# Retrofitting Your Home With Geothermal? 3 Factors You Can’t Afford to Ignore > Are you retrofitting your home with geothermal heating and cooling? If so, find out what 3 factors you need to consider in the process. [![retrofitting your home with geothermal, Holliston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/geothermal-concept.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/geothermal-concept.jpg)Are you retrofitting your home with geothermal heating and cooling? If so, you’re set to benefit from the [free, renewable energy](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/ground-source-heating-the-gem-buried-in-your-backyard.html) that geothermal systems source from under the ground. [![retrofitting your home with geothermal, Holliston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/geothermal-concept.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/geothermal-concept.jpg) To make the most out of your investment, however, you’ll need to consider the three factors outlined below. Because geothermal systems function in ways that are significantly different from the standard furnaces and air conditioners employed in many of the homes along the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, it’s imperative that you [ensure a proper retrofit](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/planning-tips-for-geothermal-heating-installation.html). ## Space requirements The type of geothermal system you can employ is largely dictated by land availability. If your yard's small, or you have old trees or other landscaping you want to preserve, choose a vertical loop installation, which involves boring deep holes to accommodate the piping to transfer heat. However, this option is generally the most costly. A horizontal installation requires less digging and is less costly, but you’ll need a larger amount of land to accommodate it. ## Utilities Your geothermal contractor will assess the home’s utilities, outlining where electricity lines run and plumbing pipes extend from the city’s main pipes into your home. The position of utilities may interfere with the lowest-cost installation option; however, it’s essential that you avoid compromising utilities, rerouting the geothermal system if needed. ## Existing electrical power and ductwork Standard furnaces and air conditioners require differing electrical power loads and airflow needs. Your contractor will assess them, and make adjustments as necessary. For instance, furnaces generally raise the temperature by 70 to 85 degrees to achieve a lower airflow and reduce ductwork costs. Geothermal systems don’t require as high a temperature rise—raising the temperature by 50 to 60 degrees—but they need larger ductwork to accommodate their higher volume of airflow. Any adjustments should be assessed prior to digging and purchasing the system, taking into account [the costs to retrofit ducts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/geothermal-heat-pump-system-offers-long-term-savings.html) and electrical components. [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) provides HVAC services to the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. Give us a call to discuss the possibility of retrofitting your home with geothermal, or visit our website for more information. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/retrofitting-home-geothermal.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/retrofitting-home-geothermal.html)