Geothermal Dos & Don'ts
Not many people have multiple experiences installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in their own homes. Because loopfields have a lifespan exceeding 50 years, you rarely do this more than once. This guide passes on exactly what to do—and what not to do—when purchasing and maintaining a new geothermal system.
What To Do
Prioritize your goals: Clarify your reasons for considering a GSHP system (costs, energy use, comfort levels, environmental impact). Cost considerations should include capital, operating, maintenance, and life-cycle costs.
Vet your contractor: Ask about the installing contractor’s credentials including IGSHPA Installer Accreditation status, years of experience, and customer testimonials.
Demand proper load calculations: Enlist a reputable design engineer and ask about the method used to determine peak heating and cooling loads (e.g. ACCA Manual J) rather than accepting rules-of-thumb.
Require a warranty: Ask that a complete system warranty period or performance guarantee be provided by the installing contractor.
Investigate efficiency upgrades: Explore methods to minimize space heating/cooling demand by grading insulation levels or using low-e windows before sizing the geothermal system.
What Not To Do
Don't expect a cheap initial tag: Expecting the initial capital cost to be lower than that for a conventional heating & cooling system is unrealistic. The payback is in the operating lifecycle.
Don't correlate cost with quality blindly: Don’t assume the most expensive system is the best option—or that the least expensive system will be the worst.
If help is needed, find a company that will provide an independent, in-depth quote/design review to assist in choosing the option that will provide the best performance for the least cost.
Like any mechanical system, there are some basic tips for maintaining and efficiently operating your new geothermal heat pump system.
What To Do
Check the air filter: Check your air filter on a regular basis and change or clean it when necessary. This is the #1 cause of performance issues.
Run the fan constantly: Consider setting the fan to the “ON” position on the thermostat rather than the “AUTO” position. Doing so allows the GSHP system to constantly circulate and mix the air, keeping the space uniformly comfortable.
Request an "As-Built" drawing: Demand a permanent record of what was actually installed in the dirt! Detail should include pipe size, exact loop locations, grout TC value, installation depth, and configuration.
Trust the system: Contact your contractor if you think a problem exists. GSHP systems are the most reliable and efficient heating systems available so long as they are controlled properly.
What Not To Do
Don't use excessive setbacks: Don't attempt massive thermostat setback swings during unoccupied periods in the home. Geothermal operates most efficiently when keeping the thermostat at a single, stable temperature set point throughout the entire day.
Copyright © 2012 by Verdant Labworks. All rights reserved.
For professional geothermal design software, visit FORB.