Geothermal HVAC

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that run on fuel oil, natural gas, propane or electricity, geothermal provides two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface are relatively consistent year-round.

A geothermal system is comprised of an underground heat pump, loops and a distribution network (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 durability. It is made up of pipes that are either trenched or drilled in the backyard and connected to the heat pump in your home. The piping will be filled with a water-based fluid and circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant between four and six feet below the surface level, which makes it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating up, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat from the earth. It then carries that heat to the heating pump in your home. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins the process of circulating. In cooling mode, it employs the reverse process to remove the heat that is not needed. It returns it back to the loop in order to begin the next cycle.

In closed loop systems, the pipes are filled with a water-based solution, and then is buried in the ground. The solution is safe and non-toxic for the environment. It does not pollute underground water supplies. The system can be used to use lakes, ponds or other body of water as a source of heat transfer fluid. This is also green.

Depending on the space available depending on the space available, open and closed systems may be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require less trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is commonly utilized in areas with shallow soil depths, or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

It is important to select an experienced installer regardless of the kind of system. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to run and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A quality installation ensures the longevity of your geothermal system, and saves you money on electricity bills in the long run. It is important to flush the system regularly to get rid of any mineral deposits that can reduce the flow and effectiveness of the liquid used to transfer heat. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to select the right system for your house.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is utilized to cool or heat buildings. It is a source of energy that can be harnessed through underground loops that absorb thermal energy and transfer it to your building. The most popular type of geothermal system can be known as a vertical ground loop. This type of system is most commonly utilized in commercial and residential applications. The heat pump in this system takes the thermal energy from the ground and carries it to your home or office. In the summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store the thermal energy that flows from the earth to your home. These pipes are a key element in any geo thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene and circulate a mixture of water and propylene glycol, which is a food-grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the water or soil remains relatively constant at a few feet below the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers and furnaces.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench, or placed into boreholes that are drilled to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches work best for large homes with lots of land, whereas vertical boreholes work well for homes and businesses with limited space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops involves digging extensive trenches that can require considerable time and effort. Additionally the ground needs to be compacted to ensure the loops have a firm grip on the soil.

On the other the other hand, a vertical loop system can be constructed quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The service technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, then installs the piping to form a closed loop. The number of holes required will be determined by your building’s size and energy requirements.

It is crucial to maintain the loop fields to keep your geothermal system operating at its peak. This means removing any debris and conducting regular bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. The reason for this is that the temperature of the ground and water is relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. There are four major kinds of geothermal heating loops, and which one you choose to use depends on your property size and layout. The type of loop you choose and the method of installation employed determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems make use of series horizontal pipes placed in trenches that are between four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to hold two to three 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 cooling and heating ductwork.

Originally these pipes were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology improved it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth different depths in smaller trenches could decrease space requirements and costs without sacrificing performance. This led to the invention of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to horizontal geothermal heat pump system for situations in which there isn’t enough land space available. It can also be an option for homes situated in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support the horizontal loop, the vertical loop may be the best option.

A pond or lake geothermal heat pump is the ideal option for your home if you have access to an abundance of water. This kind of system functions similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pump, however, the water is used to heat and cooling, instead of the earth. It is important to keep in mind that a system that utilizes a pond or lake loop will not work in the event of a power failure. A backup generator must be installed to supply an electric source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal cooling and heating is a very efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to making the switch, homeowners have to balance upfront costs and energy savings in the long run. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and the local climate. One of the most important choices is whether to put in ground loops or build an external hot water tank. The latter is less expensive, but may not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from a geothermal heating system to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to function in winter, when the cooling process of the system produces excess heat. The desuperheater removes this waste heat and utilizes it to improve the efficiency of your heating system. It lowers your energy use by using resources already in use.

The best design of a desuperheater is dependent on a variety of physical geometric, thermal, and factors. These factors include the temperature of the spray water, the angle of injection, as well as the design of the nozzle. These are all aspects that affect the performance and efficiency of the desuperheater.

In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater could save you as much as 80% more than a traditional water heater in the summer. This is because the desuperheater makes use of the energy emitted by the house during the cooling process and converts it to useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months per year at a fraction the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater can also be useful in the winter, when a geothermal heating system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device takes away the extra heat generated by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize the energy that is free and boosts the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater is also an effective way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is operating when it’s in a place with a high heating demand.