Geothermal HVAC

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

A geothermal system is comprised of an underground heat pump, loops and a distribution system (such as air ducts). 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 consists of pipes that are either cut or drilled in the backyard and connected to your home’s heat pump. The pipes will be filled with a water-based fluid and 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 surface level, which makes it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is heating, the liquid that transfers heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then transfers that heat to the heat pump in your home. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins circulating again. In cooling mode, it utilizes the opposite process to remove the heat that is not needed. It returns it to the loop to start the next cycle.

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

Depending 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 often used in areas where soil depths are low or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

Whatever the kind of ground loop system, it is important to choose an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to operate and it is vital to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your system, and will help you save money on electricity in the long run. It is crucial to flush the system frequently to remove any minerals that can reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you choose the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

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

The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your house is stored in a series of buried pipes. These pipes are a key component of any geo thermal hvac system. The pipes are made from high-density polyethylene. They move the mixture of propylene glycol and water 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. This allows the closed loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems like gas furnaces or boilers.

Loops can be placed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are ideal for large estates with lots of land whereas vertical boreholes work well for homes and businesses with little space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops remain fixed to the soil.

On the other side, a vertical loop system can be installed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The technician makes holes that are 4 inches in diameter separated by 20 feet. He then connects the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes you need will depend on the building’s dimensions and energy requirements.

To keep your geothermal cooling and heating system running at its peak It is essential to properly maintain the loop fields. This includes removing debris and conducting regular bacteriological testing.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you make use of. The type of loop and the method of installation used determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems use a series of horizontal pipes, which are that are buried in trenches ranging from four and six feet in depth. 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 sends 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 amount of land to cover them. As technology improved, it was found that laying a single, longer pipe back and forth different depths in smaller trenches could decrease the space required and cost without the loss of performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

In situations where there isn’t enough land available, a vertical loop system is an option. It is also an option for homes in urban areas, where the topsoil is a bit thin and there isn’t any room for horizontal loops. If your home is in an earthquake-prone zone and is unable to support an horizontal loop system, an alternative that is vertical may be the best option.

If you have lots of water lakes, ponds or ponds could be the ideal option for your home. This kind of system functions similar to a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pumps, however, the water is used for heating and cooling, not the earth. Remember that the geothermal loop system that is based on lakes or ponds is not functional in the event of a power failure. Installing a backup generator can provide electricity during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a highly efficient alternative to traditional methods. But when making the switch homeowners must consider balancing the initial costs with total energy savings. There are many factors to consider including the soil’s composition and climate of the area. One of the most important choices is whether or not to bury ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter is less expensive, but might not offer the same level of efficiency.

A desuperheater can be described as a piece of equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal source into your hot water tank in your home. It is designed to function in the winter when the cooling process of the system produces heat that is not needed. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and utilizes it to improve your home’s heating performance. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using pre-existing resources.

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

During 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 that is taken from the house through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can supply hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months per year at a fraction the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater is also useful in the winter, when the geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device adds the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot-water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize this energy free of charge and increase the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater can even be used to decrease the length of time geothermal systems are in operation in a climate with a high degree of heating.