How long does a geothermal installation last
What lasts for decades and what gets replaced in a geothermal installation: the buried loop and the heat pump.
A geothermal installation has two parts with different lifespans: the buried ground loop and the heat pump.
The buried ground loop
The probes are installed in vertical boreholes (or horizontal circuits) and stay underground, with no moving parts and no wear. They are designed to last for decades and are reused when the machine is replaced.
The heat pump
This is the part with mechanical components, such as the compressor, and the one that is replaced over the years. Quality machines run for many years: a Thermia Diplomat 16 installed in 2007 in a house in Arganda del Rey ran for 18 years. In 2025 an electrical fault damaged the compressor and the owners decided to replace the machine with a Calibra E 16, keeping the same buried loop.
What extends the life of the installation
- Good design: a well-sized ground loop keeps the ground from working above or below what was planned.
- Regular checks and, where the machine allows it, remote monitoring to catch faults early.
- A technical service that knows the machine. We service new and old Thermia installations, whoever installed them.
A specific lifespan depends on the machine, the use and the maintenance. A technician can assess your installation in one visit.
Tell us about your project and we will tell you which system fits
The feasibility study is free and carries no obligation. We analyse the building, the ground and the heating and cooling needs.