Geothermal Leasing across Illinois

Your monthly lease payment depends on your home's size, heating and cooling requirements, ground loop configuration, and equipment selection. Every lease quote is customized to your specific property. The payment is fixed for the entire 20-year term—the amount you pay in month one is exactly what you'll pay in year 20. There are no annual escalators, no inflation adjustments, and no surprises. Many homeowners find their fixed lease payment is comparable to or less than what they were spending on heating and cooling with conventional systems, especially when factoring in the dramatic reduction in utility bills that geothermal provides. Plus applicable sales tax. Call (708) 231-4800 for a free, no-obligation lease quote for your property.

Upstream uses a soft credit check through iSoftPull to verify eligibility. A soft inquiry does not affect your credit score and will not appear as a hard inquiry on your credit report. This means you can check your eligibility with zero risk to your financial standing. Specific qualification criteria are handled through Upstream's underwriting process. Call (708) 231-4800 to get started—the qualification process is quick and easy.

The biggest difference is the upfront cost. Purchasing a geothermal system outright typically costs $40,000–$60,000+, while the Upstream lease requires $0 upfront for qualified customers. With a lease, Upstream owns the system and you make fixed monthly payments. You get the same premium equipment, the same professional installation by L & H Services Inc., and the same energy savings—without the large capital investment. Key differences: Upstream retains the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and any Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) as the system owner, which is standard for third-party owned energy equipment. However, you benefit from lower energy costs immediately. You also have the flexibility to purchase the system at Fair Market Value at Year 6, Year 12, or at the end of the 20-year term. If you prefer to own outright from day one, L & H Services Inc. also offers traditional geothermal installation.

Upstream has made the process straightforward. You notify Upstream through the customer portal, and the new homeowner can seamlessly assume the lease through a simple online process. A geothermal system is a strong selling point—buyers get an energy-efficient home with predictable heating and cooling costs locked in at your original rate. If the buyer chooses not to assume the lease, you retain the option to purchase the system at Fair Market Value. Important note: If you buy out the system within the first 5 years of the lease, ITC recapture costs may apply per IRS rules, as the Investment Tax Credit vests over a 5-year period.

All systems come with comprehensive factory warranties. L & H Services Inc. is your primary contact for any maintenance or repair needs. In many cases, Upstream's online monitoring can detect issues early and certified installers can troubleshoot remotely—often resolving problems before you even notice them. When an in-person visit is needed, the technician arrives already informed about the issue. Your responsibilities: Regular air filter changes and operating the system according to manufacturer specifications. Upstream's optional air filter subscription service delivers the right filters to your door based on your system's actual usage patterns.

Yes—the Upstream lease includes buyout options at Year 6 and Year 12. The purchase price is based on Fair Market Value determined through an independent appraisal process. The appraisal considers the equipment's remaining useful life (heat pumps last 20-25+ years, ground loops 50+ years), depreciation, and current market conditions. The Year 6 buyout is strategically timed after the IRS 5-year ITC recapture period expires, providing the most favorable economics for the transaction. Your estimated buyout prices are included in your lease quote so you can plan ahead. Call (708) 231-4800 to get a quote that includes your estimated buyout pricing.

Yes—the Upstream lease program is available for both new construction and existing homes. New construction is an especially great fit for geothermal leasing because the ground loop installation can be coordinated with site excavation, and there's no existing HVAC system to remove. Whether you're building a new home or upgrading an existing property, L & H Services Inc. will evaluate your property, design the optimal system, and provide a custom lease quote. We handle all coordination between the drilling contractor and the rest of your project timeline. Call (708) 231-4800 to discuss your project.