So as I compare these three I have some questions .
Does the pump for an open loop geothermal unit use more electricity to run then a closed loop. If it is running off a well is it's life span shortened by the hardness of the water.

I don't feel great about the pump and dump approach, since the water in the water table is a limited resource as well..... but it is available to me.

How dose the pump for DX compare (in energy usage) to the closed loop system?

Thanks in advance
MK

In addition my house will be on a slope. Is it better to have the loops above the house our below (on the slope) or does it matter.

I'm about to start installation of a 900 total footage veritcal system for my 4 ton system. There are (3) 300' wells and they are all 1" pipe the headers are 1 1/4" and the head pressure for the 3 speed pump is 24ft
if that helps - I am unsure of the pump and dump setups

Does the pump for an open loop geothermal unit use more electricity

Generally yes, it depends on how much vertical lift is involved. On the other hand, open loop usually gets a higher COP (efficiency) from the heat pump.

Posted By MAK2013 on 18 Dec 2012 11:41 AM
If it is running off a well is it's life span shortened by the hardness of the water.

In discussing these sorts of things with my HVAC contractor nephew he has stated that hard water can raise havoc with the overall geo system. It's not so much an impact on overall life of the system from deterioration as it is the impact caused by mineral buildup hampering heat flow and water flow. I believe it's Lennox that requires an annual acid cleaning of the system if it's an open loop system.

Hardness in geo systems used in cooling mode does cause buildup. In heating mode, supposedly not.

We put a heat exchanger on an open loop system. It works great! PM with your email if interested.

We work in an iron heavy area with open loop systems all the time and rarely have to flush properly installed systems. Pre filters require regular attention and often drains get fouled if undersized. We do not tend to see build up upstream of the solenoid.
As was said, pump cost is traded for higher heating efficiency.
Try this for thoughts on DX: http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/aff/13/aft/79941/afv/topic/afpgj/3/Default.aspx#94387

I would stay away from DX for the reasons mentioned in the post that Joe.Ami alluded too. In a DX system it stands for direct exchange, meaning it runs refrigerant into the ground not water. So if refrigerant runs through the ground what normally pumps refrigerant? A Compressor. I would prefer to have a couple hundred dollar pump pushing water than a very expensive very difficult to replace compressor that pushs large amounts of refrigerant.

If you go open loop just test your water quality and purchase a curpronickel coil to help slow the corrosion or run the water through a heat exchanger as others have mentioned. In my area we highly prefer closed loop systems because drilling wells is not cost effective so a lot of it will come down to your individual installer.

If it was my house, I would put the loops downhill of the house, just to prevent if any, water to follow the new, disturbed soil back to house.

Probably no concern if any, but if you have the option...