Geothermal HVAC

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

A geothermal system consists of the 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 essential to the durability and efficiency of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is made up of pipes that are cut or drilled in the backyard, and then connected to the heat pump in your home. The piping will be filled with a 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, which makes it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode in the heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs Earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump in your house. The fluid is then pushed into the loop, where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, it employs the opposite process to remove the excess heat. It returns it to the loop to start another cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping will be filled with a solution based on water, and then buried underground. The solution is safe and non-toxic for the environment. It does not pollute underground water supplies. The system can utilize a pond, lake or any other body of water as a source for heat transfer fluid. This is even more eco-friendly.

Based on the space available depending on the space available, open and closed systems can be installed vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is ideal for areas where soil depths are shallow or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

No matter what type of ground loop system you choose, it is crucial to select a reliable installer. It is important to have an efficient and well-designed system, since geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A quality installation ensures the longevity of your geothermal system, and will save you money on electricity bills in the long term. It is also essential to have the system flushed frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup. This can hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and impede system efficiency. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy that comes from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. It can be harnessed through underground loops which absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to your building. Vertical ground loops are the most common geothermal system. This kind of system is typically utilized in commercial and residential applications. The heat pump in this system captures the heat energy from the ground and transfers it to your home or office. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.

The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a series of underground pipes. These pipes are an essential element of any geo thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of 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 water or soil remains relatively constant for only a few feet beneath the surface. This allows the closed loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, like gas furnaces or boilers.

The loops can be installed in a trench horizontally or inserted in boreholes drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are usually used for larger homes with plenty of land and vertical boreholes are best suited for homes or businesses that have little space. The installation of a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops remain attached to the soil.

A vertical loop system is much easier to install than a horizontal field. The technician digging holes that are 4 inches in diameter and about 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping in order to create a closed loop. The number of holes you need will be determined by your building’s size and the energy requirements.

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

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of taking energy from the outside air. The reason for this is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is fairly constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures, which fluctuate. The size and layout of your property will determine which loop to employ. The type of loop that is used and the method used to install it determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal systems make use of series of horizontal pipes, which are placed in trenches that are between four and six feet in depth. The trenches can hold 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 cooling and heating ductwork.

Initially, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger area of land to surround them. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth at varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce space requirements and cost without 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 a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there isn’t enough land area available. It is also an option for homes situated in urban areas where topsoil is thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone area and cannot be supported by a horizontal system.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump system can be the best option for your home if you have access to an abundance of water. This type of system works exactly like a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump, except the water is used for heating and cooling, instead of the earth. Be aware that the geothermal loop system that is based on lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of power outage. A backup generator should be installed to supply an electrical source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a very efficient alternative to conventional methods. But when making the switch, homeowners must balance the initial costs with total energy savings. There are many factors to consider including the soil’s composition and local climate. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to put in ground loops or to use an external tank for hot water. The latter is more affordable, but it might not offer the same level of efficiency.

A desuperheater transfer heat from a geothermal heating system to your home hot water tank. It is designed to work during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater removes this waste heat and uses it to boost your home’s heating performance. It can also cut down on your energy usage by utilizing existing resources.

The optimal design of desuperheaters is determined by several physical, thermal, and geometric variables. These variables include the angle of injection, the temperature of the water spray, and the nozzle’s design. These are all aspects that affect the performance and efficiency of the desuperheater.

In a climate that is dominated by heating, a desuperheater can save you as much as 80percent more than an ordinary water heater during the summer. The desuperheater converts the energy 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 less than the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps during winter, when geothermal systems are 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 domestic hot water tank to make use of this free energy, and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater may also be used to decrease the length of time geothermal systems are in operation in a climate that is dominated by heating.