Dos and Don'ts For The Prospective Owner

Before Purchasing A GSHP

Before purchasing a geothermal heat pump system there are some things that it is important for a prospective owner to consider. Doing and not doing the following things will help to ensure that a GSHP is the best option for you and if it is how best to proceed.

Do

  • Prioritize the reasons for considering a GSHP system, including costs, energy use, comfort levels and environmental impact (CO2 emissions). Cost considerations should include capital costs, operating costs, maintenance costs, and life-cycle costs.
  • Ask about the installing contractor’s credentials including IGSHPA Installer Accreditation status, years of experience, and customer testimonials. Enlist the services of a reputable design engineer and/or installation contractor.
  • Ask about the method that was used to determine the peak heating and cooling loads. This will give some insight as to whether rules of thumb were used or if calculations were performed using an approved method. For residential/light commercial applications, ACCA Manual J load calculation procedures are recommended. For commercial applications, a qualified engineer must perform an hour-by-hour peak load and energy analysis using Trane TRACE or Carrier HAP software (or equivalent).
  • Ask that a complete system warranty period or performance guarantee be provided by the installing contractor.
  • Investigate methods to minimize space heating and cooling demand by incorporating energy efficiency measures in the home such as upgrading the insulation levels or by using heat absorbing, low-e windows.

Don’t

  • Expect initial capital cost to be lower than that for a conventional heating & cooling system.
  • Assume that the most expensive system will be the best option. Conversely, don’t assume 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.

After Purchasing A GSHP System

Like any mechanical system there are some basic tips for maintaining and efficiently operating a geothermal heat pump system.

Do

  • Check the air filter on a regular basis and change or clean it when necessary.
  • Consider setting the fan to the “ON” position on the thermostat rather than the “AUTO” position. Doing so will allow the GSHP system to constantly circulate and mix the air in the home, keeping the entire space at a more uniform temperature.
  • Request that the contractor provide an “As-Built” drawing for permanent record of what was actually installed. Ask that as much detail be provided as possible including pipe size, dimensions, exact loop locations, grout thermal conductivity value (if a vertically-bored or horizontally-bored system is used), and loop installation depth and configuration.
  • Contact your contractor if you think a problem exists with your system. GSHP systems are the most reliable, environmentally-friendly, and most efficient heating and cooling systems available provided they are designed, installed, and controlled properly.

Don’t

  • Use excessive thermostat setback controls during unoccupied periods in the home. It is best to keep the thermostat at a single temperature set point throughout the entire day.

Contact our engineering department to discuss possible options for your GSHP system and for geothermal design services.