40–70% lower heating cost
Ground-source heat pumps deliver 3–5 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity, dramatically outperforming any combustion-based system.
Service 04
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
Geothermal is the most efficient heating and cooling technology available — and it works exceptionally well in the Duluth climate. Owner Kevin Kaski is a Certified Geothermal Designer (CGD) and an IGSHPA Accredited Trainer & Installer, credentials held by fewer than a dozen professionals in Northeastern Minnesota.
Overview
Custom-Designed for Duluth Homes
Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home at a fraction of conventional costs. Kevin Kaski is a Certified Geothermal Designer (CGD) and IGSHPA accredited trainer and installer — one of the most qualified geothermal professionals in the Duluth region.
- Certified Geothermal Designer (CGD)
- IGSHPA accredited trainer and installer
- New ground-source heat pump installations
- Service and repair on existing systems
- 40-70% heating cost reduction potential
Why Choose This System
Engineered Benefits, Not Sales Pitches
Heating + cooling in one system
A single geothermal unit handles both winter heating and summer air conditioning — no separate AC needed.
No combustion, no fuel deliveries
Electric-only operation means no gas lines, no propane tanks, no fuel oil, no CO risk, and no chimney.
Federal + state incentives
The federal 30% residential clean energy tax credit applies to geothermal through 2032, plus utility rebates from Minnesota Power and Duluth-area co-ops.
25+ year equipment life
Indoor heat pump units typically last 20–25 years; the underground ground loop is engineered for 50+ years.
Our Process
How a Geothermal Project Works
Every job follows the same documented workflow — from heat-loss calculation to final commissioning.
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1. Site evaluation
We assess your lot size, soil conditions, and existing distribution system (ductwork, hydronic, or hybrid).
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2. CGD-certified design
Kevin designs the ground loop (vertical, horizontal, or pond), sizes the heat pump, and models seasonal performance.
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3. Loop installation
Drilling contractors install vertical bores or horizontal loops; we handle pressure testing and grouting.
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4. Heat pump + commissioning
The indoor unit is installed, charged, and commissioned to manufacturer spec. We document performance for warranty and rebate filings.
Credentials
Owner-Installed, Owner-Accountable
Kevin Kaski personally designs and installs every Design Heating project — no sub-contractors, no rotating crews.
License
MN MB715020
Minnesota Licensed & Bonded
Geothermal
CGD Certified
IGSHPA Accredited Trainer & Installer
Engineering
Manual J + LoopCad
Every system sized by calculation, not guess
Reputation
4.9 ★ · 114 reviews
BBB Accredited · Founded 2016
Service Area
Where We Install Geothermal
Design Heating is based in Duluth, Minnesota and serves homeowners throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin — typically within a 30-mile radius of our shop on Washburn Road.
Design Heating, LLC5131 Washburn Road
Duluth, MN 55803
(218) 525-5914
- Duluth, MN
- Hermantown, MN
- Proctor, MN
- Pike Lake, MN
- Cloquet, MN
- Esko, MN
- Carlton, MN
- Two Harbors, MN
- Superior, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Geothermal — Common Questions
Yes — and it actually performs better here than in milder climates. The earth temperature 6 feet below grade in the Duluth area stays around 45°F year-round, regardless of the air temperature. A properly designed ground-source heat pump pulls heat from that stable 45°F earth even when it is -30°F outside.
A residential geothermal system in the Duluth area typically runs $28,000–$55,000 installed, depending on home size and ground-loop type. The federal 30% clean energy tax credit (active through 2032) and Minnesota Power rebates reduce the net cost significantly — most homeowners pay back the system in 8–12 years through energy savings.
Horizontal loops require more land area (typically 1/4 to 1/2 acre) and are buried 6–8 feet deep. Vertical loops use 300–500 foot deep boreholes drilled by a specialty contractor — ideal for smaller lots. Kevin selects the loop type during design based on your property.
Yes, but careful design matters. Older homes often need either (a) upgraded distribution (panel radiators or infloor instead of cast-iron baseboard) or (b) supplemental capacity for very cold days. We model each project before quoting.
Kevin holds the Certified Geothermal Designer (CGD) credential from the IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) and is an IGSHPA Accredited Trainer and Accredited Installer — the highest available credentials in the geothermal industry. He is one of very few CGD-certified designers serving the Duluth, MN region.
Yes. We service, troubleshoot, and repair existing geothermal systems throughout the Duluth and Iron Range areas, even systems we did not originally install.
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Free in-home consultation, Manual J heat-loss calculation, and a written, itemized quote — every time.