Geothermal HVAC

Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that rely on natural gas, fuel oil propane or electricity geothermal can provide two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface remain fairly constant throughout the year.

Geothermal systems are made up of a heatpump underground loops, and an distribution system. Find out more about the various components of this energy-efficient system:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is essential to the durability and efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling system. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled, or even truncated in the yard to connect to your home’s heat pumps. The piping will be filled with water-based solution and circulated to absorb or distribute heat depending on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant between four and six feet below the surface level, making it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the heat pump in your house. The fluid is then transferred to the loop which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system uses the opposite process to eliminate the excess heat and return it back to the loop, where it begins the next cycle.

In a closed loop system the pipe is filled with a water-based solution, and then is buried in the ground. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It is not a pollutant to underground water supplies. The system can also make use of lakes or ponds as a source of heat transfer fluid, which is even more environmentally friendly.

Based on the space available, closed and open systems can be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require less trenches than a horizontal system and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is often used in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

It is essential to choose a reliable installer regardless of the kind of system. It is important to have a reliable and well-designed system, since geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the long-term viability of your system and allow you to save money on electricity in the long-term. It is crucial to flush the system on a regular basis to eliminate any minerals that can reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to determine the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. This energy can be harnessed by underground loops which absorb heat and then transfer it to your building. The most commonly used type of geothermal system can be called a vertical ground loop. This type of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential settings. The heat pump in this system takes the thermal energy from the ground and then transfers it to your home or office. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.

The thermal energy that is transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a set of underground pipes. These pipes are a key component of any geo-thermal hvac system. The tubes are made from Polyethylene with high density and circulate water and propylene glycol, which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the soil or water remains fairly constant at a few feet below the surface. This allows the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems like gas furnaces and boilers.

These loops can be placed in a horizontal trench or inserted into boreholes that are drilled to a depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are best suited for large homes with lots of land vertical boreholes are suitable for businesses and homes with little space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops involves digging extensive trenches that can require considerable time and effort. In addition the ground has to be compacted so that the loops have a firm hold on the soil.

A vertical loop system is much more straightforward to install than a horizontal field. The service technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping to create a closed loop. The number of holes needed will depend on the size of your structure and the energy needs.

To ensure that your geothermal cooling and heating system at peak performance, it is important to maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning up debris and conducting periodic bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and ground or nearby bodies of water, and not being able to draw energy from the air outside. The reason for this is that the temperatures of the ground and water are fairly constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. The size and layout of your property will determine which loop to employ. The type of loop you choose and the method of installation used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems make use of a set of pipes that are buried horizontally in trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches are designed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the geothermal heat pump’s central control unit. The manifold then sends heated and cooled water to your home’s heating and cooling ductwork.

Initially, these pipes were buried in vertical trenches which required a larger area to encase the pipes. As technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost, without necessarily sacrificed performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

A vertical ground loop system is an excellent alternative to horizontal geothermal heat pump system in situations where there isn’t enough land available. It is also a good option for homes located in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin and there isn’t much space for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone region and cannot support a horizontal loop system, the vertical loop might be the best option.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump is the ideal option for your home if you have access to an abundance of water. This kind of system operates similar to vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, but the water is used for heating and cooling, not the earth. Remember that a geothermal loop system using a lake or pond cannot function in the event of power failure. Installing a backup generator can supply electricity during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a highly efficient alternative to conventional methods. But when it comes to making the switch homeowners must weigh upfront costs against the total energy savings. Many factors are involved including the soil’s composition and local climate. But one of the biggest choices is whether to plant ground loops or build an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive but may not provide the same level of efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system into your hot water tank at home. It is designed to function in the winter months when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this heat to increase the heating performance of your home. It can also cut down on your energy usage by utilizing pre-existing sources.

The best design of a desuperheater is dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These factors include the injection angle, temperature of the spray water and the nozzle’s design. These are all significant elements that impact the desuperheater’s operation and performance.

In a climate that is dominated by heating, a desuperheater can save you up to 80percent more than a traditional water heater in the summer. The desuperheater transforms the energy taken from the house during cooling into heat for the hot-water generator. Geothermal systems can supply hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months per year at a fraction the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps during winter, when a geothermal system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device adds the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize this free energy and maximizes the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater is a great way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is being used when it’s in a place that has a large demand for heating.