About this course
Offered in partnership with the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). This course is designed to prepare students to take the exam to become IGSHPA Accredited Installer.
This course is required to access some government incentives (including the NYS Clean Heat Program), some product distributors require it of their dealers, and some engineers restrict bid lists to IGSHPA Accredited installers and drillers. Quite simply, this is the foundational course for any serious geothermal professional.
FEES NOT INCLUDED: Fees for the IGSHPA test, IGSHPA membership, and CSA standards are not included with this course fee. When you finish the course and want to take the exam, you'll need to pay $350 for the testing fees, 3-year IGSHPA membership, and individual copy of the CSA Standards. These are required by IGSHPA and the fees we collect go directly to IGSHPA.
MANUALS NOT INCLUDED: A full set of IGSHPA manuals is strongly recommended but not required. Manuals may be purchased at the IGSHPA Online Store. There are two ways to purchase the manuals - either physical manuals ($225) or licensed PDF manuals ($130). Having access to these manuals will help you pass the exam.
Course outline
12 modules
10 - 15 hours to complete
6:46 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Order IGSHPA Manuals [strongly recommended not required]
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction
This week covers the basics of geothermal systems.
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- Intro to Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Systems - Part 1 (12:07 minutes) Preview
- Intro to Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Systems - Part 2 (25:05 minutes)
- Introduction (20 questions)
- Reading: IGSHPA Installer Accreditation Versus Vertical Loop Installer (Driller) Accreditation
Module 2 • 7 assignments
Economics, Marketing and Demand Reduction
Module 2 • 7 assignments
Economics, Marketing and Demand Reduction
Doing a simple payback analysis is a practical first step to take on any geothermal project. There are some simple first steps that will pay off down the road by setting realistic expectations for your prospective client.
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- Economics & Marketing - Part 1 (12:31 minutes)
- Economics & Marketing - Part 2 (11:40 minutes)
- Economics & Marketing - LoopLink Example (11:14 minutes)
- Article: Geothermal Is A Safeguard Against Rising Energy Prices (Optional)
- Article: ASHP vs. GSHP Efficiencies (Optional) (.pdf)
- Economics, Marketing, and Demand Reduction (10 questions)
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Soils Identification
Module 3 • 5 assignments
Soils Identification
In ground heat exchanger construction, you must be able to identify the type of soil/rock where the installation will take place. First, the soil/rock type will affect the installation methods used. Secondly, the thermal properties of the soil/rock in the area will dictate how much ground heat exchanger piping will be needed. Supplemental lesson courtesy of GRTI.
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- Soil/Rock Identification & Thermal Properties (26:00 minutes)
- Supplemental Video Lesson - Direct Formation Thermal Conductivity Measurement (16:51 minutes)
- Supplemental Video slides (.pdf)
- Soil & Rock Identification & Thermal Properties (20 questions)
Module 4 • 7 assignments
Selecting, Sizing and Designing the Heat Pump System
Module 4 • 7 assignments
Selecting, Sizing and Designing the Heat Pump System
This lesson helps to identify key areas of focus for geothermal systems – including equipment configurations, performance and proper selection
- Presentation slides - GSHP Performance (.pdf)
- Presentation slides - GSPH Selection (.pdf)
- GSHP Performance (23:20 minutes) Preview
- GSHP Selection (17:52 minutes)
- GSHP Performance - LoopLink Example (10:53 minutes)
- Homework Assignment
- GSHP Performance & Selection (20 questions)
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Designing the Ground Heat Exchanger
Module 5 • 7 assignments
Designing the Ground Heat Exchanger
This is the meatiest part of the course because this is what makes a geothermal system unique, and there’s so much to learn. In this week's lesson we’ll make sure you really understand how to properly design the ground heat exchanger.
- Presentation slides - GHEX Piping (.pdf)
- Presentation slides - GHEX Design (.pdf)
- GHEX Piping (24:42 minutes)
- Closed-Loop GHEX Design (21:56 minutes) Preview
- Closed-Loop GHEX Design - LoopLink Example (18:49 minutes)
- Homework Assignment
- GHEX Design (35 questions)
Module 6 • 9 assignments
Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems
Module 6 • 9 assignments
Grouting Procedures for Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems
Grouting is a critical part of vertically- and horizontally-bored GHEX installation. This module covers all necessary aspects of grouting—how, what, why and when—material courtesy of GeoPro, Inc.
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- Proper Grouting Procedures & Technical Considerations - Part 1 (15:15 minutes)
- Proper Grouting Procedures & Technical Considerations - Part 2 (12:01 minutes)
- Proper Grouting Procedures & Technical Considerations - Part 3 (09:28 minutes)
- Proper Grouting Procedures & Technical Considerations - Part 4 (15:42 minutes)
- Homework Assignment (.pdf)
- Homework Resource - Online Grout Volume & Cost Calculator
- Reading: Product Handling Guide (Optional) (.pdf)
- Grouting Procedures (20 questions)
Module 7 • 5 assignments
Pipe Joining Methods
Module 7 • 5 assignments
Pipe Joining Methods
Heat fusion (butt, socket, sidewall, and electrofusion) is the predominant method of joining plastic pipe in the buried portion of the ground heat exchanger. The loop installer should always consult with the pipe manufacturer for proper fusion procedures. This lesson reviews the basic procedures, necessary equipment, and items to be aware of in the heat fusion process, courtesy of Performance Pipe.
- Performance Pipe Website
- Socket Fusion Procedures (09:16 minutes)
- Butt Fusion Procedures (08:54 minutes)
- Reading: Fusion Procedures & Qualifications Guide (Optional) (.pdf)
- Fusion Procedures (20 questions)
Module 8 • 7 assignments
System Installation
Module 8 • 7 assignments
System Installation
Now that GSHP system design is well understood, we will discuss the proper installation techniques to help you make sure that the system will work as well as it has been designed.
- Presentation slides - Interior GSHP Installation (.pdf)
- Presentation slides - Ground Loop Installation (.pdf)
- Interior GSHP Piping Design & Installation - Part 1 (22:26 minutes)
- Interior GSHP Piping Design & Installation - Part 2 (06:49 minutes)
- Ground Loop Installation - Part 1 (16:27 minutes)
- Ground Loop Installation - Part 2 (16:30 minutes)
- System Installation (20 questions)
Module 9 • 6 assignments
Flushing & Purging the System
Module 9 • 6 assignments
Flushing & Purging the System
Before a system can be placed into operation, it must be flushed and purged and the proper amount of antifreeze must be added. This lesson will also cover error detection techniques you can use to verify that the loops have been properly connected to the header.
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- Flushing & Purging Procedures (15:33 minutes)
- Error Detection & Antifreeze Volume (08:32 minutes)
- Homework Assignment (.pdf)
- Homework Resource - Antifreeze Volume Calculator (.xlsm) (.xlsm)
- Flushing & Purging (15 questions)
Module 10 • 6 assignments
Heat Pump System Startup and Checkout + GeoExchange Drilling: Project Costing & Bidding
Module 10 • 6 assignments
Heat Pump System Startup and Checkout + GeoExchange Drilling: Project Costing & Bidding
With the design and install work complete, the last step in a successful project is to ensure that things are working as they should. This lesson gives an overview of the basic steps to take to check for proper system control/operation after startup and to help diagnose problems if they arise. The final lesson will cover the various business-related aspects of GeoExchange drilling. It provides an overview of the things to consider before placing a bid on a project.
- Reading: How to Measure Forced-Air GSHP Efficiency
- Presentation slides (.pdf)
- System Startup, Performance Checking & Troubleshooting (16:37 minutes)
- Performance Checking (10 questions)
- Homework Assignment (.pdf)
- GeoExchange Drilling Considerations (10 questions)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Ready to take the IGSHPA Exam?
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Instructor
Ryan Carda
CTO, Midwest Geothermal
Ryan Carda is the CTO at Midwest Geothermal, one of the largest national installers of commercial-scale ground heat exchangers for geothermal heating and cooling applications. Before joining Midwest, Ryan held the positions of Sr. Director of Engineering at Dandelion Energy and President at Geo-Connections (which was acquired by Dandelion in 2018). Ryan has more than 20...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Are testing and membership fees included with the course registration fee?
No. Fees for the IGSHPA test, IGSHPA membership, and CSA standards are not included with this course fee. When you finish the course and want to take the exam, you'll need to pay $350 for the testing fees, 3-year IGSHPA membership, and individual copy of the CSA Standards. These are required by IGSHPA and the fees we collect go directly to IGSHPA.
Are IGSHPA manuals included with the course registration fee?
No, the manuals are not included. A full set of IGSHPA manuals is strongly recommended but not required. The manuals cost $225 and are purchased directly through IGSHPA. Having access to these manuals will help you pass the exam.
If you want the full story about why...
When we launched this course we used to include all of the manuals. But the price was higher so we could pay for the manuals. Lots of people said they already had the manuals so it was a pain to do refunds and cancel the book orders. We decided it would be easier to just lower the price of the course and make the manual optional.
If you want the full story about why...
When we launched this course we used to include all of the manuals. But the price was higher so we could pay for the manuals. Lots of people said they already had the manuals so it was a pain to do refunds and cancel the book orders. We decided it would be easier to just lower the price of the course and make the manual optional.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.
