The Geothermal installation process is more complex than conventional H.V.A.C. installation, but well worth the time. The first thing that must be decided is how many tons of air conditioning your home requires. Once that number is calculated the engineer will determine how many geothermal wells will be drilled. The drilling equipment is then brought in and the wells are drilled. Horizontal, vertical and pond loops are the three most used in the United States. In Texas it is recommended, because of the temperature and rocky soil conditions, that vertical loops are used. The drilling of the each loop takes on average anywhere from 4-8 hours. Once the drilling is complete, pipe is dropped down into the holes and is looped back to the surface.  Next the headering process begins. This is where the loops are connected to the equipment. Once the header is attached to the equipment and pumps it is then purged in order to remove all of the air from the system. When all air has been removed the equipment is ready to be started.