Equipment installation will be the most exciting step in your geothermal journey.
After completing your consultation with us at HVAC Options, reviewing geothermal costs, discussing key details, and setting a timeline, you are ready to move forward with your new heating and cooling system.
Why Choose Geothermal?
While the installation process may take a little longer than upgrading to a traditional HVAC system, the benefits of geothermal far outweigh the effort. You will reduce your carbon footprint and save money on heating and cooling costs.
Our Geothermal Installation Process
Before we bury the loop on your property and install the heat pump inside your City #1, ST#1, home, we must make a few more key preparations to ensure the installation goes smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Marking Underground Obstacles
We flag any existing lines, pipes, or cables on your property to avoid potential issues with underground utilities. We work with local utility companies to locate and mark water, gas, sewer, and electrical lines.
This step is crucial to avoid accidental damage while installing the loop. We also mark the area where we will drill or excavate.
Obtaining Permits
After flagging utility and loop locations, we secure any municipal or county approval and obtain all necessary project permits. Response times vary; we may receive approval in a week, or it could take up to a month or more. We keep you informed about the approval and permitting progress and may update our installation timeline if needed.
Ordering Your Geothermal Equipment
With permits in hand, we order your equipment if we do not already have it in stock. We proudly recommend BRAND NAME geothermal heat pumps for their efficiency, durability, and longevity.
Geothermal Installation Day Arrives!
We can proceed with installation after the county or municipality approves your loop, and your new equipment arrives. We plan your geothermal installation to proceed in stages, carefully planning each step to ensure a smooth transition from your old system to the new geothermal setup.
We will meet with you to explain any final decisions about the piping and to tweak the project timeline if necessary.
Drilling or Excavation
We minimize disruption as much as possible while drilling or excavating your property. A drilling rig will move to the vertical loop site and bore deep holes. For a horizontal loop, an excavator will dig trenches several feet below the surface over a large swath of your City #1, ST#1, property. Completing this step in installation can take up to a week, depending on the complexity of the work.
Equipment Installation
We place the loop underground and extend the loop pipes into your home. Meanwhile, we haul away your old HVAC system. We install the new heat pump and then connect it to the underground piping.
Installation Wrap-Up
After we complete the installation, our technician tests the system to ensure everything operates efficiently and correctly.
This includes checking for proper operation of the geothermal heat pump, loops, and any additional components, such as water heating or zone control systems you may have opted to include.
After we thoroughly test the system, one of our skilled installers will demonstrate your new equipment, showing you how to use the thermostat, change air filters, and maintain optimal performance.
Final Steps
After installation, we handle any remaining paperwork, including rebates and warranty documents, and give you a packet with all the required forms and instructions.
Your local municipality may also require a final inspection to ensure everything meets building and safety codes. Once the installation passes inspection, you can officially start enjoying the benefits of your new geothermal system.
Geothermal FAQs
How long does it take to install a geothermal loop underground?
On average, the process takes anywhere from one to seven days. Digging trenches for a horizontal loop can take one to three days, depending on area size and soil type. Vertical loops take three to seven days, depending on drilling depth and soil type.
What type of soil is ideal for geothermal?
Soil with good thermal conductivity and heat retention is best. Soils with a high water content, like those that retain moisture well, help the geothermal system maintain a consistent temperature, making it easier to exchange heat with the earth. Rocky soil can be a challenge when drilling or digging, and dry and sandy soil may not retain heat effectively.
Do geothermal systems save on maintenance costs?
Geothermal systems are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Once installed, they typically need less upkeep than traditional HVAC systems, leading to lower long-term maintenance costs. Routine maintenance, such as filter changes and annual system checks, is generally affordable, which helps keep overall costs down over the system’s life.
Can you plant trees over ground loops?
Avoid adding any large landscaping installation, such as trees, shrubs, or foliage with deep roots that could penetrate the underground loop. Additionally, the temperature around the pipes as heat is transferred can negatively impact the tree’s growth. You will receive detailed information identifying the loop location. That way, if you decide to add a sprinkler system or plant trees, you will know which area on your property to avoid.
Book Your Geothermal Journey Today!
Our team at HVAC Options is here to guide you through the entire process and install your new system with care and precision. Your journey starts with a consultation in your [linked-city1], home. Call us at 777-777-7777 or request service online.
Step 1: Planning for Geothermal
Step 3: Geothermal Installation