Who should I contact for a geothermal installation?

By Batipole Edition   Published on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Installation of geothermal sensors for a heat pump in a detached house

Summary for decision-makers

Installation and regulation of geothermal heat pumps: studies, certifications, procedures

This content details the key steps for installing a geothermal heat pump based on the type of dwelling and terrain. The installer performs a precise sizing calculation and handles the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the system. They provide information on project feasibility, mandatory certifications (Qualipac), available financial assistance, local regulatory requirements, and the use of certified professionals for installation and drilling.

Summary



Installing a geothermal heating system requires certain steps, so it's helpful to identify the various stakeholders ahead of the project. France Géothermie lists all the steps to be taken and the relevant contacts.
Batipôle Editorial

 

Depending on the type of home, the land, and the surface area to be heated/cooled, the installer will be responsible for conducting preliminary studies, including the sizing of the heat pump. They will suggest the most appropriate equipment and will handle the entire installation, from installing the sensors and emitters to commissioning the heat pump. They will also ensure annual maintenance of the system.

 

Know the feasibility of the project

To determine the feasibility of the project (drilling, presence of groundwater, water flow, etc.), you should contact the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (brgm.fr) or its regional agencies. Your DRIRE (Regional Directorate for Industry, Research and the Environment) can also provide information (drire.gouv.fr).

 

Learn about certifications

There are certifications for heat pumps (HPs) based on regulatory standards. These certifications meet qualifying energy savings requirements and recognize sound technology. They ensure reliability and guarantees for both customers and professionals.

qualipac www.qualit-enr.org  www.afpac.org

promotelec.com

cstb.fr

afnor.org

Eurovent-certification.com

Find out about aid and its validity

ademe.fr (section: Eco-citizen space/Finance my project)

Website of the Environment and Energy Management Agency.

An ECO-CITIZENS space lists all the useful information to benefit from aid in financing geothermal energy for new or old housing.

anah.fr (“aid” tab)

Website of the National Agency for Housing Improvement, offering assistance depending on the project and the situation.

 

Find a manufacturer and/or installer

It is strongly recommended to contact specialized organizations and federations, including, in particular, the Association of Heat Pump Professionals (afpac.org ou www.qualit-enr.orgThe installers that AFPAC is Qualipac certified. Qualipac is a label that brings together professionals committed to a quality approach for the installation of geothermal heating systems in individual homes.

Find a professional driller and find out about permits:

If you opt for probe capture, it is necessary to call on a specialized driller.

The “PAC Quality Drillers” list is available on the sites:

ademe.fr

geothermie-perspectives.fr

Permissions:

Professionals (drillers, underground design offices) are aware of these procedures. 
It should be noted that there are also specific regional and local regulations.

It is advisable to contact the MISE (Inter Service Water Mission) located at the departmental prefecture www.eaufrance.fr  or to the departmental coordination structures of State services (DDASS, DDAF, DDE, etc.). You should also contact the Water Agency for collection and/or discharge taxes: www.lesagencesdeleau.fr



Frequently Asked Questions

Who installs and maintains a geothermal heat pump?

The specialist installer carries out the preliminary studies, proposes the appropriate system, takes care of the complete installation and ensures the annual maintenance of the device.

How to verify the feasibility of a geothermal heat pump project on a plot of land?

You should contact the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) or the regional DRIRE to check the presence of an aquifer, the water flow and the feasibility of drilling.

What steps are necessary to install a geothermal heat pump requiring drilling?

It is necessary to use a certified driller, to comply with local or regional regulations, and to request authorizations from the departmental services of the State and the MISE at the prefecture.


Thematic glossary

Heat pump (HP)

A device that allows heating and/or cooling of a dwelling by drawing energy from the ground, air or water.

sizing

A study aimed at determining the necessary power and optimal size of the installation according to the needs of the dwelling.

fitter

Professional responsible for the study, installation and commissioning of a heat pump.

Qualipac Certification

Label attesting to the competence and quality of a professional for the installation of heat pumps.

Driller

Specialist who carries out the drilling necessary for the installation of geothermal systems.

MISE (Inter-Service Water Mission)

Departmental structure responsible for coordinating actions related to water and associated permits.








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