Geothermal loops are becoming increasingly popular in powering heating and cooling systems. This energy-efficient method will effectively keep your home comfortable while reducing your carbon footprint and saving on utility costs. You have a few options for your loop system. To make the right choice for your home, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Geothermal Loop System Types for Heating and Cooling

1. Closed Ground Loop

This is the most common type of system used in homes. The indoor unit has a heat exchanger connected to the outdoor loop system. The outdoor pipes are buried in the soil around six to ten feet deep because the temperature stays the same year-round at this depth. A mixture of antifreeze and water moves through the underground pipes, either taking heat from the ground (when heating the home) or releasing it into the ground (when cooling the home).  This system is closed because the antifreeze solution always stays inside the loop system.

2. Closed Water Loop

A closed water loop system is set up in the same way as the closed ground loop. It circulates the antifreeze mixture through the indoor unit and the loop system to transfer heat. However, the loop system is not placed in soil but water. To use this system, you must have a body of water at a depth where the temperature stays constant year-round. This could be an aquifer, pond, well, or lake.

3. Open Water Loop

Like a closed water loop, an open water loop requires a body of water at the appropriate depth. Rather than using an antifreeze solution circulated through the pipes, however, it takes water directly from the body of water it’s housed in. The water is pumped through the indoor unit, where the heat exchanger either captures or releases heat for heating and cooling. It’s then returned to the original body of water, sent to a surface drainage system, or released into a well. This system is less common than the closed loop system because it requires a high-volume water supply.

Combs Heating & Cooling is the trusted HVAC contractor that has served Chillicothe, OH, for more than ten years. This family-owned heating and cooling business is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. They offer complete cooling and heating services at affordable prices, from installation to maintenance and repair. They know that breakdowns can leave your family uncomfortable, which is why they are available around the clock for emergency HVAC services. Learn more on their website and call (740) 772-2233 to talk about a geothermal loop system.