Even in the blistering summer heat and the frozen depths of winter, the temperature a few feet underground is remarkably even and consistent year-round. Geothermal heating and cooling systems allow you to take advantage of this phenomenon by using subsurface conditions to keep your home comfortable without the cost or environmental impact of fossil fuels. These innovative systems come in several varieties, each of which may be ideal for specific applications.

4 Types of Geothermal Systems

1. Horizontal Closed-Loop Systems

The most popular type of geothermal heating and cooling system is the horizontal closed-loop system. It pumps water or another refrigerant through a loop of pipe buried a few feet underground. In the summer, these systems draw heat out of your home and dissipate it underground; in the winter, they do the opposite.

2. Vertical Closed-Loop Systems

Geothermal systems for apartment buildings, schools, and commercial facilities usually consist of vertical closed-loop systems, which saves space and minimizes disruption to the exterior. Instead of one large loop, two pipes are inserted into vertical holes that may be up to 400 ft deep and connected at the bottom with a U-bend. The refrigerant passes deep into the ground, where heat transfer takes place and returns to warm or cool the building.

3. Pond or Lake Closed-Loop Systems

If the property includes a body of water like a pond or a lake, a skilled engineer can use it to design a cost-effective heating and cooling system. In these systems, the pipe extends from the building out to the lake or pond, then coils around beneath the surface.

4. Open-Loop Systems

On properties that contain abundant water, an open-loop system can be an effective and affordable option. Instead of refrigerant, these heating and cooling systems use water from a well or other source, which is recirculated through the home and deposited back into the soil.

For more than a decade, Combs Heating & Cooling has provided cost-effective, innovative solutions to homes and businesses throughout Chillicothe, OH. Their team of HVAC professionals are experts in heating and cooling mechanisms and have the skills to design the perfect geothermal system for your home. Visit their website for more on these advanced, energy-efficient systems or call (740) 772-2233 to discuss your options and request a free estimate.