Geothermal reality

Considering Geothermal? What You Can Expect from a New Installation

I recently completed a new geothermal installation in my own home. While I regularly handle geothermal upgrades—especially in homes where wells already exist—this was only the second time I’ve contracted to have new vertical wells drilled. It was a great reminder of the complexities involved with a new geo system installation.

If you’re considering geothermal for your home, I wanted to share what the process looks like, including the costs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

The Steps for a New Geothermal Installation:

Consultation & Loop System Decision We’ll discuss whether an open or closed loop system is best for your property.
Site Inspection & Driller Subcontracting A site inspection is conducted, and we’ll hire the right drilling subcontractor.
Well Drilling Drilling vertical wells (including casing if needed) and grouting to ensure proper heat exchange.
Trenching to the House Digging trenches to bring the pipes from the wells to your home.
Pipe Connections Connecting the pipes to the headers outside and running main lines inside.
Pressure Testing & Inspection The system is pressure tested and inspected for any issues.
Loop Flushing & Antifreeze Treatment The loops are flushed, and antifreeze is added for efficiency and protection.
Equipment Placement & Connections Installing and connecting the geothermal equipment inside your home.
Start-Up & Testing The system is powered up, and a thorough test ensures everything is working.
Backfill, Topsoil & Seeding The trenches are backfilled, topsoil added, and grass is seeded to restore your yard.

How Long Does It Take?

The entire installation process typically takes 4-6 weeks if you can find an available well driller right away. However, with any delays, the timeline can stretch to 6-8 weeks. After that, you’ll need another 2 weeks for yard cleanup and grass seeding.

What Does It Cost?

For a properly sized closed-loop vertical well geothermal system in a 3,800 sq. ft. home, you’re looking at around $45,000. After tax credits and energy rebates, that cost comes down to approximately $30,850.

I hope this helps you understand what goes into a geothermal installation and the costs involved. If you have questions or are ready to start, feel free to reach out!