Planning Tips for Geothermal Heating Installation

Rodenhiser uses a direct exchange method of heat transfer. That is to say we believe that the best and safest method of geothermal heating is to circulate the refrigerant through the ground and exchange the heat in that method rather than using water pumped up from the ground and then expelled back into the ground. Our method eliminates the risk of either a dry well or a clogged well and the attendant issues that mazy impact your comfort or budget. Our feeling is that fewer problems and longer system life with incredible piece of mind is a better installation.

Since a geothermal heat pump uses a network of underground piping, it is necessary to determine what type of soil you have in order to know what type of ground loop should be used.  Soil that is shallow or consists mainly of hard rock may require a different type of loop than soil that is sandy or less rocky.

New England soil is typically rocky and strewn with either large boulders or ledge. Those with sandy or gravel type soil could consider a horizontal loop design. In most cases, a series of holes are drilled in the ground and a supply and return line is inserted into the hole for the refrigerant to circulate to. A grout is then pumped into the hole to provide contact with the surrounding soil for proper heat transfer.

Frequently, installing geothermal heating system requires drilling holes that are about 150 to 250 feet deep, depending on your system requirements.  Pipes may be installed beneath a water source, bored inside a rock shelf or in soil; all of these factors determine how long it will take and the type of equipment or materials necessary.

Those who desire fewer disturbances may require a vertical installation due to the fact that this type of loop causes fewer disturbances to the existing landscape.

If you are considering geothermal heating for your home, choose the contractor carefully. These systems are incredibly efficient but capital intensive. Work with a certified contractor who will guarantee there installation.

Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, serving the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, is glad to answer your questions concerning geothermal heating.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide for more information concerning HVAC topics.