Horizontal Ground Loops
Pipes are buried 2โ4 metres below the surface and exchange heat with the soil. Best for small buildings such as villas and low-rise blocks, this option has lower upfront cost and easier installation, though it needs more land area.
Vertical Ground Loops
- Boreholes 50โ400 metres deep carry the closed loop
- Suited to larger buildings with some open space, like offices and villas
- Higher cost and harder drilling, but a much smaller footprint
Surface-Water Systems
The loop sits in a river, lake or sea. Ideal for mid-size buildings near water, it needs no drilling or trenching and costs less, but requires a deep, sizable water body nearby.
Groundwater Systems
- A closed loop exchanges heat with deep groundwater drawn by pumps
- Water is re-injected or pumped back into the aquifer
- Fits large complexes where land for loops is limited