At Skillings & Sons, Inc. we install the Geothermal Ground Heat Exchanger, which is the earth connection. There are two types of geothermal ground heat exchangers we install:

Vertical Closed Loop System
Standing Column Well System

VERTICAL CLOSED LOOP SYSTEM
A vertical closed loop system uses a water solution (non-toxic antifreeze) to absorb heat from the earth. A series of bore holes are drilled into the ground, which contain plastic pipes that circulate the water solution. These bore holes are drilled for the installation of these pipes, not for water. The heat pump exchanger is located inside and protected from the weather.

In the winter, a water solution circulating through pipes (Ground Heat Exchanger) buried in the ground absorbs heat from the earth and carries it into the home or building. The exchange system inside (Heat Pump) concentrates the earth's thermal energy to transfer it to air circulated through standard ductwork to fill the interior space with warmth.

In the summer, the process is reversed: heat is extracted from the air in the home or building and is transferred through the heat pump to the ground loop piping. The water solution in the ground loop then carries the excess heat back to the earth. The only external energy needed for Geothermal Exchange is the small amount of electricity needed to operate the ground loop pump and fan.

(Loops should be installed by IGSHPA certified or professional who follows procedures established by IGSHPA*)
* Skillings & Sons, Inc. is IGSHPA certified.


STANDING COLUMN WELL SYSTEM
A standing column well system uses water from an aquifer to absorb heat from the ground. The water is then circulated through the heat pump exchanger in the building and returned into the same well. This type of system is very similar to a conventional drilled well that contains a submersible well pump and can be used for geothermal, domestic and irrigation purposes.

Click here to read about a closed loop project we completed in Salem, Ma:   2008Q3NewEngland.pdf