Geothermal Loops

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Horizontal Geothermal loops are HDPE pipe buried horizontally, 6-8 feet deep in the ground in different configurations. The purpose of these loops is to exchange heat to or from the ground, to the water in the loops. Vertical Heat Exchanger Wells utilizes holes drilled in the Earth hundreds of feet deep with pipe installed. Grout is then added around the pipe in the holes to accomplish heat exchange.

Multiple factors need to be considered when deciding which option is best for your geothermal system. Land space/ lot size, soil composition and budget will all probably influence your decision. The more space you have to work with, the more likely that horizontal loops make sense. However, soil type needs to be favorable for this method, as well.

Fortunately, a lot of Virginia’s soil is favorable. Horizontal loops have multiple install options and can usually be done for half of the cost of vertical wells. Vertical wells can be installed on a smaller footprint because they utilize depth, not width. A benefit to installing vertically is that the pipe has a smaller risk of ever inquiring damage and this method gives consistent heat exchange, regardless of soil conditions.

The water that occupies the pipes is typically mixed with an antifreeze solution and doesn’t require high pressure, therefore, stress on the service pipe is very little. This water basically just circulates through the pipes, underground, at a slow enough rate that heat exchange occurs. Most failure that happens to these piping systems is due to damage that the pipe incurs during installation. Kinking the pipe while handling, burying near sharp rock edges or scarring the pipes’ walls (reducing thickness) are some of the main issues that should be avoided during installation of horizontal loops. Both systems can disturb your landscape during the initial install, but can be tidied up when finished.
Whether you utilize horizontal or vertical methods, if sized, designed and installed correctly, they should provide 50+ years of service. In summary, ground sourced heat exchange systems should be viewed as a major investment that increases your property’s value.

skiwi does not offer the service to drill vertical wells and will be happy to refer customers to a well drilling company that typically does offer those services. However, we do offer horizontal loop installations. A site walkdown and possible soil sample(s) collection should be expected for this kind of install. This is done to confirm sufficient space, soil conditions and mark entry and exit points to the home/ building that the system serves, so that loop designs and length can be accurately calculated.

Buildings and homes from 1500 to 2800 square feet with average heat gain/loss should expect to invest between $______ and $________ to have a horizontal heat exchange sized, designed and installed properly.

* skiwi can provide guidance on the overall plumbing of the geothermal system, as well.

* skiwi doesn’t typically build underground headers for geothermal loops, however, if there is one from a previous install that needs repair, we can assist with that.

* We do not repair loops. If a loop has become compromised, we replace it. It is best not to add fittings and connections to repair.

Pricing

Factors that can affect pricing:

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