Pride: Overconfident and Overdesigned

Pride can sometimes trip us up—especially when we’re overconfident. In technical fields like Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system design, being too sure of yourself can mean ignoring good advice or missing important details. This overconfidence can lead to serious, expensive mistakes, like designing a Ground Heat Exchanger (GHX) that doesn’t work as well as it should. To avoid these problems, it’s important to stay humble and ask for help when needed.

The Problem with Oversizing

One common mistake in GSHP design is oversizing, which happens when people new to the field add too many "safety factors." This might seem like a smart way to avoid issues, but it actually increases construction costs and can make the system less efficient.

For example, some designers think a bigger GHX circulation pump will improve performance. In reality, a pump that’s too big uses more energy, increases costs, and can even cause overheating by pushing extra heat into the ground.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to follow standard guidelines for pump sizing. The table below shows industry benchmarks for GHX circulation pumps, graded from A (best) to F (worst). The key is to aim for efficient energy use, which can also be improved with tools like variable frequency drives (VFDs) or electronically commutated motors (ECMs).

Why Expert Help Matters

If you’re worried about your GSHP design, it’s a good idea to reach out to professionals with experience in geothermal systems. They can use advanced tools to ensure your system is the right size and performing as efficiently as possible.

For example, real-time monitoring tools give designers accurate data about energy loads and flow rates. This data helps them make smarter decisions and avoid problems like oversizing. When designers stay open to learning and use the best tools available, they create systems that work better for clients and the environment.

Pride in our work is good—but too much pride can lead to costly mistakes. By staying humble, seeking advice, and using reliable, advanced tools, our industry can design GSHP systems that are cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient.

Want to learn more? Check out the rest of our Seven Deadly Sins Series, where we explore common mistakes and best practices for designing and running Ground Heat Exchangers.