Geothermal HVAC

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

A geothermal system is comprised of an underground heat pump, loops, and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Find out more about the various components of this energy-efficient system.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the most important element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and durability. It is comprised of pipes that are either trenched or drilled in the yard and connect to the heat pump in your home. The pipes will be filled with a water-based solution and then circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant between four and six feet below the surface level, making it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating, the liquid used to transfer heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then transmits that heat to the heating pump inside your home. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system employs the opposite process to eliminate the heat surplus and return it to the loop, where it starts another cycle.

In a closed loop system the piping is filled with a water-based product and placed in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the underground water supply. The system can be used to use a pond, lake or any other body of water as a source for heat transfer fluid. This is even more environmentally friendly.

Based on the space available depending on the space available, open and closed systems can be set up horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is typically employed in areas with low soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

No matter what type of ground loop system, it is crucial to select a reliable installer. It is essential to have a well-functioning and well-designed system, as geothermal systems use a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system, and will save you money on electric bills in the long run. It is important to flush the system on a regular basis to remove any minerals which could affect the flow and efficiency of the heat transfer liquid. A GeoDoctor expert can help you choose the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It is a source of energy that can be harnessed by underground loops which absorb thermal energy and transfer it into your home. The most commonly used type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This type of system is most commonly used in residential and commercial applications. This system uses 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 transfers from the earth to your building. These pipes are an essential component of any geo-thermal HVAC system. The tubes are made of high-density polyethylene. They circulate an emulsion of water and propylene glycol which is a food grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the soil or water stays almost constant just only a few feet below the surface. This allows the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems like gas furnaces and boilers.

These loops can be placed in a horizontal trench, or put into boreholes made to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches work best for large estates with lots of land, vertical boreholes are suitable for businesses and homes with little space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can require a lot of time and effort. Additionally, the ground must be compacted to ensure the loops have a firm grip on the soil.

On the other hand the vertical loop system can be installed quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The technician makes holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced 20 feet apart. He then connects the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes you need will depend on the size of your building and the energy demands.

To ensure that your geothermal cooling and heating system at peak performance It is essential to properly maintain the loop fields. This means cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic bacteriological tests.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of from the outdoor air. This is because ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, compared to the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. There are four major types of geothermal heating loops, and which one your system uses depends on your property size and layout. The type of loop and the method of installation used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps utilize a series of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that are four to six feet deep. 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 a conduit for heated or cooled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally, these piping system were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger expanse of land to cover them. As technology improved, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back and forth at different depths within shorter trenches reduced space requirements and cost without necessarily losing performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

In situations where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop system is an ideal alternative. It’s also a great alternative for homes situated in urban areas where the topsoil is thin, and there is not much space for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone area and is unable to support the horizontal loop, an alternative that is vertical could be the best choice.

If you have plenty of water available lakes or ponds can be the ideal alternative for your home. This type of system works exactly like vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, but the water is used for heating and cooling, instead of the earth. It is crucial to note that a geothermal system that uses a pond or lake loop will not work in the event of an electrical power failure. A backup generator must be installed to provide an electrical source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a reliable alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch, homeowners have to balance upfront costs and total savings on energy. There are many factors to consider, including the soil composition and climate of the area. One of the most important choices is whether or not to bury ground loops, or use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option is less expensive but might not offer the same level of efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from geothermal heating systems to your hot water tank. It is designed to work in winter, when the system’s cooling cycle produces excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this heat to improve the heating performance of your home. It also reduces your energy consumption by utilizing existing resources.

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

In the summer months, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent in a heating dominated climate than a conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater converts the energy taken from the house through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. The geothermal system can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months a year, at a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps during winter, when a geothermal system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device takes away the extra heat produced by the cooling system and then adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to make use of this energy free of charge and increase the system’s heating capacity. Desuperheaters are also an effective way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is in use when it’s in a location with a high heating demand.