Geothermal HVAC

Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that rely on fuel oil, natural gas propane or electricity geothermal offers two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface stay relatively consistent year-round.

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

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is vital to the effectiveness and longevity of geothermal cooling and heating system. It is comprised of pipes that are trenched or drilled in the backyard, and then connected to the heat pump in your home. The piping is filled with a water-based solution and circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant four to six feet below the surface, which makes it an ideal energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is heating, the heat transfer liquid absorbs heat from the earth. It then transfers the heat to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then moved into the loop which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system utilizes the opposite process to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop, where it begins 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 not harmful to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also utilize lakes or ponds as the source of heat transfer fluid, which is even more eco-friendly.

Both closed and open systems can be horizontal or vertical, according to the space you need. Vertical systems require less trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is used in areas where soil depths are low or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

It is important to select a reliable installer regardless of the kind of system. It is essential to have a reliable and well-designed system, as geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the durability of your system, and will help you save energy costs in the long run. It is also crucial to have the system flushed frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup. This could hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and impede the efficiency of the system. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to determine the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

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

The buried pipes store the thermal energy that flows from the earth to your home. These pipes are an essential element of any geo thermal HVAC system. The pipes are made of high-density polyethylene. They circulate the mixture of propylene glycol and water which is a food-grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the soil or water remains fairly constant for a few feet beneath the surface. This allows the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems such as gas furnaces and boilers.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench, or put into boreholes drilled to a depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are generally used for larger homes with a lot of available land and vertical boreholes are best suited for businesses or homes with small spaces. The installation of a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches, which can take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground must also be compacted to ensure that the loops are firmly attached to the soil.

A vertical loop system is easier to install than a horizontal field. The service technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter and approximately 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping to form a closed loop. The number of holes required will depend on the building’s dimensions and energy requirements.

It is crucial to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system operating at its peak. This includes cleaning the loop fields and performing periodic testing for bacteriological issues.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. This is due to the fact that temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, in contrast to the fluctuating outdoor temperature. There are four main types of geothermal heating loops and the one you choose to use depends on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop used and the method of installation employed determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps utilize a series of pipes that are buried horizontally in trenches that are four to six feet deep. The trenches are constructed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold, which is the central control unit. The manifold is a conduit for heated or cooled water to your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally, these pipes were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to encase the pipes. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single longer pipe back and forth at different depths in smaller trenches could reduce space requirements and costs without losing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of constructing horizontal geothermal loops.

In situations where there’s not enough land available, a vertical loop system is an option. It’s also a good alternative for homes 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 region and is not able to support the horizontal loop, an alternative that is vertical could be the best choice.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump can be the ideal option for your home if you have access to an ample amount of water. This type of system works exactly like vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump except the water is used for heating and cooling instead of the earth. It is important to keep in mind that a system that utilizes a pond or lake loop is not functional in the event of a power outage. Installing a backup generator will supply electricity during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a reliable alternative to conventional methods. However, when switching to geothermal homeowners must consider balancing the initial costs with total energy savings. There are many factors that come into play, including the local climate and soil’s makeup. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to dig ground loops or to use an external tank for hot water. The latter option is less expensive, but might not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from a geothermal heating system to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to work in the winter when the system’s cooling cycle generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to improve the heating performance of your home. It also reduces your energy consumption by utilizing pre-existing sources.

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

In the summer, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a heating dominated climate than the conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater transforms the energy removed from the home through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months of the year, at a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater is also able to help in winter when geothermal systems are running at its lowest capacity. The device adds the extra heat produced by the cooling system to the domestic hot-water tank. This allows the domestic hot water tank to use the energy that is free, and increases the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater may also be used to cut down on the length of time a geothermal system is active in a climate with a high degree of heating.