Geothermal Loop Design

Precision Comfort Systems in Hamilton County has the most experience in geothermal loop design in Central Indiana. But what do we mean when we say “geothermal loop design?”

The geothermal earth loop is how heat is moved from the ground to the home in the winter. Most who are familiar with these house-to-earth linking systems, simply refer to the outside portion as “the loop”.

There are several ways to link your home to the ground for the most efficient, geothermal home heating and cooling. Here are the two basic types:

  • Open loop – an open loop is simply a well, pumping ground water to your geothermal heat pump and then discharging it in an appropriate location outside.
  • Closed loop – a closed loop is a series of buried pipes that circulate liquid in a continuous circle from the heat source (ground or body of water) to the home and then back out again.

Here are some pictures to help see the different types of geothermal loop designs:

Horizontal Loops

Horizontal trenched loops are often used when adequate land surface is available. Depending on needs of the geothermal system and space available, pipes are placed in trenches that range in length from 100 to 400 feet.

Here is a great video to show you how this loop is installed.

Vertical Loops

Vertical drilled loops are the ideal choice for a geothermal heat pump when available land surface is limited. Well drilling equipment is used to drill small-diameter holes from 100 to 400 feet deep. This loop design will fit on most residential lots.

Vertical Loops

Vertical drilled loops are the ideal choice for a geothermal heat pump when available land surface is limited. Well drilling equipment is used to drill small-diameter holes from 100 to 400 feet deep. This loop design will fit on most residential lots.

Directional Bore Loops

Directional Boring has been around for years. Originally this technology was implemented for electric and gas underground service installation in established neighborhoods. Now it is a common method of installing a geothermal closed loop. Read more on Directional Boring.

Pond (Lake) Loops

A pond loop can be economical to install when a large body of water is available. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake to capture the geothermal energy. However, the pond or lake needs to be large enough and close enough to the home. If it is too far away, then the loop pipe traveling to the pond will end up being a good portion of a ground loop.

Pond (Lake) Loops

A pond loop can be economical to install when a large body of water is available. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake to capture the geothermal energy. However, the pond or lake needs to be large enough and close enough to the home. If it is too far away, then the loop pipe traveling to the pond will end up being a good portion of a ground loop.

Open loops (Well-Water Systems)

In ideal conditions, an open-loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system. These use groundwater from a well as a direct energy source. However, the water quality must be very good, or the system will fail. When in doubt, a closed loop is recommended.