Geothermal HVAC

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

A geothermal system is comprised of a heat pump, underground loops and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Learn more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s efficiency and longevity. It is made up 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 then circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant from four to six feet below the surface, making it a natural energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is heating, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat from the earth. It then transmits the heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then pushed into the loop, which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system uses the opposite method to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop, where it begins the next cycle.

In a closed-loop system the piping is filled with a product based on water and then buried beneath. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the underground water supply. The system can also make use of lakes or ponds to provide heat transfer fluid, making it more eco-friendly.

Open and closed systems can be horizontal or vertical according to the space you need. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than horizontal systems and minimizes disturbance to your landscaping. It is often used in areas with shallow soil depths or where existing landscaping must be preserved.

Regardless of the type of ground loop system, it is essential to select an experienced installer. It is important to have an efficient and well-designed system as geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the durability of your system and help you save money on electricity in the long run. It is crucial to flush the system frequently to get rid of any mineral deposits that could reduce the efficiency and flow of the heat transfer liquid. GeoDoctor experts can help you select the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It is harnessed using a series of underground loops which absorb the thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. The most common type of geothermal system is known as vertical ground loop. This type of geothermal system is typically used in residential and commercial applications. The system utilizes an energy pump to transfer heat from the earth into your home or office. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a set of underground pipes. These pipes are a crucial element in any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They move the mixture of water and propylene glycol which is a food grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the soil or water remains relatively constant at only a few feet beneath the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system can be more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers or furnaces.

The loops can be placed in an excavation horizontally or into boreholes that are drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are typically used for larger homes with plenty of land and vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes with small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which can take a lot of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops remain attached to the soil.

On the other hand vertical loop systems can be set up quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The technician makes holes of 4 inches in diameter spaced about 20 feet apart. He then installs the pipe to create an enclosed circuit. The number of holes you need will depend on the dimensions of your building as well as the energy needs.

It is crucial to keep the loop fields in good condition in order to keep your geothermal system functioning at its top efficiency. This means cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic bacteriological tests.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. The reason is that the temperature of the ground and water are generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures, which fluctuate. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you employ. The type of loop that is used and the method used to install it determine the efficiency and effectiveness your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps utilize a series of pipes buried horizontally within trenches that are about four to six feet deep. The trenches can accommodate up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the central control unit. The manifold is a conduit for heated or cooled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches that required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology advanced, it was discovered that laying a larger single pipe back and forth at different depths within shorter trenches reduced costs and space requirements without necessarily sacrificing performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

In cases where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop can be an ideal alternative. It can also be an option for homes situated in urban areas, where the topsoil is a bit thin and there isn’t any room for horizontal loops. If your property is in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support a horizontal loop system, an alternative that is vertical may be the best option.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump is the ideal option for your home in the event that you have access an abundance of water. This kind of system operates the same as a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pumps, however, the water is used to heat and cooling, instead of the earth. Keep in mind that a geothermal loop system that utilizes lakes or ponds cannot function in the event of a power outage. A backup generator needs to be installed to provide an electrical source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a very efficient alternative to traditional 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 composition and local climate. One of the most important choices is whether or not to put in ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter is more affordable, but it might not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal source into your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to function during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to increase the efficiency of heating in your home. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using existing resources.

The best design of a desuperheater is dependent on a variety of physical, geometric, and thermal variables. These factors include the spray temperature and the angle of the injection, as well as the design of the nozzle. These are all crucial elements that impact the operation and performance of the desuperheater.

In the summer months, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent in a heating dominated climate than a conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater converts the energy that is taken from the house during the cooling process into heat for the hot water generator. The geothermal system can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months a year at a fraction the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater is also useful in winter, when the geothermal heating system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device takes away the extra heat produced by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use the energy that is free and boosts the system’s heating capacity. Desuperheaters are also an excellent way to cut down on the amount of time a geothermal heating system is being used when it’s in a climate that has a large demand for heating.