Geothermal System Inspection Questions

Before buying or selling a property with an existing ground-source heat pump is the most common trigger. It also makes sense when heating or cooling output has dropped, energy bills have risen without explanation, or a property manager needs a documented baseline for maintenance planning.

The contractor checks loop field pressure and antifreeze concentration, measures flow rates through the heat exchanger, records indoor unit performance data, and confirms desuperheater function if water heating is part of the system. Each component is reported separately.

Loop pressure loss and heat exchanger fouling both worsen gradually. Catching either fault early is a maintenance task; missing it until the system can no longer meet load turns it into an emergency repair that costs significantly more and may require loop field work.

Yes. The written report documents each component’s measured result against its original specification and includes recommended follow-up steps. You will know which parts are within spec and which are not, with clear guidance on what to address first.

The inspection itself does not require a permit. Any repair or modification work that follows may require a mechanical permit under Seattle’s building code. The contractor will confirm permit requirements before any follow-up work is scheduled.

Yes. If the inspection identifies faults, the local geothermal contractor can provide a separate written quote for any repair or remediation work. That quote will itemize parts, labor, and any permit fees before work begins.