GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS WITH HORIZONTAL COLLECTORS – THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR NEW BUILDINGS

Horizontal ground collectors are piping systems buried at a depth of 1 to 1.5 meters, where the ground temperature remains stable year-round. A heat transfer fluid (refrigerant) absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it to the heat pump, which then heats or cools the home and provides domestic hot water. 

New constructions provide ideal conditions for installing horizontal collectors, as the terrain is often still undeveloped or already excavated. This allows for: 

• Easy installation without additional modifications to landscaped areas 

• Lower excavation costs 

• Fast return on investment 

• High energy efficiency with lower operating costs 

Compared to deep geothermal boreholes, horizontal collectors are more affordable while still providing stable and reliable performance. 

Depending on available space and energy requirements, you can choose from different types of horizontal collectors: 

• Classic Horizontal Collectors: The most commonly used option, laid in a single layer. For each square meter of heated living space, approximately 1.5 to 2 m² of land is needed for installation. 

• Spiral Collectors: Flexible pipes arranged in a spiral shape in a trench about 2 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep. This design reduces space requirements by up to 40% and is ideal for properties with pools or other structures. 

• Basket Collectors: A compact solution for small plots. These involve drilling holes 50-60 cm in diameter and 5-15 meters deep, into which spiral-shaped pipes are inserted. 

The choice of the right collector depends on the plot size, soil type, and the building’s energy needs. Our experts can help you find the optimal solution. 

There are several reasons why it makes sense to choose a geothermal heat pump instead of an air-to-water heat pump for a new building: 

• Higher Efficiency: Ground-source heat pumps with horizontal collectors are more energy-efficient than air-to-water heat pumps because the ground temperature remains stable all year. In winter, the ground is warmer than the air, making heating easier, and in summer, it’s cooler, providing ideal cooling conditions. This stability reduces electricity consumption and increases savings. 

• More Usable Land: Geothermal heat pumps do not require an outdoor unit, unlike air-to-water systems, maximizing land use. 

• Longer Lifespan: Due to stable and consistent operation, geothermal heat pumps have a significantly longer lifespan than air-to-water heat pumps. Additionally, they are less exposed to temperature fluctuations and external weather conditions, ensuring long-term, reliable performance with significantly lower maintenance and investment costs. 

• Higher Incentives: Installing a geothermal heat pump usually qualifies for higher subsidies compared to an air-to-water heat pump. 

• Not Affected by Weather Conditions: Geothermal heat pumps do not require an outdoor unit, meaning they are not exposed to external elements. 

• Silent Operation: Geothermal heat pumps operate almost silently. Without an outdoor unit, they do not disturb the surroundings, and the indoor unit is nearly inaudible. 

Horizontal collectors are significantly cheaper than deep borehole geothermal systems because they do not require deep drilling or additional permits. This reduces costs while still providing all the benefits of a geothermal heat pump. This solution is particularly attractive for larger plots where there is enough space for pipe installation or where drilling is not feasible. 

With fluctuating energy prices and growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, more people are considering long-term heating solutions. Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient heating technology, with a long lifespan, minimal maintenance costs, and exceptionally reliable operation. 

Thanks to its modular design, there is no need to replace the entire system when upgrading or repairing it—only a single module can be replaced. 

At KRONOTERM, we have developed the next-generation geothermal heat pump, ETERA, our most efficient heat pump, offering: 

• Up to twice the lifespan compared to air-to-water heat pumps, maximizing long-term savings and nearly halving the investment over time. 

• Modular design – Upgrade or repair without replacing the entire system. 

• Exceptional energy efficiency – SCOP of 6.22, meaning it generates 6.22 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity consumed throughout the heating season. 

Ready to invest in the future of your home? Choose ETERA – the most advanced geothermal heat pump, ensuring comfort and savings for decades. Get a free quote and savings calculation today!