Horizontal Loops
Horizontal Loops are installed in areas where the soil conditions allow for economical excavation. Taking up more land area than any other loop type, they are used where space permits. Trenches are normally 5 feet deep. Normally, several hundred feet of trench is required.

Vertical Loops
Vertical Loops are used extensively where land area is limited. A pair of pipes with a special U-Bend assembly at the bottom are inserted into a bore hole that averages between 150 to 250 feet in depth per ton of equipment.

Lake Loops
Lake Loops are usually very economical to install. If a pond or lake at least 8 feet deep is available, lake loops can utilize the water (rather than soil) for heat transfer. Reduced installation costs are characteristic of this type of loop system.

Open Loop
Open Loop installations actually pump water from an underground aquifer through the geothermal unit and then discharge that water to a drainage ditch or pond. Discharging water to a pond or lake is considered ideal.