These are the steps you’ll want to follow before installing a ground-source heat pump in your home:
- Learn how much this project will cost and find out what incentives are available.
- Contact installers. MassCEC recommends contacting at least three installers to learn more about installing ground source heat pumps at your property. Visit our Installer page for a list. Referrals from family, friends, or neighbors are another great way to find an installer.
- Prepare your home. If necessary, take preliminary measures to get your home ready for a new heating system, such as:
- Upgrading your electrical service: If your home has less than 200 amp electrical service, talk to a ground-source heat pump installer about whether you may need to upgrade your electrical service.
- Locate property plans and share them with an installer: Many towns have codes regarding how close ground-source heat pumps wells can be to a septic system, existing drinking water wells, and property lines. If you have a plot plan or blueprints of your property, share them with your installer so they can make sure your yard has adequate space for a drill rig or horizontal ground-source heat pump system that complies with all local regulations and codes.
- Weatherize your home: Ground-source heat pumps operate best in well-insulated and air-sealed homes with efficient windows. Make sure to tell your installer about any weatherization measures you have done or are planning, so they can size your system appropriately.
- Delay new landscaping until your ground-source heat pump is installed: the installation of a ground-source heat pump system will disrupt your yard. Grass, plantings, and walkways may be affected and may need to be refinished after the holes are dug.
- Install ground-source heat pumps. Talk to your installer about how long installation will take. Ground-source heat pump installations typically take between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on home size, system complexity, and schedules of the driller and installer.
We’re In This Together
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