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The Different Types of Geothermal Loop Systems
Geothermal energy for home heating and cooling is a rapidly growing industry that is available to more homes now than ever before. One of the reasons that an increasing number of homeowners are opting for the geothermal heat pumps—aside from their advantages in reliability, longevity, and energy efficiency—is that the variety of different geothermal systems professionals can install means even more homes can take advantage of geothermal energy. At Air Mechanical, Inc., we can handle installation of many types of geothermal loop systems in Oak Grove, MN. There are four basic systems available; contact our experience geothermal team to find out which type will work best for your home. at Air Mechanical, Inc. our experts will survey your property to determine the geothermal installation that will deliver you all the benefits you expect.
The four different loop systems
Horizontal loops: This is the most common type of loop system, and if a home has sufficient space and the right weather conditions, horizontal loops are usually the number one choice for geothermal installation. They are highly efficient and also easy to repair. The installers dig trenches 4–10 feet deep across the property, then lay the loops flat along the bottom of the trenches and fill them in.
Vertical loops: When there is less space available for the loops, or when the loops need to be buried deeper to access a stable underground temperature, a vertical loop configuration may be the best option. The installers drill holes between 100 and 400 feet into the ground, and pipes connected with a U-joint are lowered into them, which are then joined to a horizontal pipe that runs to the heat pump.
Pond or lake loops: Even though it goes against the name “geothermal,” water can also be used as a heat exchange medium for a geothermal system. If a home has a body of water close enough, the loops can be placed at least eight feet below the water surface to take advantage of the stable temperatures (and to avoid freezing during winter).
Open loops: All the above systems are closed loop, which means they circulate an antifreeze refrigerant through them. With an open loop system, water is used as the refrigerant, and once it is used it returns to the ground. An open loop system connects to the fresh water supply to the house so it always has water available.
Which loop system will work best for my home?
To find this out, contact Air Mechanical, Inc. and arrange for an appointment. We will bring our years of experience to the task of determining which of the various geothermal loop systems in Oak Grove, MN will provide your home with year-round comfort and energy savings.
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