Fort Sill, Oklahoma, is emerging as a major example of how cleaner heating and cooling can make military family housing more comfortable while sharply reducing energy use.
Geothermal heat pumps have been installed in more than 1,700 homes as part of one of the country's largest military housing upgrades — a move expected to deliver millions in annual savings.
Here's what to know
A $63 million modernization project at Fort Sill is bringing energy-saving geothermal HVAC equipment, smart thermostats, improved hot water systems, and advanced controls to military family homes, ClimateMaster said.
As ACHR News reported, the work is being led by Corvias in partnership with Ameresco, with ClimateMaster supplying the geothermal equipment.
ClimateMaster said the overhaul could reduce energy use across the housing community by about 57%, resulting in more than $5 million in annual savings. The project also makes Fort Sill the third military installation where Ameresco, Corvias, and ClimateMaster have worked together on a major residential geothermal effort.
Residents could see steadier indoor temperatures in both summer and winter, with updated controls designed to make day-to-day comfort easier to manage. ClimateMaster said geothermal heat pumps can use 40% to 70% less energy than conventional HVAC systems and may also reduce maintenance needs.
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More background
Geothermal heat pumps heat and cool buildings by exchanging energy with the ground, where temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. Because the underground environment is much more stable than outdoor air, the systems can operate more efficiently when weather conditions swing to extremes.
In housing communities, heating and cooling are often among the largest energy expenses. More efficient systems can help lower operating costs while also improving reliability for residents.
Homes can stay comfortable with less wasted energy and less wear on equipment. The Fort Sill project also reflects a trend in military housing and infrastructure, as installations seek to improve resilience, modernize aging systems, and reduce future costs without sacrificing livability for service members and their families.
What's being done?
ClimateMaster said the modernization is being carried out through an Energy Savings Performance Contract, or ESPC, ACHR reported. Under that approach, improvements are funded through future energy savings rather than requiring upfront payment, which can make large-scale upgrades more feasible for large communities.
During the project's showcase event, Army leadership, congressional representatives, and industry partners toured ClimateMaster's Oklahoma City manufacturing facility, which makes the heat pumps being installed at Fort Sill. Attendees also went to the base to observe the drilling process and tour a renovated home with the new systems installed.
"We're proud to partner with organizations like Ameresco and Corvias to help deliver innovative geothermal solutions that improve comfort, increase energy efficiency and strengthen the long-term resilience of military housing," said Titian Burris, national sales manager for ClimateMaster.
"Projects like Fort Sill demonstrate how proven technology and strong collaboration can create lasting benefits for military families and the communities they call home."
Where can I learn more?
Fort Sill's housing overhaul is part of a move toward geothermal systems on military bases and more efficient heat-pump technology at home.
• At a U.S. Air Force base, the first geothermal plant is now delivering on-site power.
• In Texas, a Pentagon-backed team is studying a dry rock geothermal plant near Fort Bliss.
• In homes, heat pump water heaters lower bills by moving heat instead of generating it.
It's clear that cleaner, lower-cost energy systems are gaining ground in many settings.
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