Geothermal proposals: compare the ground work and indoor system

Questions covered in this guide

Start with the property assessment

Tell the designer about known utilities, access limitations, existing landscaping and any available property records. Ask what site investigation is needed before a loop arrangement can be selected. Keep uncertain conditions visible rather than choosing a layout from a generic drawing. The property work is a major part of the project definition.

Identify the proposed heat-exchange approach

DOE describes ground-source systems exchanging heat through buried loops. Loops can be arranged vertically or horizontally. Ask the contractor to describe the arrangement proposed for your site and the evidence supporting it. Request a clear distinction between the loop system, indoor equipment and the distribution serving the rooms. A heat-pump cabinet price is not the full scope of a ground-source installation.

Build a complete responsibility map

Make rows for site investigation, design, excavation or drilling, loop installation, connections, indoor work, controls, testing and property restoration. Ask who performs each part and which permits or approvals the responsible professional must address. Record how unexpected ground conditions would be documented and priced. Compare proposals using the same heating/cooling coverage and restoration expectations. Include future service access and the records needed to locate the installed loop, without treating the homeowner worksheet as a drilling or design plan.

Use a project-specific budget

Request a complete installed proposal with allowances and exclusions stated clearly. Keep any operating-cost analysis separate, with its assumptions and energy rates shown. The HVAC calculator’s national air-source equipment references do not price a geothermal project, drilling or excavation. Use the supplied total on a separate worksheet and avoid inferring payback, feasibility or loop size from the home’s floor area alone.

Sources and supported claims

DOE describes ground-source systems exchanging heat through buried loops.
Source ↗ · national · Checked 2026-10-12

Loops can be arranged vertically or horizontally.
Source ↗ · national · Checked 2026-10-12