Geothermal

Tackling Colorado’s Unique Geothermal Challenges

Facing the high costs and complexities of geothermal installation in Colorado? You're not alone. Call us now or contact us regarding financing options to start your project.

Homeowners across the state often encounter frustration when trying to find reliable information about ground-source heat pumps, specifically regarding excavation requirements and upfront investment. Whether you are in Denver, Colorado Springs, or the surrounding mountain communities, the geology of the region requires specialized knowledge that general HVAC contractors simply do not possess. Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric understands that you need a system designed to handle alpine winters and high-altitude summers without sending your utility bills skyrocketing.

• Unlock lower heating bills and consistent indoor comfort with our expert geothermal solutions.
• Take advantage of local rebates and our straightforward financing to ease your initial investment.
• Experience peace of mind with our certified full-service installation and maintenance.

All installations are fully permitted, featuring extensive warranties and flexible financing options.

What to Expect from a Modern Geothermal System

Investing in a geothermal system is a significant decision that alters how your property consumes energy for decades. Unlike standard furnace and air conditioning combinations, a geothermal system leverages the stable temperature of the earth to provide heating, cooling, and often hot water. When you contract a service for a new installation or a retrofit, you are purchasing a complete energy management infrastructure, not just a box that sits in your basement.

System Components and Scope

The scope of a geothermal project involves two distinct components: the ground loop and the heat pump unit. The ground loop consists of high-density polyethylene pipes buried underground, which circulate fluid to absorb or dissipate heat. The indoor heat pump unit replaces your traditional furnace. It compresses the heat extracted from the ground to warm your home or reverses the process to cool it. Modern systems often include desuperheaters, which divert waste heat to your domestic water heater, providing virtually free hot water during the summer months.

Efficiency and Performance Standards

You receive a system rated for Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). A standard gas furnace might operate at 96% efficiency, meaning for every dollar of gas you buy, you get 96 cents of heat. A geothermal system typically operates between 300% and 500% efficiency because it moves heat rather than creating it through combustion. You can expect consistent indoor humidity levels, elimination of carbon monoxide risks associated with burning fossil fuels, and zoned comfort control if your ductwork supports it.

Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

Service agreements for these systems differ from standard HVAC. Because the ground loop is buried and protected from the elements, it carries a significantly longer warranty, often upwards of 50 years. The indoor heat pump unit carries warranties similar to high-end air conditioners, typically covering parts and labor for 10 years depending on the manufacturer. Clarity on these warranties is provided before any digging begins.

The Installation and Replacement Process

Installing a geothermal system is a construction project that involves excavation or drilling. Understanding the sequence of events helps manage expectations regarding timeline and property disruption. We handle the logistics from the initial load calculation to the final thermostat programming.

Site Assessment and Loop Design

The process begins with a Manual J load calculation to determine exactly how much heating and cooling your structure requires. This data dictates the size of the loop field.

• Technicians assess the geology of your property to determine if a vertical or horizontal loop is appropriate.
• Vertical loops are drilled deep into the ground (often 150-400 feet) and are ideal for smaller lots or rocky terrain common in the Rockies.
• Horizontal loops are laid in trenches four to six feet deep and require significant acreage but are generally less expensive to install if space permits.
• If a nearby water source like a pond or lake meets depth and volume requirements, a pond loop may be designed to sink coils to the bottom of the body of water.

Excavation and Drilling

Once the design is finalized and permits are secured, heavy equipment arrives on site.

• For vertical loops, a drilling rig creates boreholes.
• For horizontal loops, excavators dig trenches.
• Piping is inserted into the ground and grouted to ensure thermal conductivity and groundwater protection.
• This stage is the most invasive; however, the disturbance is temporary, and the ground is backfilled and graded upon completion.

Piping and Interior Connections

The exterior loop field must be connected to the interior of the home.

• Technicians run the supply and return lines through the foundation wall, sealing the entry point against moisture.
• The indoor heat pump unit is set in place, usually in the mechanical room where the old furnace resided.
• Ductwork modifications are made to accommodate the airflow requirements of the new heat pump.
• Electrical connections are upgraded if necessary to support the heat pump's operation.

System Charging and Start-Up

The final step involves bringing the system to life.

• The loop lines are flushed to remove debris and air.
• An antifreeze solution (usually propylene glycol or methanol) is added to the water in the loop to prevent freezing during Colorado winters.
• The system is pressurized and tested for leaks.
• Technicians program the thermostat and verify airflow, temperature differentials, and loop pressure.

Determining When to Repair vs. Replace

Geothermal systems are known for longevity, but the indoor components do eventually wear out. The ground loop itself rarely fails and can last for generations, meaning "replacement" usually refers only to the indoor heat pump unit. Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric helps homeowners evaluate the condition of their current system to make financially sound decisions.

Assessing the Indoor Unit

If your indoor heat pump is nearing the 15 to 20-year mark, component failures may signal the end of its useful life.

• Compressor failure is the most critical issue. If the compressor fails on an out-of-warranty unit, the cost of replacement often approaches the cost of a brand-new unit.
• Refrigerant leaks in older coils can be expensive to locate and repair, especially if the unit uses phased-out refrigerants.
• If the repair cost equals 50% or more of the value of a new unit, replacement is generally the smarter financial move.

Evaluating Energy Bills

A declining system loses efficiency long before it breaks down completely.

• If your electricity usage has spiked despite normal weather patterns, the heat pump may be struggling to transfer heat effectively.
• Newer units feature variable-speed blowers and multi-stage compressors that offer significantly higher efficiency than models from the early 2000s.
• Upgrading the indoor unit while utilizing the existing ground loop is a cost-effective way to restore peak performance without the expense of excavation.

Loop Field Integrity

In rare cases, issues arise within the loop field.

• If pressure drops continuously, there may be a leak in the underground piping.
• While loop repairs are possible, if the original loop was undersized or poorly grouted, it may not support a modern, high-capacity heat pump.
• In such instances, augmenting the loop field or drilling a new borehole may be required to match the capacity of a replacement unit.

Local Considerations for Colorado Residents

Operating a geothermal system in this region requires specific attention to environmental and regulatory factors. The diverse terrain, from the Front Range to the Western Slope, presents unique variables that influence system design and installation.

Permitting and Water Rights

Colorado has strict regulations regarding groundwater protection.

• Drilling vertical boreholes requires permits from the state water board to ensure aquifers are not contaminated.
• Open-loop systems, which draw water directly from a well and discharge it, face rigorous scrutiny regarding water rights and discharge permits. Closed-loop systems are generally preferred in Colorado to avoid these legal complexities.
• Municipalities may have specific noise ordinances regarding the operation of drilling rigs, affecting the scheduling of installation.

Geological Challenges

The soil composition varies drastically across the state.

• In mountainous areas, drilling often encounters granite or other hard rock, which increases drilling time and cost but offers excellent thermal conductivity.
• In the plains, clay and soil are easier to excavate but require specific grouting materials to ensure the pipe maintains contact with the earth for heat transfer.
• Your location determines the thermal conductivity of the ground, which directly influences how many feet of pipe are needed per ton of heating capacity.

Seasonality and Load Balance

Colorado climates are heating-dominant, meaning the system runs more hours in heating mode than cooling mode.

• System design focuses on ensuring the ground loop is not "over-extracted," which can cause the ground temperature to drop over years of operation, reducing efficiency.
• Properly sized fields allow the ground temperature to recover during the summer when heat is rejected back into the earth.
• Backup heat strips are installed to provide auxiliary heating during extreme sub-zero cold snaps, ensuring comfort is never compromised even during record-low temperatures.

Incentives and Rebates

Local utility providers and federal programs heavily incentivize geothermal adoption to reduce grid strain.

• Federal tax credits currently cover a significant percentage of the total installation cost, including labor and site preparation.
• Local utility companies frequently offer rebates for switching from propane or electric resistance heating to geothermal heat pumps.
• We assist in identifying and documenting these rebates to lower the net cost of the project.

Why Specialized Installation Matters

The success of a geothermal installation relies entirely on the accuracy of the design and the quality of the loop installation. A poorly designed loop will result in a system that runs inefficiently, freezes the ground, or fails to heat the home, negating the investment.

Certified Technical Expertise

Certification matters when drilling into the earth and calculating thermodynamics.

• Systems are designed using industry-standard software that accounts for local soil data, bin weather data for Colorado, and the specific thermal envelope of the home.
• Technicians are trained in heat fusion, the process used to join HDPE pipes underground. This creates a joint stronger than the pipe itself, eliminating the risk of underground leaks.
• Electrical teams are versed in the high-voltage requirements of geothermal pumps and the low-voltage intricacies of modern communicating thermostats.

Long-Term Value Focus

We prioritize systems that deliver ROI.

• By correctly sizing the equipment, we prevent "short-cycling," which wears out components prematurely.
• We utilize variable-speed technology that adjusts output in small increments, providing stable temperatures without the loud blasts of air common with traditional furnaces.
• Maintenance plans are structured to verify loop pressure and fluid chemistry annually, ensuring the system performs as well in year ten as it did on day one.

Geothermal heating and cooling represents the gold standard in HVAC efficiency and environmental responsibility. It eliminates dependence on fluctuating fossil fuel prices and provides a level of comfort that conventional systems cannot match. Whether you are building a custom home in the mountains or retrofitting a residence in the city, the geology of Colorado works in your favor when harnessed correctly.

Book Service Now

VSecure your energy independence and upgrade your home’s infrastructure today. Contact Veteran Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric to schedule your site evaluation and begin the design process.