Geothermal HVAC

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

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

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is crucial to the efficiency and durability 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 pipes are then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with your home’s needs. The temperature of the ground is relatively constant between four and six feet below surface level, which makes it an ideal energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode in the heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the earth’s heat and carries it to the heat pump inside your house. The fluid is then pushed back into the loop where it begins circulating again. In cooling mode, it uses the reverse process to remove the excess heat. It returns it back to the loop in order to begin another cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping will be filled with a solution based on water and buried underground. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It does not pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also make use of the pond or lake as the source of heat transfer fluid, which is more environmentally friendly.

Based on the space available, closed and open systems can be installed horizontally or vertically. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than a horizontal one and minimizes disturbance to your landscaping. It is ideal for areas where soil depths are shallow or when existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

Regardless of the type of ground loop system, it is crucial to select an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require substantial amounts of energy to operate, and it is crucial to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and will save you money on electric bills in the long run. It is also crucial to have the system flushed regularly to remove any mineral buildup. This can reduce the flow of heat transfer fluid and hinder the efficiency of the system. GeoDoctor experts can help you choose the best system for your house.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy originates from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It can be harnessed by underground loops that absorb thermal energy and transfer it into your building. The most commonly used kind of geothermal system is called vertical ground loop. This type of system is most commonly utilized in commercial and residential applications. The heat pump in this system captures the thermal energy from the ground and transfers it to your home or office. In summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.

The thermal energy that is transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a set of buried pipes. These pipes are a key element in 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 is almost constant just within a few feet of the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods like gas boilers or furnaces.

These loops can be installed in a horizontal trench, or placed into boreholes that are made to a depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are generally utilized for larger properties that have plenty of land and vertical boreholes are ideal for businesses or homes that have small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can require a lot of time and effort. The ground must also be compacted to ensure that the loops remain fixed to the soil.

A vertical loop is easier to install than a horizontal field. The technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced 20 feet apart. Then, he installs the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your building and the energy requirements.

It is crucial to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system functioning at its best. This includes cleaning up debris and conducting periodic bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

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

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps use a series of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that are 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 then able to send heated and cooled water to your home’s heating and cooling ductwork.

Initially, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches which required a larger amount of land to cover them. As technology developed it was realized that layering a longer single pipe back and forth at different depths within shorter trenches reduced costs and space requirements without sacrificing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there isn’t enough land available. It is also an option for homes in urban settings, in which the topsoil is scarce and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. If your property is in an earthquake-prone region and cannot support a horizontal loop system, a vertical loop system may be the best option.

If you have lots of water available lakes or ponds can be an excellent option for your home. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heating system however instead of using earth for heating and cooling the water is used. It is crucial to note that a geothermal system using lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of an electrical power failure. Installing a backup generator can provide electricity during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is an efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs and total savings on energy. There are a variety of aspects to consider, including the local climate and soil’s makeup. One of the most important choices is whether to put in ground loops or install an external hot water tank. The latter is less expensive, but it may not provide the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is an equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal system to your hot water tank at home. It is designed to work in winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to improve the heating efficiency of your home. It can also cut down on your energy usage by utilizing pre-existing resources.

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

In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater can save you as much as 80percent more than a conventional water heater during the summer. The desuperheater converts the energy that is removed from the home through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. This enables the geothermal system to produce domestic hot water for three months of the year, at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater is also useful in winter months, when a geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device is able to add 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 heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater may also be used to decrease the time that the geothermal system is in operation in a climate with a high degree of heating.