Vertical or Horizontal Ground Coils

Geothermal systems use either vertical or horizontal ground coils. Both heat exchanger systems operate the same way, circulating a fixed supply of water through a closed loop of plastic pipe to gather and transfer heat. System selection may depend on the amount of land space available and the locations of other features on the lot.

For example, vertical ground-coil systems work best on small lots or lots where the terrain prohibits a horizontal system. Reliable plastic polyethylene pipe is buried vertically in holes bored from 150' to 200' deep.

For horizontal ground-coil systems, plastic polyethylene piping is buried from 5' to 6' deep across a wide area of land. Horizontal systems can even be installed in ponds or other bodies of water.

Other systems using direct exchange refrigerant tubing also are available for homes with restricted lot conditions.