The HVAC industry has been hard at work for decades to bring more efficient and effective climate control systems to homes all over the world, and some of the most advanced systems on the market today are geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal energy systems use the same principles as regular heat pumps, but they depend on the stable temperatures found deep inside the Earth to provide even more efficient heating and cooling.
Of course, going geothermal is a major investment in your home, and it’s important to choose the right configuration for your needs. Here are the three most popular types of geothermal systems.
Geothermal Horizontal Loops
In a horizontal configuration, the underground loop is relatively shallow, buried just a few yards down. Horizontal loops take up a substantial amount of space on the surface, but that usually isn’t a problem for residential installation projects, as there’s generally enough space available on the property to do it. One downside of horizontal loops is that they tend to offer slightly less efficient cooling because they’re shallow enough to still be affected by the temperature of the air above. However, they’re typically the least expensive configuration to install.
Geothermal Vertical Loops
Unlike the horizontal loop, a vertical loop configuration buries deep underground, ranging from 50 to 100 feet. This type of geothermal system requires much less space on the surface level, making it popular primarily for commercial applications; however, vertical loops also see use on smaller residential properties where space is at a premium. Because of the amount of excavation required, vertical loops are significantly more expensive to install. The upshot, though, is nearly unmatched heating and cooling efficiently; that far down, your heat pump can access stable temperatures no matter how hot or cold the air gets.
Geothermal Pond/Lake Loops
If there’s a significant water feature on your property, you may be able to take advantage of a third type of geothermal system: the pond/lake look. Whether this configuration works for your home depends on the size and depth of the water feature, but if it’s possible, it may be the most cost-effective option of all. Note, however, that the efficiency of a pond/lake loop can fluctuate depending on the temperature of the water above. Our geothermal energy experts will help you compare the benefits and drawbacks of a pond/lake configuration with the other available configurations.
Make the Right Geothermal Choice for Your Home
Selecting the right geothermal energy system depends on the size and layout of your property, as well as your home’s heating and cooling needs. At Merrell & Associates, we’re proud to be your local Villa Rica HVAC experts, and our heat pump installation team will be happy to help you make the right choice. With a little help from our technicians, you and your family will be able to benefit from a highly efficient, environmentally friendly system for decades to come.