Loop Layout and Design

Geothermal systems work by drawing thermal energy from the earth and transferring it to the home. This is typically done through a series of pipes or loops run under ground. Fluid running through the pipes transfer the thermal energy to the home. 

Once installed, the loop in a Geothermal system remains out of sight beneath the Earth’s surface while it works unobtrusively to tap the heating and cooling nature provides. The loop is made of a material that is extraordinarily durable but which allows heat to pass through efficiently. The fluid in the loop is water or an environmentally safe antifreeze solution that circulates through the pipes in a closed system.

To ensure good results, the piping should be installed by professionals who follow procedures established by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Installers should be certified by IGSHPA or be able to show equivalent training by manufacturers or other recognized authorities at a recognized institution, such as one of the many regional Geothermal training centers located throughout the United States. Arronco Comfort Air technicians have been fully trained in all areas of geothermal installation and have installed 100’s of systems in the tri-state area.

The length of the loop depends upon a number of factors, including the type of loop configuration used; a home’s heating and air conditioning load; soil conditions; local climate; and landscaping. Larger homes with larger space conditioning requirements generally need larger loops than smaller homes. A heat loss/heat gain analysis should be conducted before the loop is installed. Your Arronco Comfort Air sales agent will be happy to provide a complimentary analysis and proposal for a new construction or existing home.

Contact Us for more information.

Typical Loop Installations

Horizontal Loops

This configuration is usually the most cost effective when adequate yard space is available and trenches are easy to dig. Pipes are placed in trenches that range in length from 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal ground loops are easiest to install while a home is under construction. However, new types of digging equipment that allow horizontal boring are making it possible to retrofit Geothermal (WaterFurnace) systems into existing homes with minimal disturbance to lawns.

Vertical Loops

In our geological area, these are the most common and cost-effective drill configuration.These are also the ideal choice when available land surface is limited. Drilling equipment is used to bore small 6" diameter holes from 150 to 300 feet deep. Vertical loops require less piping than horizontal loops because the deeper in the Earth is cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Pond & Lake Loops

These are economical to install when a body of water is available. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake. Pond loops used in a closed system result in no adverse impacts on the aquatic system.

Open Loops

These use a constant supply of groundwater from underground aquifers as a direct energy source. 

View our video to see the installation process of replacing with a geothermal system in a residential setting:

Contact Us for more information.