The energy efficiency of heating equipment can be compared by looking at the rated COP or Coefficient of Performance of the unit. COP is the ratio of energy output to energy input thus a higher COP rating indicates a more efficient unit.

The COP of an electric furnace is equal to 1, since each watt of electricity put into it produces the equivalent of 1 watt of heat energy out. The COP of a BOREAL unit is 3 or greater. Each watt the geothermal heat pump uses to run its transferring mechanism enables it to draw 2 or more from the earth thus giving a total of 3 or more units out for every 1 unit put in. The BOREAL geothermal heat pump supplies more than 2/3 of your energy requirement from free energy stored in the earth and reduces your heating cost by at least 66%.

One of the innovative features of the BOREAL unit is its ability to provide "free" hot water during summer operation. Btu output actually increases during hot
water making cycles and the recovery rate is similar to that of a 40 gallon electric hot water heater. Hot water is also provided during winter operation at a saving of 65-70% less than the cost of heating the water with an electric hot water heater.

A typical homeowner can expect this feature alone to save him 20 to 30% of his present electric bill.