There are three major differences when comparing one geothermal system to another, they are the; Loop Type, Loop Design, and the Type of Fluid in the loop. In the winter it collects the earth's natural heat through a heat exchanger consisting of a series of pipes, made of plastic or copper.
The type of ground loop can easily be considered the most important investment decision you will make when deciding which geothermal system is best for you.
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Unlike a traditional closed loop water geothermal that uses a plastic ground loop heat exchanger, the Waterless (DX) system uses a copper ground loop drilled vertically which is the most efficient method of transferring heat from the ground. This design only requires digging up a 3 foot circle in your yard. The Waterless geothermal is an advanced geothermal system that does NOT use any water or antifreeze what so ever. This eliminates many of the components used in a water geothermal which improves efficiencies and reduces the potential for future maintenance. Learn More >>
Water Geothermal - Vertical Loop:
A Vertical loop design is typically used when space is limited as a plastic pipe heat exchanger. Your yard isn't tore up nearly as much with a vertical loop design. Holes are drilled using a drilling rig, and a pair of plastic pipes with special u-bend fittings which are inserted into the holes. A typical home requires three wells approx. 210 feet deep. Learn More >>
A Horizontal loop is used where adequate land is available as a plastic pipe heat exchanger. Horizontal loops involve one or more trenches that are dug 4-5 feet deep using a backhoe or trencher. A Water/Antifreeze solution circulates through the plastic tubing absorbing the heat from the ground. The ground loop is a key component of the ground source water geothermal system. Therefore many design factors need to be considered to insure the proper installation of a horizontal loop system, be sure to ask your contractor about the design parameters considered for your geothermal loop. Learn More >>
If an adequately sized body of water is close to your home, a plastic loop can be installed in a pond as the heat exchanger. A series of loops can be coiled and sunk to the bottom. A 1/2 acre, 8-foot-deep pond is usually sufficient enough for the average home. The loop design is especially critical with a pond loop system which can lead to system problems if not given proper consideration. Be sure to discuss the loop design of your project with your contractor before staring your project. Learn More >>
An open loop system system can untilize almost any well water source, and typically does not require any outside digging. An open loop geothermal system pumps water from the existing water well through the geothermal unit where the heat is removed from the water. After removing the heat from the water the water remains clean and can be discharged to multiple locations such as; to a running stream, pond, or down a drain. Be sure to discuss any maintenance considerations that should be given with your contractor. Learn More >>
Water Geothermal - Slinky Loop:
The Slinky loop design is another horizontal closed loop design. The pastic heat exchanger pipes are typically laid flat in a circular pattern at the bottom of a trench. This design can save space requiring less land area and shorter trenching when considering installing a horizontal loop. Other design factors should be considered with a slinky loop system, so be sure to ask your contractor about the loop design parameters.
Geothermal vs Air Source Heat Pump System:
The word heat pump basically means a that a system is capable of providing both heat and air conditioning. So like a geothermal system an Air-to-Air (also known as an air source) heat pump is also able to provide both heating and cooling; through the use of an outside unit that looks like a standard air conditioner. An air to air heat pump system works in conjunction with a (Gas or Electric) forced air furnace while extracting heat from the warm outside air. The advantage of an Air Source heat pump is that it can heat your home more efficiently than a conventional gas or electric forced air furnace. When the outside temperature gets below freezing an air to air heat pump requires assistance from the back-up furnace to heat your home. When comparing an air source heat pump to a geothermal system there are many benefits and potential drawbacks to consider with both systems when determining which system is best for you. Sign up for our free Geothermal/Heat Pump report for more detailed explanation of things to condsider to properly determine which system is right for you.
