Geothermal System, Closed Loop

A closed loop (Hydronic) geothermal heat pump system that circulates a fluid (usually water and antifreeze mix) continuously through pipes buried in the ground, which provides heating and cooling. As the fluid circulates underground through the buried pipes, it absorbs heat from the ground, and on the return through the system, the now warmer fluid passes through the heat pump, which uses electricity to extract the heat from the fluid. The re-chilled fluid is sent back through the ground continuing the cycle. The heat extracted from the circulating fluid and heat generated by the heat pump appliance as a byproduct of use is used to heat the residence or structure. The addition of the ground heating loop translates to more heat being generated than if electricity alone had been used directly for heating. Switching the direction of heat flow, the same geothermal system can be used to circulate the cooled water through the house for cooling in the summer months.

Note: There are horizontal and vertical closed loop systems. Horizontal loop systems use a trench or various trenches, where piping is installed. The trenches are usually 4 feet deep or more and vary in length depending on the number of pipes being buried. Vertical systems use a hole bored into the ground. The piping is installed in the bore hole, it is plugged or grouted, and then connected to feed lines in a trench that lead back to the residence or structure. Depth of the bore hole is usually 150 to 300 feet but can vary based on geological conditions found. The RCT closed loop geothermal heating system is based on an average of horizontal and vertical systems.

Included in Cost: Hydronic geothermal heat pump system for heating and cooling, closed ground loop system with piping, heat transfer fluid, trenching and/or drilling, backfill and/or grout, ductwork, registers, grills, diffusers, thermostat, and installation labor. Install time will depend on soil conditions, length and depth of pipe, and equipment required.

Enter the percentage of the home with closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system.

Help file last modified: 7/26/2018