Geothermal System Installation in Des Moines, IA
A geothermal system harnesses energy from beneath your home to deliver one of the most efficient, consistent, and environmentally responsible climate solutions available. Unlike air-source heat pumps that pull warmth from outdoor air, geothermal systems tap into the earth's stable ground temperature—which remains nearly constant year-round in Des Moines. The result: extraordinary efficiency, lower operating costs, and comfort that doesn't fluctuate with seasonal temperature swings. Obsidian Heating and Cooling has been installing geothermal systems since 2009. We're a veteran-owned business and Tempstar Elite Dealer, and we specialize in underground loop design, installation, and commissioning for Des Moines-area homes seeking maximum efficiency and long-term energy independence.
Up to 15-Year Warranty
Parts & Labor
Why Choose Obsidian for Your Geothermal Installation
Schedule Your Geothermal System Consultation
Geothermal installation is a significant investment with decades of payoff potential. We'll evaluate your property, explain ground loop options, discuss energy savings, and help you understand the timeline and financing available.
Related Services:
Our Geothermal Installation Process — From Site Survey to System Optimization
From the first site evaluation to the final commissioning, every step is handled with precision and expertise. Here's what to expect when you choose Obsidian Heating and Cooling for your geothermal installation.
Comprehensive Site Evaluation & Thermal Load Analysis
Geothermal design starts with understanding your property's geological and thermal characteristics. Our team begins with a detailed site survey: assessing available space for ground loops (yard size, obstructions, utilities), evaluating soil composition and groundwater conditions, and reviewing your home's heating and cooling loads. We'll contact local utility locating services to mark all underground utilities—gas, water, electric, fiber—to ensure safe loop installation.
Using Manual J industry standards, we calculate your home's exact heating and cooling requirements. Geothermal systems must be precisely sized—oversize and you waste money on unnecessary loop; undersize and you can't meet peak heating demand on the coldest January mornings in Des Moines. We also assess your existing ductwork. Geothermal systems demand clean, sealed ducts for efficient heat distribution. If your ducts leak or have restrictions, we'll address those before installation—poor ductwork undermines geothermal efficiency immediately.
What We Evaluate
Soil Borings
Geology and groundwater depth assessment.
Thermal Load Calculation
Manual J industry-standard methodology.
Ductwork Assessment
Sealing and replacement needs identified.
Electrical Service
Panel capacity and upgrade planning.
Building Codes
Local requirements and permit research.
Backup Heating
Supplemental needs for extreme cold.
Ground Loop Design & Equipment Selection
Once we understand your site and loads, we design the ideal ground loop system. Vertical loops are ideal for compact properties—we drill boreholes 200–400 feet deep and circulate heat exchange fluid through underground pipes. Horizontal loops require more surface area but no drilling—we excavate trenches and bury loops across your property. For some properties, a hybrid approach combines both. We'll explain the trade-offs in installation cost, land use, drilling requirements, and long-term performance.
We'll also select the geothermal heat pump equipment. Tempstar offers multiple efficiency tiers and configurations. High-efficiency variable-speed compressors deliver quiet, precise temperature control and maximum energy savings. Two-stage systems balance efficiency with cost. We'll model your expected heating and cooling costs for each option, explain HSPF (heating efficiency) and SEER2 (cooling efficiency) ratings, and recommend what delivers the best long-term value for Des Moines's climate.
Design Components
Loop Configuration
Vertical, horizontal, or hybrid design.
Loop Length Calculation
Based on thermal load and soil properties.
Heat Pump Equipment
Refrigerant type and safety controls.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Expected payback periods modeled.
Permitting, Groundwork Preparation & Utility Coordination
Before installation begins, we coordinate with local authorities, obtain building permits, and prepare your property. If drilling is required for vertical loops, we'll contract with certified well drillers and coordinate the schedule. We'll confirm utility locations one final time and brief you on what to expect—drilling rigs on your property, trenching equipment if horizontal loops are planned, and temporary landscape disruption that we'll restore when complete.
Preparation also includes ordering all geothermal equipment and components, confirming delivery dates, and scheduling electrical work if a panel upgrade is required. We'll coordinate with your utility company if they need to inspect electrical connections. We'll also plan for refrigerant line routing inside your home, thermostat placement, and backup heat configuration (if keeping your existing furnace for supplemental use on extreme cold days).
Preparation Steps
Building Permits
All required permits and easements obtained.
Drilling Coordination
Certified contractors for vertical loops.
Utility Locations
Final confirmation and safety protocols.
Equipment Delivery
Scheduled to align with installation dates.
Electrical Upgrades
Panel upgrades if required.
Family Briefing
Site conditions and restoration expectations.
Ground Loop Installation & Pressure Testing
Installation day—or days—is where geothermal expertise becomes visible. Our team oversees every phase: drilling or trenching for the loop, placing and backfilling buried piping, filling the heat exchange fluid circuit with antifreeze solution, and pressure-testing every connection. For vertical loops, we work with licensed drilling contractors to bore holes, install U-bend polyethylene pipes, and seal boreholes with thermally conductive grout that transfers heat efficiently to surrounding soil.
For horizontal loops, we excavate trenches (typically 4–6 feet deep), lay parallel loops with proper spacing, test for leaks, and backfill with excavated soil. Every loop connection—both above ground in the mechanical room and below ground in trenches or boreholes—is pressure-tested with nitrogen to ensure zero leaks. Refrigerant doesn't enter the system until we're 100% confident the loop is sealed.
Installation Details
Drilling Operations
Vertical loops or trenching oversight.
Piping Placement
Proper spacing and support verified.
Pressure Testing
Nitrogen tested, zero moisture contamination.
Heat Exchange Fluid
Food-grade propylene glycol antifreeze.
Refrigerant Charging, System Commissioning & Your Education
With the ground loop complete and tested, we charge the system with refrigerant and perform comprehensive commissioning. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we verify superheating and subcooling, confirm proper pressures at design conditions, and document all performance data. We run the system through heating and cooling cycles, confirm thermostat control is working correctly, and test your backup heating system (if applicable) to ensure it activates properly on extreme cold days.
We'll conduct a complete walkthrough of your new system: explaining how it operates differently from traditional furnaces and air conditioners, showing you how to use your thermostat, discussing seasonal maintenance schedules, and answering every question about your investment. We'll provide you with documentation—equipment warranties, commissioning test results, performance guarantees, and contact information for future service.
Before We Leave
Refrigerant Charge
Proper type and quantity verified.
Performance Testing
All parameters documented and verified.
Complete Documentation
Warranties, test results, and guarantees.
Energy Monitoring
Smart thermostat features explained.
Geothermal Installation Across Central Iowa
We proudly serve Des Moines and the surrounding communities with expert geothermal system installation and design.
Serving Our Neighbors in & Around:
Ankeny, IA
Suburban Ankeny homes benefit from our experience with clay soils and efficient vertical loop design tailored to North-Central Iowa conditions.
Urbandale, IA
Urbandale properties range from compact neighborhoods to larger estates. We design loops (vertical, horizontal, or hybrid) suited to each property's unique footprint.
Altoona, IA
Altoona's mix of residential and newer construction homes means varying ductwork and electrical infrastructure. We assess each home's specific needs and customize the installation accordingly.
Grimes, IA
Growing Grimes includes newer homes with better insulation, allowing for right-sized geothermal systems that maximize efficiency and minimize operating costs.
Clive, IA
Clive's established residential areas and larger properties often suit horizontal loop configurations. We have experience with Clive soil conditions and groundwater depth.
Not Sure If We Service Your Area?
We're dedicated to serving Greater Des Moines and our surrounding communities. Give us a call if you're not sure if we come to you—chances are we do.
Related Energy-Efficient Heating & Cooling Services
Beyond geothermal installation, we offer complementary services to optimize your home's climate control and comfort.
Heat Pump Installation
If geothermal isn't ideal for your property, air-source heat pumps offer excellent efficiency and year-round comfort with simpler installation.
Explore Heat Pump InstallationCentral AC Installation
For homes that prefer traditional air conditioning for summer cooling, we install high-efficiency central systems paired with your existing furnace.
Get Central AC InstalledFurnace Installation
Whether upgrading your heating system or adding a backup furnace alongside geothermal, we handle expert furnace installation and configuration.
Get a New Furnace InstalledGeothermal Maintenance & Tune-Up
Keep your geothermal system running at peak efficiency with our annual maintenance service, performance verification, and optimization.
Schedule Geothermal MaintenanceGeothermal Installation FAQs
Invest in Long-Term Energy Independence with Geothermal
Geothermal heating and cooling represents one of the most significant long-term investments in your home's comfort and efficiency. By harnessing the earth's constant temperature, you're tapping into a renewable energy source that powers your home reliably through Iowa's hottest summers and coldest winters. Over a system's 25+ year lifespan, you'll see substantial energy savings, reduced carbon footprint, and the knowledge that your climate control system is operating at maximum efficiency.
Our veteran-owned team at Obsidian Heating and Cooling has been installing geothermal systems across Des Moines and Central Iowa since 2009. We approach every geothermal installation with the precision, integrity, and long-term thinking that our veteran heritage demands. We don't rush through site evaluation, loop design, or commissioning. Your system will be sized correctly, installed to factory standards, and optimized for your specific property and climate.
Explore All Geothermal Services
See everything we handle for geothermal systems, or jump straight to a related service.
