Can a Homeowner Install Their Own Geothermal Heat Pump System
If you have the tools, power equipment, and skill to do a DIY Geothermal Heat Pump Installation, you can! Of course, there are some pretty detailed caveats to that statement like… do you have a backhoe or boring machine for the trench work? Are you capable of using basic hand tools? Also, are you able to go to your local planning office and get the required permits for the project?
If you answer yes to those basic questions, then you may consider installing your own Geothermal system. As you can see however, there is a bit of work that Geothermal heating system contractors have to do in order to make sure you have a highly efficient and properly installed Geothermal system.
In this Geothermal Heat Pump guide, we’ll get a bit deeper into what you may need to take on a do it yourself project like this one, and on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the hardest and requiring the most specialized equipment, it’s most definitely in the high-end of that range!
Planning the Installation
Every successful project starts with a solid plan, and so should your geothermal heat pump system installation. At minimum, you should know:
- Understand your property and whether Geothermal is right for your area.
- Know Which Type of Geothermal Loop to install.
- Understand how to determine the size you need.
- Know if you need, or which permits and inspections you need, from your local municipality.
- Decide which of the popular Geothermal heat pump brands you want to install. Do your research, you will have this unit for 15-25 years!
- Plan out your costs and tax credits, to be sure you budget properly for the project.
After you have planned your system and made a point to consult with at least one professional, even if you have to pay them for the consultation, you can move onto the project itself. Popular mechanics published an article in 1998 about Geothermal and much of it still holds true today.
NOW you are ready to lay out a step by step Geothermal heat pump installation plan, for your home and property and start buying the parts and equipment you will need to perform a DIY installation.
Specialized Power Equipment and Tools
After you plan your project, you need to take inventory of the tools you are going to need for the job. Keep in mind that you will need a combination of tools used by HVAC companies, plumbers, and of course a heavy equipment operator.
- Backhoe, Boring Machine or Well Drill. These can be rented by the day or hour. If you don’t care to learn how to run this equipment, consider looking through your local resource directory to find a general contractor willing to work. Craigslist is another great place to find affordable contractors.
- General hand tools like tape measure, hammers, saws, shovels, drills and drill bits, etc.
- Pipe Cutters for both PVC, Poly Pipe and possibly some copper piping.
- Sheet metal tools like small breaks, benders, etc.
The only real specialty tools you are going to need for a DIY geothermal installation, are the power equipment needed to drill, dig, etc. Most other tools are found in the toolbox of most do it yourself garages. Read more about the cost of geothermal systems, including more on equipment rental. Ultimately, only YOU can decide if you have the skills and stamina to take on a project like this.
Share Your Own Geothermal Installation Experience
Did you install your own geothermal heat pump system and want to share what you learned with other readers? Are you a local installer and can share tips? If so, please comment in the box below and share with others.
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