The performance of the heat pump unit is rated by its 'Coefficient of Performance', which calculates how much energy is required to transfer heat into a building. Units are tested under the CSA C446, ARI 320, ARI 325 or ISO 13126 standards. In Canada, units cannot be sold if they rate below 2.8 CoP and many units achieve 3.5 or above. If the CoP is 3.5, a system requires 1 kW of electrical energy to transfer and deliver 3,500 W of space heat; this is equivalent to a combustion furnace with an efficiency of 380 percent.

The pipe is high-density polyethylene. Most suppliers provide a warranty of 25 years or more, and the pipe will usually last longer.

Common problems for degradation of output in a well-designed system include dirty air filters (fixed by cleaning), air trapped in the ground loop (requiring purging) and declining anti-freeze level (fixed by adding more to the loop). Human error includes mis-setting the thermostat while natural problems include dropping water table or increasing mineral content in the water.

A heat pump moves a large volume of warm air throughout a building, but it is at a lower temperature than a combustion furnace, resulting in an even and steady delivery with no draughts. The lack of combustion and higher air circulation of a geoexchange system results in less indoor air contamination and lower pollution levels, as well as reduced humidity build-up.

Although the outdoor ambient temperature can drop significantly and quickly, the temperature of the ground below the frost line remains constant and it is from this level that a geoexchange system extracts heat. In the worst case scenario where the outdoor temperature drops for a prolonged period and there is an extraordinarily high demand for heat, the supplemental heating unit on the geoexchange heat pump will provide the difference in heat.

Water that comes directly from a lake or a well must meet certain levels for temperature and flow rate, and must contain few minerals. The CSA standard requires an official water well log to ensure that the yield is sustainable, and an analysis should be done to determine if the water contains any chemicals or metals that could damage the heat exchanger or other component.

Some manufacturers have incorporated electronic measurements to provide diagnostic capability over the telephone. In some cases, this allows the system to be re-set without a service call.

A geoexchange system is considered to be one of the safest heating/cooling systems available. No combustible fuels are used, which eliminates any chance of explosion, and it also reduces concerns over indoor air quality (IAQ). There are no outside components that can be tampered with or vandalized.

A geoexchange system heats domestic water with a demand unit or a de-superheater. The former gives priority to water heating over space heating, while a de-superheater will heat water only after space heating has been accomplished. The difference depends on the lifestyle of the occupants.

The CSA standard allows only high-density polyethylene pipe, with the three most common diameters being 0.75", 1.0" and 1.25". Sections of pipe are heat fused and many suppliers offer a warranty of 25 years. The resin in this pipe is the same used in the pipe used to transport natural gas. This plastic does not degrade under sunlight and is warranteed not to fail.

Most units include all pumps and controls, but it may be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain some individual components. All non-packaged components must be compatible with the heat pump unit, and written documents should demonstrate that the manufacturer allows the components to be used and that their use will not interfere with warranty coverage.

A number of manufacturers offer training for their authorized contractors that is specific to that brand but, as of 2002, there is no certification program in Canada. A programme was offered by the Canadian Earth Energy Association (the predecessor of the Earth Energy Society) until 1993. There is a program offered by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium in the United States. There are a number of related certifications (for heat loss analysis, ductwork installation, etc) offered by the Heating, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Institute of Canada, among others.

There are environmental regulations, which govern how the water used in an open-loop system can be returned to the ground. A return well is acceptable, as long as the water is returned to the same aquifer or level of water table. A discharge pit is also acceptable, as long as local regulations and conditions are considered in the design. 

There are two coiled loops on the market, called the Slinkey and the Svec Spiral, which require less trenching and reduce installation costs. The installation of coiled pipe is more demanding than straight pipe, and back-filling must be done properly.

Units are tested under laboratory conditions, with a set temperature for the entering water. The total heat output and the electricity required to operate the entire system are the two variables used to determine the CoP rating for each unit.

Due to the use of solar energy and the high efficiency of the transfer technology (the heat pump), a geoexchange system can greatly reduce emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emission compared with combustion furnaces. The lack of combustion naturally means a chimney is not needed.

The compressor, pump and blower are all sound-insulated. The CSA standard requires a heat pump to be placed on top of an acoustical air pad to eliminate vibration noise and there must be sound dampeners where the heat pump connects to the ductwork. The system is one of the quietest options on the market.