The general consensus on this forum is that geo-thermal is not for the do-it-your-selfer.  Many posters refer to "bad installs"......"it takes a lot of money to fix a bad install"......"you will be cold if you screw it up".  I agree with all those statements.  I believe they apply to real-life "installs gone bad"

 I am an engineer, but have limited geo-thermal knowledge.  I would consider taking courses offered by IGSHPA because I like to learn, the technology is interesting to me, and I am considering doing my own install.

I would like to hear about all the possible mistakes and errors I can make along the way that would give me a bad experience.

Let me summarize the potential project:

New construction, 3ac of land
Radiant heating system designed specifically for geo
A completed room by room heat load analysis has already been completed
No cooling
No duct work
No Desuperheater
Horizontal closed loops

From doing my own research, talking to professionals and receiving professional quotes, I feel I know with reasonable certainty the following items:

Size of heat pump required
Number and Length of loops(slinky)
Number, Depth, length and spacing of trenches

There is some skill involved in digging and backfilling trenches.  I have this covered.

I would hire an electrician when needed.
I would hire a plumber when needed.

Manifolds would be inside
Fusing pipes would not be required.

Obviously there is some skill and knowledge required to actually get the system running and producing heat.  I am not afraid to ask lots of questions and get help when needed. 

So lets hear it..........what have I said that is wrong.  What am I going to screw up?

I have one, where will your obtain the Geothermal unit? Most vendors will not sell directly to a homeowner, thus you'll be limited to 2nd tier venders that will, where there systems that are not of the highest quality. What brand/model system were you planning on installing? I often see Climemaster and FHP on Ebay, but either your limited to what they have available, or sellers of questional representation, like ebay seller SRB2911 with a feedback rating of 0, oh yea, I'm going to send this guy 7k and hope he follows thru with my order. 
 
 

 

 

It sounds to me like you are better prepared than some of the installers we have heard about.    I wouldn't pay to take the IGSHPA course unless  you are going into the business and need the certification.  Their course is almost worthless,  but is accepted as accreditation by the industry.  

If you want to learn more,  I would recommend buying this book.


I have the book,  it will give you all of the info you would learn in an IGSHPA course, plus a lot more.

Keep us posted,  happy to help where we can.

I have some opportunities that will allow me to obtain a quality piece of equipment.  I will not be using ebay for anything.

Thanks for the reply and recommendation.

I know it is a large project and it will be a challenge to do/manage myself.  I currently don't have my head wrapped around it enough to feel comfortable doing it. 

One of the motivators for doing it myself is that I don't have the budget to hire someone for a turn-key system, not because I think the experts charge too much.

I'm in favor of fusion underground to take advantage of as much earth as possible, it has the added advantage of only 2 penetrations into home, and a superior connection. You'll need a flushcart as well, so rent the tools at the same time or just contract that part of the job out. We don't build rockets, but we do have alot of experience in intangibles so don't try to eliminate some of what experience has taught us works best (ie fusion and less wall penetrations). Thereaded and glued fittings as well as barbed and clamped have been mostly discontinued for good reasons.
Good luck,
Joe

May I ask what brand this "Quality piece of equipment" is, no need to tell me who the guy is with a van in some back alley that your getting it from. :)

 

From my 'research',  Warmboard - sub floor, floor, has many advantages, cooler temperatures, route around areas where heat is not necessary, help, etc.  Cost 'looks' expensive - installed cost, shouldn't be!  I believe Econar has the highest COP rating, 2 stage, latest refrigerant in their 'best' water - water model.  Others, have a better rating in water to air models.  I believe the payback is quick on the most efficient units.  I 'know' from a relative, who installs for a 'good' HVAC company, that there is pressure to complete a project and move on.  The sales-estimator wants the job, and usually quotes low and can't for see  the simple problems and time delays, if they had more  (any) installing experience.

Don't be seduced by "highest COP ratings", I think we've already covered how these are arrived at.
But....for those who don't recall, you must have the perfect entering air temperature, with the perfect entering water temperature, with the moon and the stars aligned........
Almost all heat pumps are good.
From whom will you get the most support with you project? That is the measure of the best heat pump for you.
J