Geothermal HVAC

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

Geothermal systems consist of a heatpump, underground loops and the distribution system. Learn more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the most important element to a geothermal system’s efficiency and long-lasting. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the backyard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The piping is then filled with a solution containing water that circulates to absorb or disperse heat based on the requirements of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant from four to six feet below the surface, which makes it an ideal energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is heating up, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat from the earth. It then transmits the heat to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then pushed into the loop, which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system employs the reverse process to remove the heat that is left and return it to the loop, where it begins another cycle.

In a closed loop system the pipes are filled with a water-based product and buried in the ground. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It is not a pollutant to underground water sources. The system can be used to use the pond, lake or other body of water as a source of heat transfer fluid. This is even more environmentally friendly.

Open and closed systems can be horizontal or vertical, according to the space you need. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than a horizontal one and minimizes disturbance to your landscaping. It is typically utilized in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

Whatever the kind of ground loop system you choose, it is important to choose a reliable installer. Geothermal systems require substantial amounts of energy to operate and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your system and help you save money on electricity in the long-term. It is essential to flush the system regularly to remove any minerals that can reduce the flow and effectiveness of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to determine the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. This energy is harnessed by using a series of underground loops which absorb the thermal energy and transmit it to your building. The most commonly used type of geothermal system is called vertical ground loop. This kind of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential settings. The heat pump in this system takes the heat energy from the ground and transfers it to your office or home. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store the thermal energy that flows from the earth to your building. These pipes are an essential element in any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They circulate a mixture of water and propylene glycol which is a food-grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the soil or water stays relatively constant, even only a few feet beneath the surface. This allows the closed loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems like gas furnaces and boilers.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench or placed into boreholes that are dug to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches work best for large estates with lots of land, while vertical boreholes are ideal for businesses and homes with limited space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops entails digging extensive trenches that can take a lot of time and effort. Additionally the ground has to be compacted to ensure the loops have a firm hold on the soil.

On the other the other hand vertical loop systems can be constructed much more quickly and easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter, spaced 20 feet apart. He then installs the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on your building’s size and the energy requirements.

To keep your geothermal heating and cooling system running at its peak, it is important to properly maintain the loop fields. This includes removing 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. This is due to the fact that the temperatures of water and ground remain relatively stable, unlike the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. There are four main types of geothermal heating loops and which one you choose to use depends on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop you choose to use and the method used to install it determine the efficiency and effectiveness 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 deep. The trenches are designed to accommodate three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the central control unit of the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold then sends chilled and heated water to your home’s heating and cooling ductwork.

Initially these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches which required a larger space to surround the pipes. As technology improved and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth at different depths within shorter trenches decreased space requirements and cost without losing performance. This was the birth of the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system is a good alternative to horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there is not enough land space available. It can also be an option for homes situated in urban areas in which the topsoil is scarce and there isn’t any room for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system could be a good option if your property is in an earthquake-prone area and is not able to support an horizontal loop.

If you have a lot of water in your home, ponds or lakes can be a great option for your home. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or a vertical ground loop geothermal heating pump however, instead of using the earth to heat and cool, the water is used. Remember that a geothermal loop system that utilizes a lake or pond is not functional in the event of power failure. A backup generator should be installed to provide a source of electricity during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a very efficient alternative to traditional methods. When it comes to making the switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs and total energy savings. There are many factors to consider including the soil’s composition and climate of the area. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to dig ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option may be less expensive, but it might not offer as much efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from geothermal heating systems to your home hot water tank. It is designed to work in winter, when the system’s cooling cycle produces heat that is not needed. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your heating system. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using resources already in use.

The ideal design of a desuperheater dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These variables include the spray water temperature as well as the angle of injection, and the design of the nozzle. These are all factors that affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In the summer, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent in a heating dominated climate than the conventional hot water heater. This is because the desuperheater uses the energy emitted by the house in the cooling process and converts it into useful heat for the hot water generator. This allows the geothermal system to produce domestic hot water for three months of the year, at only a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps in winter when the geothermal system is operating at its smallest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat generated by the cooling system and adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the domestic hot water tank to use the energy that is free, and also increases the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is also a great way to reduce the time that a geothermal heating system is being used when it’s in a place with a high heating demand.