washes, laundromats
• Agricultural: livestock watering, wash-down stations, milk parlors

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ClimateMaster GeoElite — Factory Desuperheater Option

Most ClimateMaster Tranquility and Trilogy series units are available with factory-installed desuperheater coils — meaning the heat exchanger is built into the unit at the factory, not field-added. As a ClimateMaster GeoElite Dealer, Hartzell’s specs these options on every applicable installation. If you already have a ClimateMaster unit without a desuperheater, a field retrofit kit is often available — we’ll evaluate your specific model.

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What the Installation Includes

• Desuperheater heat exchanger (factory coil or field-added, depending on unit)
• Circulation pump, pump wiring, and controls
• Supply and return lines between the geothermal unit and water heater
• Isolation valves for service access
• Testing and commissioning — we verify supply temperatures and flow before leaving
• Documentation for warranty records

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Cost & Oklahoma Utility Rebates

Adding a desuperheater connection to a new or existing geothermal installation typically runs $500–$1,500 installed, depending on line run distance and whether a factory coil is already present in the unit. Dedicated water-to-water systems are priced separately based on load and equipment.

Oklahoma utility rebates for geothermal installations remain active in 2026. CKenergy Electric Cooperative offers up to $2,000/ton for qualifying geothermal installations in Kingfisher-area counties — the highest rebate in the state. OG&E, PSO, and other co-ops have their own programs. These rebates apply to the full geothermal system, including desuperheater-equipped units. Full details: Oklahoma geothermal rebates 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Geothermal Water Heating

Does a desuperheater work in winter?

Yes, but less aggressively than in summer. In cooling mode the geothermal produces more waste heat and the desuperheater can cover most of your hot water needs. In heating mode it still preheats, typically covering 25–45%. Year-round, most Oklahoma homeowners see 30–60% savings on water heating.

Can I add a desuperheater to my existing geothermal system?

Often yes. If your unit has a factory desuperheater coil, we can add the pump, lines, and connections. If the coil isn’t present, a field retrofit kit may be available for your model. We’ll evaluate your unit and tell you what’s possible before recommending anything.

Will a desuperheater void my geothermal warranty?

Not if installed correctly using manufacturer-approved connections. Factory-installed desuperheater coils are covered under the equipment warranty. Field-added kits installed per spec don’t affect system warranty. We document all installations.

How much does desuperheater installation cost?

Adding a desuperheater to a new or existing geothermal system typically runs $500–$1,500 installed. The main variables are line run distance and whether a factory coil is already present. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins. Call 405-375-4822.

Do I still need a conventional water heater?

Yes for most setups. The desuperheater preheats your water — it reduces how hard your water heater works but doesn’t fully replace it in every season. Your existing tank stays in place as backup. Dedicated water-to-water geothermal systems can eliminate the conventional water heater in high-demand applications.

Does Hartzell’s install geothermal systems statewide?

Yes. While our primary service territory is central and northwest Oklahoma, we travel statewide for geothermal installations. We’re one of Oklahoma’s only IGSHPA Accredited Installers — a credential that matters when your system involves ground loop design and drilling. Call 405-375-4822 to discuss your project.