So, you are looking to install a geothermal heat pump. Good for you; according to Energy Star, a geothermal heat pump is often the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool a home. They save energy by circulating water through loops of tubing underground, where the soil stays relatively close to room temperature year-round. There are different types of loops available, each of which works better than the others in certain situations.

Horizontal Loops
As you might guess from the name, horizontal loops are laid horizontally under the ground, usually at a depth of 4 to 6 feet. They are installed by digging long trenches, which the loops are then laid in. Horizontal loops are usually the most cost-effective, but require more land and more digging. They work best with new construction.

Vertical Loops
A 100-foot pipe run horizontally obviously requires 100 feet of space; but that same pipe run vertically, in a 100-foot-deep hole, takes up almost no ground space at all. Vertical loops are therefore beneficial if you have limited space, or have existing landscaping that you don’t want to disturb by digging long trenches. They also may be preferred over horizontal loops if your soil is too shallow to dig trenches; though they do involve much greater depths, the holes for vertical loops are drilled, not dug.

Pond or Lake Loops
With this system, the loops are not buried at all; they are simply placed in the bottom of a lake or pond. Since they require almost no digging at all, these loops can be a great option–but only if your house happens to be right next to a large enough body of water.

Open Loops
An open loop isn’t really a loop at all. Instead of circulating water underground through loops of pipe, this system simply taps into the underground water table. Obviously, this only works if your area has a sufficient groundwater supply.

So, how can you be certain which system would be best for your home? At LBA, we’ve installed geothermal heat pumps all over the Kansas City area, and can provide expert answers to your questions. Contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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