Who to Hire to Install Geothermal Heating Systems

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you’re wondering who to hire to install a geothermal heating system, the best choice is a licensed, bonded, and insured geothermal system installation specialist. This pro evaluates your site, sizes the system, secures permits and inspections, and installs underground piping safely and to code.

Generalists like plumbers are not a good fit for complete installations, and DIY work can lead to poor performance and property damage. Use this hiring guide to confirm who to call and when to bring in a specialist.

Benefits of Hiring a Geothermal Heating Specialist for Installation

A local geothermal heating specialist brings focused training to a project that depends on soil conditions, site size, and local climate. These pros recommend the right system, oversee safe excavation, and manage precise underground piping placement. They also handle permits and inspections, ensuring code compliance. Hiring a specialist reduces the chance of performance issues and costly repairs, so the system runs safely and efficiently from day one.

Geothermal heating specialists bring the following benefits:

• Specialized knowledge of geothermal system design and installation

• Accurate sizing based on property, climate, and landscape

• Manages permits and required inspections

• Licensed, bonded, and insured for your area

• Oversees safe excavation and backfilling

• Ensures correct underground piping placement

• Connects the indoor geothermal heat pump properly

• Aligns work with local building codes

• Minimizes risk of costly missteps

Can I Hire a Plumber or HVAC Technician to Install a Geothermal Heating System?

Plumbers participate in geothermal projects but do not oversee the full installation. They coordinate with geothermal specialists and complete the final plumbing connections after the groundwork and loops are in place. In states where geothermal is more common, certain plumbing companies handle complete installations. 

Traditional HVAC technicians are not the right fit because geothermal systems require excavation, loop design, and expertise in underground piping. Default to a geothermal heating specialist when you want one pro to design, install, and coordinate inspections. 

If you need help with the plumbing aspects of your geothermal system, consider hiring a local plumber to ensure all connections are handled safely and in compliance with code.

How Do Geothermal Heating Specialists Install a Geothermal Heating System?

Geothermal heating specialists have the tools and expertise to install your system for lasting safety and performance. Here’s a look at their process:

• Initial consultation to evaluate soil type, land size, and local climate

• Determine the correct system size and type

• Obtain necessary permits

• Excavate land and lay underground pipes

• Backfill to cover piping

• Connect the indoor geothermal heat pump

• Test and confirm proper operation

These steps keep the work safe and code-compliant, and they clarify where homeowner involvement ends and professional responsibility begins.

How Much Does a Geothermal Heating System Cost?

The average cost of a geothermal heating system ranges from $4,540 to $26,610 for most homeowners. Total costs depend on the type of system you install, its heating and cooling capacity, and your soil conditions. Additional labor requirements, such as excavation and site preparation, can add up to $15,000 to your final bill.