Geomax - Geothermal Loops

Geomax dealers are trained to determine the best type of geothermal loops to use in any situation. The type of loop installed is based on available land space and installation costs for specific areas.

Below is an description of the various types of geothermal loops.

NOTE: Since these geothermal loops must be matched carefully with other geothermal units and system components, please call an Eagle Mountain representative for system design and pricing information.

Open loop systems are some of the easiest to install. An open loop system can utilize almost any water source that remains above 45 degrees F, which means wells, running streams, lakes, etc. Our systems pump water from the source, through the geoexcahnge unit and then discharge the water after removing about 4 degrees of heat from the water. The water remains clean and can be allowed to absorb back in to the water source where it regains the energy from the earth again for the next cycle through the geoexchange unit.

Closed geothermal loops use pipes in which both ends connect to the heat pump. Water, or environmentally friendly anti-freeze, recirculates within the loop to transfer heat from the ground to the geoexchange unit. The lengths and number of loops required is determined by the heat loss of the building – and when sized by a Geomax professional, ensures enough capacity for all of the building’s heating and cooling needs. Closed geothermal loops can be placed horizontally in shallow trenches or at the bottom of a pond, or vertically in wells where space is limited.

Vertical Geothermal Loops
Vertical loops are used when space is limited. Holes are bored using a drilling rig, and a pair of pipes with special u-bend fittings which are inserted into the holes. A typical home requires three to five bores with about a 15-foot separation between the holes.

Horizontal Loop
Used where adequate land is available, horizontal loops involve one or more trenches that are dug using a backhoe or chain trencher. Polyethylene pipes are inserted, and the trenches are backfilled. A typical home requires 1/4 to 3⁄4 of an acre for the trenches.

Pond Loop
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 to the bottom. A 1⁄2 acre, 8-foot-deep pond is usually sufficient for the average home.

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Slinky loops are common for horizontal trenches as they enable a greater amount of tubing to be installed in a smaller space.

or call 1-800-572-7831 or E-mail an Eagle Mountain representative for system design and pricing information.