Geothermal HVAC

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on natural gas, fuel oil, propane or electricity, geothermal provides two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperatures of the earth below the surface stay pretty constant all year.

A geothermal system is comprised of the heat pump, underground loops and a distribution network (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 a geothermal heating and cooling system. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the backyard to connect to your home’s heat pumps. The piping is then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat according to the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground stays constant between four and six feet below the surface, which makes it an ideal energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating, the liquid used to transfer heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then carries that heat to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop, where it starts the process of circulating. In cooling mode, the system uses the opposite method to eliminate the heat that is left and return it back to the loop, where it begins a new cycle.

In a closed loop system, the piping is filled with a solution based on water and buried underground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and does not pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also utilize a pond or lake to provide heat transfer fluid, which is even more environmentally friendly.

Open and closed systems can be vertical or horizontal depending on your space requirements. Vertical systems require fewer trenches than horizontal systems and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is often employed in areas with low soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

Regardless of the type of ground loop system, it is crucial to select a reliable installer. It is essential to have an efficient and well-designed system, since geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system, and can save you money on electricity bills in the long run. It is essential to flush the system regularly to eliminate any minerals which could affect the flow and efficiency of the heat transfer liquid. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to determine 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. This energy is harnessed by using underground loops that absorb the thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. The most commonly used type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This type of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential settings. The system utilizes the heat pump to transfer heat from the earth to your home or office. In summer, it reverses to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store thermal energy that flows from the earth to your building. These pipes are a crucial element of any geo thermal HVAC system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They circulate an emulsion of water and propylene glycol, which is a food-grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the soil or water is fairly constant for only a few feet below the surface. The closed-loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers or furnaces.

These loops can be placed 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 lots of land available and vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes with small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which can take a lot of time and effort. In addition the ground has to be compacted to ensure that the loops are able to hold a solid grip on the soil.

A vertical loop is simpler to set up than a horizontal field. The technician makes holes that are 4 inches in diameter, spaced about 20 feet apart. He then installs the pipe to form a closed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your structure and the energy demands.

It is crucial to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system operating at its peak. This includes removing debris and conducting periodic bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and the ground or a nearby body of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. The reason for this is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures, which fluctuate. There are four primary types of geothermal heating loops and which one you use will depend on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop that is used and the method used to install it determine the efficiency and effectiveness your geothermal system.

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

Initially these pipes were buried in vertical trenches that required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology developed it was realized that layering a single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within shorter trenches reduced costs and space requirements without sacrificed performance. This led to the development of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

In cases where there isn’t enough space, a vertical ground loop can be an option. It is also an option for homes situated in urban areas in which the topsoil is scarce and there isn’t any space for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone zone and cannot support an horizontal loop system, an alternative that is vertical may be the best option.

A pond or lake geothermal heat pump system can be the best option for your home if you have access to plenty of water. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or vertical ground loop geothermal heating system however, instead of using the earth for cooling and heating, the water is used. It is important to keep in mind that a geothermal system using lake loops or ponds will not function in the event of an electrical power failure. A backup generator should be installed to supply an electrical source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a highly efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to making the switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs with energy savings in the long run. Many factors are involved such as the soil’s composition and the local climate. 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 may not provide the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal source into your hot water tank at home. It is designed to function in winter, when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and utilizes it to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using existing resources.

The best design of a desuperheater dependent on various physical, geometric, and thermal variables. These variables include the injection angle, the temperature of the spray water, and the nozzle’s design. These are all aspects that influence the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In the summer, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent in a climate that is dominated by heating than traditional hot water heaters. The desuperheater converts the energy removed from the house during cooling into heat for the hot water generator. This enables the geothermal system to make domestic hot water for 3-5 months of the year at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater is also able to help in winter when geothermal systems are operating at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat produced by the cooling system and then adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This enables the domestic hot water tank to use the energy that is free, and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is also an effective way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is operating when it’s in a place that has a high demand for heating.