Why Choose a Closed Loop Geothermal HVAC System

Powered by the heat from the Earth’s core, geothermal HVAC systems offer sustainable energy while avoiding the dangers of fossil fuels and the potential unreliability of solar or wind power. This guide explains why you should have your professionals install a closed-loop geothermal system.

Versatility

Depending on the size and location of your property, you have a few options for the type of closed-loop system you can install:

• Vertical: The most commonly installed type due to versatility in placement. Well-drilling equipment drills to a depth of 100 to 400 feet.
• Horizontal: Best for more extensive properties, the pipes are buried in trenches from 100 to 400 feet in length.
• Pond loop: The most economical option, but location-dependent, as you must have a pond or lake on your property. The service professional will install pipe coils at the bottom of your lake or pond to capture the heat energy.

Reliability

Low water quality or reduced water supply can degrade the efficiency and mechanics of an open-loop system, particularly problems with sediment or high mineral content. Because the system requires incoming water, clogs also occur more regularly than with closed systems.

On the other hand, since closed-loop systems recycle the same water, they can last 50 to 100 years, especially if you have them professionally maintained. As with any mechanical system, annual maintenance is essential to overall longevity, but these systems will endure for some time, even with minimal attention.

Sustainability

Many municipalities have banned open-loop geothermal systems due to their mechanics: these “pump and dump” programs push the used wastewater into the local water sources. This dumping, along with sediment stirred up by the process, may contaminate healthy water or domestic aquifers and harm flora and fauna.

A closed-loop geothermal system operates differently. These systems use a heat exchange system that doesn’t pull anything out or put anything into the surrounding soil or water.

Installing closed-loop geothermal HVAC benefits your home and the environment, so contact a skilled professional to explore your options.