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These "Boilerless" systems use the natural thermal properties of the Earth to dissipate
or capture heat for the water loop. Geothermal Heat Pumps operate in an identical
fashion to Water-Source Heat Pump units. However, without the need for a boiler or
cooling tower, they save substantial energy costs and space. The water loop system
is underground and the units are inside the building. Thus, the environmentally
friendly geothermal system preserves the architectural design of a building naturally.
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Geothermal Earth Loops
Geothermal Earth Loops come in several different configurations depending on space availability and soil
properties. Chances are at some point you have either stood over, or walked across a geothermal loop
field. Loop fields can be located under parking lots, landscaped areas, or any number of other locations.
All earth loops use high-density polyethylene pipe to circulate either water or an antifreeze mixture. All
joints and connection fittings are thermally fused to prevent leaks and most piping comes with a 25-year or
longer warranty.
How Does Geothermal Work?
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Vertical Loops
Vertical loops utilize bore holes drilled to an average depth of 250 feet. Once the loop
pipe is inserted into the bore, it is grouted using a Bentonite mixture for maximum
thermal conductivity. When space is a limited, vertical loops are the most common
type of geothermal loop installed. |
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Horizontal Loops
Horizontal loops utilize trenches dug to an average depth of four to six feet. As one of
the more cost effective loops to install, horizontal loops are commonly found in open
fields, parks or under parking lots.
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Lake (Pond) Loops
Lake loops utilize a "slinky" assembly of geothermal loop piping placed at the
bottom of a pond, lake, or other large body of water. An extremely cost
effective loop system, lake loops are an easy alternative if the option is
available.
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Well (Open Loop) Systems
Most commonly known as "Open Loop", well systems pump water out of a nearby
body of water or water well, and then discharge the water into another body of
water or water well. Well systems usually employ a plate heat exchanger inside
the building to keep the building water loop separated from the well water. This
prevents any contaminates from affecting unit performance and extends system
life. Well systems are often the most efficient as the well water is always at the
same temperature year-round.
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