What Is The Average Cost Of Installation?
Filed under geothermal F.A.Q.
Installation costs are specific to each site and can start as low as $20,000 for an entry level system in a 2000 square ft. home.
Factors affecting installation costs include the heating and cooling load assessment, the usage of the system, the inclusion of domestic hot water or not, the type of distribution system used inside the building, and the thermal conductivity of the local soil.
We have included a link to a Canadian GeoExchange Coalition’s publication “The Buyers Guide to Residential Ground Source Heat Pump Systems” that we feel is a useful tool for those that are serious about working out the dollars and sense for themselves.
If you would like more information on your specific system contact us for a quote.
Curiously the title of this
piece of writing was not
really answered.
LOL!!!
We figured somebody might notice.
The lowest cost geo job we’ve recently done is $20K.
Please see our response to Kim regarding her system:
http://www.exchangenergy.ca/geothermal-retrofit/
Here is another comment we had regarding costs.
QUESTION FROM BRUCE:
“I want geothermal but I can’t afford the installation costs I’m told starts at $15K. I relize I ‘ll need some professional guidance as I’ve never done it. I want to do much of the installation myself. I want to use vertical loops. Can you give me some instruction on how to do this. IE what equipment I’ll need to bore 300ft deep holes,the pipe to be used, the pump and heat exchanger. Where do I look for rights to the land below my yard, obtaining permits to dig deep into my property.I will quantify any info you give and treat it as mere suggestion. I need a starting point before I approach a contracter to design the system and complete a portion of it.”
BRUCE, HERE IS YOUR ANSWER:
Do not, do not, do not try or think that you can do your own geo system. You can do your own framing, your own wiring, etc., but do NOT try to do your own geo system.
Please read all the other posts and comments, and you will see that even the “Pros” often get it wrong.
We can’t do a reliable geo system for $15K, and if you get a quote that low, WATCH OUT.
I realize there are many makes and models out there on the market today. Which brand do you as a professional consider the best and most efficient with good durability??
Also, I can put a closed loop or an open loop or an open loop (pump and dump) system in, which system would you recommend?
I appreciate having this information about geothermal heating. I am embarking on building a 3 bedroom 1000 to 1300 sq foot family retreat on Saturna Island and have become interested in installing a geothermal heating system. my lot is 3.7/8 acres with a 150 ft dug well. The ground is not wet and has lots of shale. I am estimating the cost of installing a system would be very high, given the type of ground I have and the costs of transport to Saturna but would like to know if you can give me a ballpark figure. If you need further information before estimating let me know the questions and I will try to give you answers. Thank you. Judy H.
Hi Judy! We’d be happy to discuss further your options. The best way to get into the “loop” is to make contact with us through our contact us page.
Each contact made on our website is filtered directly into our email inbox and it’s the quickest way to get your needs met!
Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your patience while jumping through the communication hoops.
Dear Sir’s
I have a lake home in northern Minnesota that I will be doing extensive remodeling and adding on to to make this our retirement home. There is land from my site but also curious if we can use the lake for the loops also? Are speciial permits required for lake use (DNR)? I would also like to be able to heat the detached garage for the winter as I will be wanting to do things in a relative warm area. It is a rambler with vaulted cielings approx 1600ft with full basement which will be getting a new conc. floor. Can loops be put under the concrete then another set of loops in the slab and also for the first floor? I have Installed my own hydronic system at our other home as well as building it.
I’m also and electrical contractor that does our own designing too.
Look forward to your reply.
Thanks
Tom
Hi Tom, Sorry for late reply!
In our region we have to apply for a foreshore lease; the bureau shops the application around to fisheries, first nations, navigable waters, archaeology (sometimes). On approval, you get a 50 year lease for a nominal fee.
As with all buildings, especially in Minnesota, reduce the load! So insulation in your garage is must. Size the geo system to suit of course. An insulated pipeline will let you heat the garage from a central mech room. If you’ve got a lake loop, run time on the system isn’t a huge deal, but if you end up with a ground loop make sure you manage the load in the garage. Frequent door opening and dumping of heat could put a big strain on your ground loop. We recommend you heat the space to 50F (don’t go for room temp) and make sure you’ve got thermal breaks between the heated slab, the driveway, building footings, and of course the ground. We recommend minimum R12 under slab (2.5″ rigid styrofoam), but in your region you may want more, say R20.
Earth loops under a heated slab could cause a real heating short circuit…even with insulation it’s probably best to move the loop off the building footprint by at least 10 -15 feet.
Best case would be to get loops in the lake if you can take care of the permit.
we have a geo thermal unit in our home unfortunatly we have to move. if i take my unit with us how much would the cost be to have the loops reinstalled?
I’d recommend leaving the unit behind, it will add value to the sale of your home. It”s hard to give you a loop price. Drilling costs vary by region and geology, if you’ve got land you can go horizontal, if you’ve got a pond or a lake…best thing to do is get local quotes once you’ve relocated.
If only it were that easy!
I’m sorry you were so taken aback. What kind of house are you building? Did you give us a call? It is not uncommon for people to think that designing and installing a geo system is a “no brainer” but trust us…we’ve seen our share of DIY and plain old poorly installed systems and they are a disaster costings triple what you were quoted to repair. Geo is not for everyone. There are alternatives that cost much less that can deliver very efficient results here in BC. It sounds like the quote got your back up against the wall and that you did not get the opportunity to discuss your specific project in full.
If you are still interested in learning what your options are…drop us a line.
Otherwise we wish you the best of luck!
And if you find a good deal on a drill and want to sell it afterwards give us a call!
LOL!
Sincerely the exchangenergy team