Geothermal HVAC

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

Geothermal systems consist of a heat pump, underground loops, and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Learn more about the various components that make up this energy-efficient system:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the most important element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and long-lasting. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled, or even truncated in the backyard to connect to your home’s heat pumps. The piping will be filled with a water-based fluid and then circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground is relatively 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 the heat transfer fluid absorbs the earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then returned to the loop, where it starts to circulate again. In cooling mode, it employs the opposite process to remove the heat that is not needed. It then returns to the loop to start a new cycle.

In a closed loop system, the piping is filled with a solution made of water, and then buried underground. The solution is safe and non-toxic for the environment. It doesn’t pollute underground water supplies. The system can be used to use lakes, ponds or any other body of water as a source of heat transfer fluid. This is even more eco-friendly.

Depending on the available space depending on the space available, open and closed systems may be installed either vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than a horizontal system and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is typically utilized in areas with shallow soil depths, or where existing landscaping must be preserved.

It is important to select an experienced installer regardless of the type of system. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to operate and it is vital to have an efficient and well-designed system in place. A quality installation ensures the longevity of your geothermal system and can save you money on electric bills in the long run. It is important to flush the system regularly to eliminate any minerals which could affect the flow and efficiency of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you determine the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy that comes from the Earth that is utilized to heat and cool buildings. This energy is harnessed by using a series of underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. Vertical ground loops are the most common geothermal system. This kind of geothermal system is used most often in residential and commercial applications. The heat pump in this system takes the thermal energy from the ground and then transfers 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 is transferred from the earth to your building. These pipes are a crucial part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They move an emulsion of water and propylene glycol which is a food grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the soil or water remains fairly constant for just a few feet below the surface. The closed loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers or furnaces.

Loops can be installed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are generally used for larger homes with a lot of available land, while vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes that have little space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can take a lot of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops are securely connected to the soil.

On the other side, a vertical loop system can be installed quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced about 20 feet apart. Then, he installs the pipe to form an enclosed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on your building’s size and energy requirements.

It is essential to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system running at its peak. This includes cleaning the loop fields as well as performing periodic bacteriological tests.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and ground or the nearby body of water, rather than taking energy from the outside air. This is because ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, unlike the fluctuating outdoor temperature. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine which loop to employ. The type of loop and the method of installation used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems utilize a series of pipes that are buried horizontally in trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches can hold up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into an amanifold that is the central control unit for geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or cooled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

Initially, these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger expanse of land to cover them. As technology advanced it was discovered that layering a single pipe back and forth varying depths in shorter trenches could help reduce space requirements and costs without sacrificing performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

A vertical ground loop system is a good alternative to a horizontal geothermal heating system for situations in which there isn’t enough land space available. It’s also a good option for homes located in urban areas, where the topsoil is a bit thin and there isn’t enough space for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone zone and is unable to support a horizontal loop system, a vertical loop system could be the best choice.

If you have lots of water lakes or ponds can be a great alternative for your home. This type of system works exactly like a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heat pumps, except the water is used for heating and cooling instead of the earth. Be aware that the geothermal loop system that is based on a lake or pond will not function in the event of power failure. Installing a backup generator can provide power during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal cooling and heating is a highly efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to switching, homeowners have to balance upfront costs and total savings on energy. There are many variables that play into the equation including the local climate and soil makeup. 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 less expensive but might not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfer heat from a geothermal heating system to your hot water tank. It is designed to function in the winter when the cooling process of the system produces excess heat. The desuperheater removes this waste heat and uses it to boost the efficiency of your heating system. It reduces your energy usage by using existing resources.

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

During the summer months, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a climate that is dominated by heating than traditional hot water heaters. The desuperheater converts the energy that is taken from the house during the cooling process into heat for the hot-water generator. Geothermal systems can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months a year for a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater can also help during winter, when a geothermal system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device adds the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This enables the domestic hot water tank to utilize this free energy, and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is an effective way to reduce the time that geothermal heating systems are operating when it’s in a climate that has a large demand for heating.