About This Service
About this Service
Thornton family homes and new subdivisions often replace Geothermal Heat Pumps when aging units cause rising repair bills or fail to meet comfort goals. The replacement service covers removal of the old indoor unit, assessment of heavy clay soils and shallow aquifers common to Thornton, and installation of a new ground-source unit sized for early winter onsets and wide temperature swings. The goal is reliable operation with clear expectations about loop feasibility.
Heavy clay soils and shallow aquifers affect trenching depth and open-loop viability. Clay increases excavation resistance and can retain moisture that slows cure times for backfilled trenches. Shallow aquifers may preclude open-loop systems and require grouting or dewatering during vertical drilling. The site evaluation will typically include groundwater depth checks and probe borings to determine whether horizontal arrays are feasible or if vertical bores and sealed loops are necessary. Loop reuse requires pressure tests and a thermal-response test to confirm capacity.
Replacement work includes refrigerant recovery and disposal, new unit installation, loop tie-in or replacement, and commissioning with performance verification. Written estimates should list any required dewatering, grout work, and associated permit or disposal costs. Plan for timing constraints during seasonal wet periods, and expect post-install efficiency testing to confirm supply/return differentials and expected COP under local conditions.