How to Install Geothermal Home Heating Systems

The push toward a green earth

Geothermal heat pumps were first developed in the 1940s. It is the eco-friendly version of the standard home heating and air conditioning system. This great alternative actually harvests earth's energy in order to generate heat in homes. It is innovative, sustainable and cost-effective. The installation of geothermal heat pumps is unfortunately not a do-it-yourself project. It requires knowledge and is dangerous for the novice installer. Purchasing the proper pump for your home and contacting the most knowledgeable contractor are, however, the first steps in the use of a geothermal home heating system.

Instructions

Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump

1. Locate an installer. Contact the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium to find a contractor or installer closest to you. Ask them for names of installers they recommend for the job.

2. Set up a site evaluation. Determine the type of geothermal heat pump that will work best for your home. Educate your installer on the presence of lakes, ponds or streams in your area.

3. Choose a heat pump for your home. Buy a standard vertical or horizontal closed loop system if your home is not in close proximity to water. Buy a water-based or open-loop system if you live near water. Consult with your installer before purchase.

4. Get the most for your money. Take advantage of federal government incentives and state agency incentives that offer tax credits and tax reductions for installing a geothermal heat pump in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• The type of heat pump will vary depending on the type of soil and sediment surround your home. If your home is located near water, the cost to operate your heat pump will decrease dramatically.

References

• Geothermal Heating & Air Conditioning
• Heat Pumps, Geothermal: ENERGY STAR

Resources

• Geothermal Heat Pumps