Open Loop

Open loop systems use water from a well. Well water is pumped to the geothermal unit, where heat is either taken from it (heating) or put into it (cooling). There is no change to the water, or contamination, other than a slight change in temperature. Generally speaking, geothermal systems require 1.5gpm per ton of air conditioning. Most homes would use between 4 and 6 gallons per minute while the system is running. This is the least expensive source for a geothermal system, and works quite well when there is sufficient water quality and quantity, and there is a place to “discharge” the water such as a drain, ditch, stream, or pond.