Is a geothermal heat pump installation difficult?
Most geothermal units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another
forced-air system. This is known as a retrofit. GSHPs (ground source heat pumps) can
be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion
and thus no need to vent exhaust fumes. Ductwork must be installed in homes without
an existing air distribution system. Your dealer or installer can assess the cost of
installing ductwork.
Can I install a ground source heat exchanger myself?
It's not recommended. Thermal fusion of the pipe, drilling and trenching are procedures
best handled by licensed professionals. Nonprofessional installations may result in less
than optimum performance, which could cancel out anticipated savings
How far apart are trenches and vertical boreholes spaced?
Trenches are spaced four to five feet apart while boreholes are spaced ten to fifteen
feet apart.
How long does it take to install a horizontal system?
This depends on soil conditions, length and depth of pipe, and equipment required. A
typical installation can be completed in one or two days.
How long does it take to install a vertical system?
With the vertical installation, time varies with conditions on the site such as type and
depth of the overburden, type and hardness of the bedrock, and the presence of
aquifers. Typical drilling times are one or two days; total installation can usually be
accomplished in two days.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the horizontal and vertical
installations, respectively?
Horizontal installations are simpler, requiring lower-cost equipment. However, they
require longer lengths of pipe due to seasonal variations in soil temperature and
moisture content. Since a horizontal heat exchanger is laid out in trenches, a larger
area is usually required than for a vertical system.
Where land is limited, vertical installations or a compact Slinky™ horizontal installation
can be ideal. If regional soil conditions include extensive hard rock, a vertical
installation may be the only available choice.
Vertical installations tend to be more expensive due to the increased cost of drilling
versus trenching, but since the heat exchanger is buried deeper than with a horizontal
system, vertical systems are usually more efficient and can get by with less total pipe.
Your GSHP contractor will be able to help you decide which configuration best meets
your specific needs.
How can I be sure the pipe is installed properly?
Use a reputable contractor. Don't be afraid to ask for and use references. Reputable
dealers and loop installers will be happy to give names and phone numbers for you to
call and confirm their capabilities. Find out where the installer received training,
whether he or she is IGSHPA-accredited, and how many systems he or she has
installed. Also, check with your utility company representative for names of installers.
A list of IGSHPA-trained and accredited geothermal installation experts is available
on their website.
Most geothermal units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another
forced-air system. This is known as a retrofit. GSHPs (ground source heat pumps) can
be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion
and thus no need to vent exhaust fumes. Ductwork must be installed in homes without
an existing air distribution system. Your dealer or installer can assess the cost of
installing ductwork.
Can I install a ground source heat exchanger myself?
It's not recommended. Thermal fusion of the pipe, drilling and trenching are procedures
best handled by licensed professionals. Nonprofessional installations may result in less
than optimum performance, which could cancel out anticipated savings
How far apart are trenches and vertical boreholes spaced?
Trenches are spaced four to five feet apart while boreholes are spaced ten to fifteen
feet apart.
How long does it take to install a horizontal system?
This depends on soil conditions, length and depth of pipe, and equipment required. A
typical installation can be completed in one or two days.
How long does it take to install a vertical system?
With the vertical installation, time varies with conditions on the site such as type and
depth of the overburden, type and hardness of the bedrock, and the presence of
aquifers. Typical drilling times are one or two days; total installation can usually be
accomplished in two days.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the horizontal and vertical
installations, respectively?
Horizontal installations are simpler, requiring lower-cost equipment. However, they
require longer lengths of pipe due to seasonal variations in soil temperature and
moisture content. Since a horizontal heat exchanger is laid out in trenches, a larger
area is usually required than for a vertical system.
Where land is limited, vertical installations or a compact Slinky™ horizontal installation
can be ideal. If regional soil conditions include extensive hard rock, a vertical
installation may be the only available choice.
Vertical installations tend to be more expensive due to the increased cost of drilling
versus trenching, but since the heat exchanger is buried deeper than with a horizontal
system, vertical systems are usually more efficient and can get by with less total pipe.
Your GSHP contractor will be able to help you decide which configuration best meets
your specific needs.
How can I be sure the pipe is installed properly?
Use a reputable contractor. Don't be afraid to ask for and use references. Reputable
dealers and loop installers will be happy to give names and phone numbers for you to
call and confirm their capabilities. Find out where the installer received training,
whether he or she is IGSHPA-accredited, and how many systems he or she has
installed. Also, check with your utility company representative for names of installers.
A list of IGSHPA-trained and accredited geothermal installation experts is available
on their website.
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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Geothermal Installation I
Along with the Q and A below, the following geothermal installation video offers an
excellent explanation of geothermal heating and cooling.
excellent explanation of geothermal heating and cooling.
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