Ground Source Heat Pumps

How They Work

vertical loop ground source heat pump illustration
Vertical loop system

horizontal loop ground source heat pump illustration
Horizontal loop system

slinky look ground source heat pump illustration
Slinky loop system

The earth has a handy property that makes geothermal systems possible: year round temperature stability. Picture a long pipe that loops underground. Pour ice water into one end of the pipe, and warmer water comes out the other end. The earth's stable temperature is warmer than the water and gives some of its heat to it. Likewise, warm water going in would come out cooler. This simple piece of physics is what makes the geothermal system work. Fluid circles through a "loop field," gathering up heat in the winter. A compressor concentrates this natural energy and uses it for home heating. In the summer the process simple works in reverse.

The whole process is highly efficient AND environmentally friendly. You aren't creating heat-- you are only moving it from one place to another. And of course, high efficiency means low cost!

Flexible Options

Geothermal systems come in many styles to meet differing needs. Vertical loops use bore holes to sink tubing deep into the ground and require very little land. The number of loops is varied to precisely match the insulation needs. When more land is available horizontal loops can be trenched 4-8 feet below the surface. Other innovative options, such as the "slinky" loop make geothermal systems flexible and adaptable.