earthloops

Horizontal Trench Loops: If adequate land is
available, horizontal loops can be installed. One or
more trenches are dug using a backhoe or chain
trencher. Polyethylene pipes are inserted and the
trenches are backfilled. There are various designs of
horizontal loops, using one, two or three circuits in a
trench. The more pipe per foot of trench, the shorter
the trench can be. Trenches normally range from 100 to
300 feet depending on the design. A typical home
requires 1/4 to 3/4 of an acre for the trenches.

Vertical Loops: Vertical loops are used where space is
limited or where soil conditions are not conducive to
horizontal loops. Installing vertical loops requires the
use of a drilling rig. Multiple holes are bored about 10
feet apart. A double pipe connected with a U-bend is
inserted into each hole. The hole is filled with grout to
provide good contact around the pipe and to seal the
hole. The vertical pipes are then connected to a header
system horizontally a few feet below the surface. The
depth of the holes is dependent upon soil/rock
conditions and the size of the system. Although most
holes are bored about 100 to 250 feet deep, there is no
"magic depth" that needs to be reached.

Pond Loops: If an adequately sized body of water is
close to your home, a pond loop can be installed. A
series of closed loops can be coiled and sunk into the
bottom. A 1/2 acre, 8 foot deep pond is usually
sufficient for the average home. Ideally, the pond
should be close to the home (less than 200 ft.). If the
pond is farther from the home, the benefit of using a
pond loop is reduced due to added trenching, materials
and pumping costs. Pond loop coils are connected
together on dry land, and then floated into location.
Once filled with fluid, they will sink to the bottom and
remain there. Generally, a 300 ft. coil is used for each
ton of capacity. This is less pipe than is used in an earth
loop because water is a better conductor of heat energy.
Pond loops are a cost effective way to install a
geothermal system, because trenching is limited to only
the supply and return piping from the pond to the house.

The earth loop transfers heat to and from
the ground, eliminating the need for fossil
fuels. It is the heart of a geothermal system
and the biggest advantage over ordinary
technologies.

Hinrichsen Heating uses the closed loop
system. Closed loops, made of durable,
high-density polyethylene pipe, are buried
in the earth or submerged in a lake or
pond. They transfer heat by circulating a

solution of water and environmentally safe antifreeze. Which type of loop to
use depends on the terrain, the cost of trenching or drilling, and the availability
of land. Hinrichsen Heating will help you make the best choice.