Do-It-Yourself DIY Geothermal Projects

Q: Can I install a geothermal system myself? It doesn’t seem that complicated.

A: While it might not “seem” that complicated, Geoexchange / geothermal systems require multi-disciplinary skill sets and the most important part of the system is the design of it. A heat loss analysis of the building should be done. The thermal conductivity of the ground must be calculated or estimated from established data. The ground loop must be sized to meet the building heat load given the type of earth at the site. The flow rate pumped through the ground loop piping must be calculated to ensure effective heat transfer. The piping must be sized to minimize head pressure, pump size and pumping costs. The heat transfer fluid needs to be selected and quantity needs to be calculated. The ground loop must be flushed to ensure that no airlocks occur that can render sections of the loop ineffective, and to remove debris that could foul heat exchangers. The distribution system in the house must be designed to operate at system temperatures and take to maximize the potential efficiencies. Knowledge of control strategies and installation will also help maximize efficiency. Fusion welding of the piping requires experience and a ticket.
Manufacturers will not honour warranties if the system is not installed by a trained and qualified contractor. The system may require service or maintenance, who will perform that? Since the most important part of the system is buried underground, making repairs is near impossible.
If you’re a determined Do It Yourselfer go ahead and do other parts of homebuilding yourself. If you put in your own kitchen cabinets and don’t like them later they are easy to replace. You can even do your own framing since it will be inspected by people who know framing and corrections can be made in time.
For geo systems (and radiant floors too) please save yourself the grief and find a qualified designer and installer, check their references carefully and enjoy doing it yourself in a different part of your homebuilding.