Geothermal Water and Space Heating

Horizontal vs. Vertical Geothermal Systems
  • Horizontal
    • Pros:
      • Cheaper
      • Easy to install
    • Cons:
      • A lot of yard space required
      • Can use up to 400 square feet of land
  • Vertical
    • Pros:
      • Less invasive
      • More efficient
    • Cons:
      • More expensive
      • Drilling equipment used on your property
Solar-based Geothermal
  • Evacuated Solar Tubes
    • Used for water heating
    • Installed on roof or wherever solar gain is highest
  • Solar Chimney
    • Similar to passive geothermal
    • Helps regulate structural temperature
    • Requires a tower be built, so better for new homes or under construction
Geothermal Graphic Poster

Quick Links

Choosing and Installing Geothermal Heat Pumps

Contact Us

Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy
325 Montgomery Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-6563
Fax: 815-753-2902
Email: envs@niu.edu
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