Vertical Loop:

These loop systems are used mainly when land area is limited. A drilling rig is used to bore holes to depths of approximately 125 to 250 feet deep. A u-shaped loop of high density polyethylene pipe is inserted. The holes are then backfilled with a sealing solution. The system is closed loop meaning that the same solution placed in the system is continuously re-circulated through the system.

Horizontal Loop:

These loop systems are used when adequate land is available. Loop installers use a chain trencher or backhoe to dig trenches. Each trench is approximately 6 feet deep. Trench lengths range from 100 to 300 feet, depending on loop design and application. This process is also a closed loop system.

Pond Loop:

Option available if a large body of water is present. A ½-acre, 8 feet deep body of water is usually sufficient for the average home. This closed loop system places coiled pipe on the bottom of the body of water.

Open Loop:

This system does not continuously run the same solution through the geothermal system. Ground water is pulled from one location, ran through the geothermal unit, and discharged into another location. Two requirements are needed for an open loop system. The first is an abundant supply of well water must be available. The second is that a proper discharge site such as a ditch, field tile, stream, or pond must also be present. Check your local codes before selecting a discharge method.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Cycles

Heating Cycle

During the heating cycle, the fluid circulates through the loop extracting heat from the ground. The heat energy is transferred to the geothermal unit. The unit compresses the extracted heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home through a normal duct system or radiant heat system.

Cooling Cycle

For cooling, the process is simply reversed. Because the earth is much cooler than the air temperatures on a hot day, the geothermal system removes heat from the home and deposits it into the ground. The fluid is cooled by the ground temperatures and returned to the unit for cooling your home.

Geothermal Benefits
Efficiency:

Geothermal systems use small amounts of electricity to transfer heat to and from the ground to your home. On average, it can produce four units of energy for every unit of electricity used to power the system. Even the best conventional systems deliver less than one unit of energy for each unit it consumes. Homeowners typically experience an annual savings of 30% to 70% when compared to ordinary systems. Click below to see how much a geothermal heating and cooling system can save you.

System Lifespan:

Ordinary systems require expensive regular maintenance for each unit - the furnace, the air conditioner, and the water heater. When properly installed, a GeoComfort geothermal system requires little or no maintenance beyond periodic checks and filter changes. Equipment life is prolonged since geothermal are located indoors and out of the varying climate and weather. Geothermal systems typically last more than 20 years if properly maintained.

Positive Cash Flow:

Geothermal systems have a higher installation cost when compared to conventional systems because of the buried loop system. Some homeowners view the system as being too expensive and fail to see the whole picture. Geothermal will produce significantly cheaper utility bills and annual maintenance costs. The initial cost of a geothermal system can be tied into your monthly mortgage payment or other form of low interest financing option. The savings on your utilities easily cover the increase in your loan payment giving you the extra cash flow. A system will usually pay for itself within a three to five year span.

Environmentally Friendly:

Geothermal is recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as the most environmentally-safe, cost effective heating and cooling system on the market. Installing a geothermal system is equivalent to planting 750 trees or taking 2 cars off the road.

Comfort:

Geothermal systems heat and cool homes evenly, eliminating the hot and cold blasts of air found with conventional systems. Geothermal also dehumidifies the air during hot summer months.

Quiet:

Geothermal systems use the same principles that operate a refrigerator or freezer, and the units are just as quiet. There is no unsightly outdoor unit to disturb you or your neighbors.

Clean & Safe:

Geothermal units do not use fossil fuels such as natural gas and propane. Threats caused by combustion are eliminated. No worries about flames, fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide.

Free Hot Water Generation:

As a bonus, geothermal systems can produce some or all of your hot water at much higher efficiencies than ordinary methods. A simple connection is made so the geothermal system can deliver hot water to be stored in your hot water heater. In fact, the heat removed from your home during the cooling cycle is deposited directly to the water heater instead of the ground. This provides you with virtually free hot water.