Talitha Braxton-Nkrumah

Install 35–45 closed-loop geothermal systems per year for residential and light commercial clients in Missoula, Ravalli, and Lake Counties. Design and fuse HDPE vertical and horizontal loop fields; complete pressure tests and flush/purge cycles to manufacturer specs before unit startup. Commission water-to-air and water-to-water heat pumps from 2–6 ton, including flow-center setup, desuperheater piping, and thermostat programming. Diagnose low-capacity and short-cycling calls; cut average service callback rate 22% by standardizing antifreeze mix checks and filter-drier replacements. Lead a 2-person install crew through peak seasons; schedule trenchers, drillers, and material deliveries to keep jobs on a 3–5 day cycle. Train 3 apprentices on socket and butt fusion, manifold setups, and safe excavation near utilities. Produce as-built loop maps and startup reports for utility rebates and home-performance programs within 48 hours of commissioning. Maintain EPA 608 Universal and Montana HVAC contractor practices; zero lost-time injuries on my crew in the last 28 months.

Helped install conventional air-source heat pumps and furnaces while rotating onto early geothermal jobs. Learned brazing, electrical whip connections, and refrigerant recovery under a journeyman. Completed EPA 608 Type II and Universal certifications.

Assisted on 60+ residential geothermal installs, specializing in horizontal slinky loops and pond loops in Flathead County. Operated trenchers and mini-excavators; staged fusion equipment and HDPE pipe for multi-day digs. Flushed, purged, and charged systems; Helped install conventional air-source heat pumps and furnaces while rotating onto early geothermal jobs. Learned brazing, electrical whip connections, and refrigerant recovery under a journeyman. Completed EPA 608 Type II and Universal certifications.recorded glycol percentages and static pressures for warranty packets. Supported annual maintenance routes covering 120+ existing GSHP customers, including coil cleaning and circulating-pump swaps. Earned IGSHPA Accredited Installer credential while on staff.

Coursework in refrigeration cycles, heat pump systems, HVAC electrical controls, load calculations, and piping fundamentals; capstone on ground-source heat pump sizing for cold climates.