Vertical loops are a great option for powering a geothermal system, especially when space is limited. They take up less room than horizontal loops and need less piping overall, thanks to the consistent underground temperatures found deeper below the earth’s surface. For most homes, a vertical loop field typically only needs a 20’ x 20’ area. Whenever possible, it’s best to drill on undisturbed land with about 40 feet of overhead clearance to safely accommodate the height of the drilling equipment.
Vertical closed loop fields are made up of holes that range from 100 to 500 feet deep, spaced about 10 to 20 feet apart, and around 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The number and depth of these holes depend on the size of the geothermal system and the specific heating and cooling needs of the home or building.
In Illinois, most residential systems use ¾” to 1” HDPE loops, typically drilled 150 to 300 feet deep. For larger commercial systems, loops can go as deep as 500 feet using 1¼” pipe. The local geology also plays a big role—it can affect drilling costs and needs to be considered when planning your system. While most residential installations don’t require it, a thermal conductivity test is a smart step for larger or more complex projects. Drilling uses a good amount of water, and it's important to follow state regulations—like keeping a safe distance from anything that could contaminate groundwater—to ensure everything is done safely and responsibly.
At the bottom of each hole, HDPE pipes are joined with a factory-made U-bend fitting. These loops are then connected in shallow trenches, usually about 4 feet underground, and run into the building as supply and return lines.
One of the great things about vertical loops is that there’s no downtime—once they’re drilled and grouted properly, the system is ready to go. Good grouting ensures excellent contact between the loop and the surrounding ground, which means efficient performance from day one. Homeowners should expect only temporary disruption during drilling and grouting. Once this process is completed, there is little to no need for yard disruption.
Vertical loops are great for yards and plots with limited space. Used on residential jobs, we typically drill 150' boreholes. Commercial jobs typically 300' but it really depends on the project and can go deeper.
One of the greatest benefits of a vertical loop is its energy efficiency, which helps lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year. These systems are designed to have a long lifespan and quiet indoor operation, which helps with upkeep and overall comfortability.
Every job is a little different, and we make sure to factor those differences in. But no matter what we’re installing, we stick to a solid, proven process that helps us deliver quality results every time.
We’ll collect the important details—by email, phone, or a site visit—to give you a free quote. We do our best to keep it accurate, but sometimes unexpected conditions or hurdles, especially with drilling, can lead to added costs once the project starts rolling. The preliminary estimate includes a site plan and scope of work kept in a shared folder for easy ongoing access.
Once you’ve sold the job and confirmed we’re on board, the next steps depend on whether we’ve worked together before. If it’s our first time teaming up, we’ll send over a master contract that includes the scope of work and site plan as attachments. If we already have a master contract in place, a signed scope of work and site plan is all we need to move forward.
We’ll coordinate with you on the project start date and who should handle communication with the home or building owner. Typically, the main installer handles updates before the project begins, but we’re happy to keep the owner in the loop while we’re on-site if that’s helpful. Just let us know how much—or how little—you’d like us to engage with the home or building owner.
For a smoother, more cost-effective project, we recommend sourcing materials and design services through Supplied Energy. You’ll often see discounts on materials and/or labor, and since we work with their team daily, we’re always aligned on quotes, sales orders, and design details. It’s a more integrated approach that keeps things moving efficiently—but we’re happy to work with your preferred source, as well.
For geothermal ground loop installs, we usually handle the permit. For other types of projects where we’re the sub, the main contractor working with the home or building owner typically takes care of it. Either way, we’ll communicate on permitting to ensure its completed before starting.
To ensure top-notch quality, every project gets oversight from our crew lead, project manager, and leadership team. We also document our work with photos, videos, and notes—all uploaded to a shared project folder so everything stays transparent and organized.
Installed Energy helps contractors and homeowners bring more geothermal, solar, and storage projects to life, and can count on us for reliable industry knowledge. We connect homeowners to qualified installers and guide them toward a more energy-efficient home. We like vertical geothermal loops because they are a space-saving and reliable solution for both residential and commercial geothermal systems that, through energy efficiency and a long service life, save the customer money over time. With attention to finding the right design, giving proper installation, and surrounding ourselves with the right drilling team, Installed Energy provides dependable heating and cooling solutions to homeowners. Contact Installed Energy today to learn more about our vertical loop installation services or request a quote by filling out the form below.