EcoHill Solutions - Energy and LEED Consulting Services
Smart Design, Energy Efficiency, & Resource Conservation
5030 N. Marine Dr. #807, Chicago, IL 60640
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Chicago: (312) 235-2225
Detroit: (248) 419-0204
Geothermal Services
EcoHill's design team has over 70 years of HVAC and 30 years of large and small geothermal design experience. Fusion and hybrid systems, open loop, closed loop, water to air, water to water, or direct exchange the options to take advantage of the Earth's stable heat-energy are plentiful. Geothermal looping is a wise decision when you to consider savings on energy bills of up to 70% for heating and 50% for cooling. If a geothermal system isn't appropriate for you, or a 100% design for cooling and heating is not necessary, we'll show you why and also present alternatives. That is the advantage of first working with an independent design group.
Geothermal Design
EcoHill insures that your system is sized properly to fit your facility through a Whole Building Design philosophy. Our sustainable assessments and energy modeling determine the right load and will lower project costs significantly. Proper equipment sizing is based on both heat loss during cold weather and heat gains during warm weather but also by the amount of internal loads such as occupants, computers, and lighting. EcoHill will reduce your building energy usage and properly size the geothermal loop, equipment, and backup system.
Vertical Drilling
Vertical wells drilled from 50 to 400 feet or more and then filled with tubing and conductivity enhancing grout provide the heat exchange with the Earth. Costs vary depending on geological challenges, but vertical wells are an affordable and common application. Vertical drilling works well for closed loop and open loop systems. Buildings, parking lots, baseball fields can all be safely placed above the wells.
Horizontal Boring
Not yet as common as vertical wells, but horizontal boring has a very significant advantage in that it does very little damage to existing landscaping. This type of boring can also run piping into nearby water sources like lakes or ponds. A horizontal boring array provides exchange options for spaces such as football fields, gardens, parking lots and even under existing buildings. We also like the application for contaminated soils as the boring produces very little spoilage as compared to vertical wells. One of the most experienced horizontal bore groups is part of our team.
Horizontal Ground Trench
A horizontal ground trench is usually the most economical application. A cost effective system that involves excavating a field from 3 to 8 feet deep depending on climate, and laying piping in a slinky like shape onto the ground. The trench is then covered. The trenches do take up a lot of land and present landscaping challenges for existing properties. We also recommend replanting these trenches with prairie grasses or native plants as an added environmental benefit over resource taxing lawn grass. Feel free to contact us for cost estimates and feasibility questions for all your geothermal and energy needs. We are at your service.
