Geothermal HVAC

Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that rely on natural gas, fuel oil, propane or electricity geothermal offers two-in-one heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth beneath the surface is 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 this efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is essential to the durability and efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling system. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled or trenched in the backyard to connect to your home’s heat pumps. The piping is filled with water-based solution and then circulated to absorb or distribute heat depending 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 geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode the heat transfer fluid absorbs earth’s heat and then carries it to the heat pump inside your house. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop where it begins to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system uses the opposite method to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop where it starts another cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping will be filled with a product based on water and then buried beneath. The solution is safe and non-toxic for the environment. It is not a pollutant to the water supply in underground. The system can be used to use a pond, lake or other body of water as a source of heat transfer fluid. This 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 often utilized in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

It is essential to choose a reliable installer regardless of the kind of system. It is crucial 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 system and help you save money on electricity in the long-term. It is also crucial to have the system flushed frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup that can hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and reduce the efficiency of the system. A GeoDoctor expert can help you determine the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy originates from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It can be harnessed by underground loops which absorb thermal energy and then transfer it into your home. The most common type of geothermal system is known as vertical ground loop. This type of system is typically used in residential and commercial applications. The heat pump in this system absorbs the heat energy from the ground and carries it to your home or office. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store thermal energy that is transferred from the earth to your home. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal HVAC system. The pipes are made of high-density polyethylene. They circulate the mixture of water and propylene glycol which is a food-grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of the water or soil remains relatively constant for a few feet below the surface. The closed loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods like gas boilers and furnaces.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench or inserted into boreholes that are dug to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are typically utilized for larger properties that have plenty of land, while vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes with small spaces. The process of installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging a long trench that may require considerable time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted in order to ensure that the loops remain attached to the soil.

A vertical loop system is easier to install than a horizontal field. The technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter separated by 20 feet. He then connects the pipe to create an enclosed circuit. The number of holes you need will be determined by your building’s dimensions and energy requirements.

To ensure that your geothermal heating and cooling system running at its peak, it is important to properly maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning the loop fields and performing periodic tests for bacteriology.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. This is because ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, in contrast to the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. There are four main kinds of geothermal heating loops, and which one your system uses 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 systems use a series of horizontal pipes that are buried in trenches between four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to hold three to four 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 cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally these piping systems were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology developed it was realized that laying a larger single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce space requirements and cost without sacrificing performance. This was the birth of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in situations where there is not enough land area available. It is also an option for homes in urban areas where topsoil is thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. A vertical loop system can be the ideal solution for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support the horizontal loops.

If you have lots of water in your home lakes or ponds can be a great alternative for your home. This kind of system operates exactly like vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump however, the water is used for heating and cooling instead of the earth. Be aware that a geothermal loop system that utilizes the pond or lake cannot function in the event of a power outage. 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 a variety of variables that play into the equation including the local climate and soil’s makeup. But one of the biggest choices is whether to plant ground loops or use an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive, however it won’t provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system into your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to operate during winter, when the cooling cycle of the system produces excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to increase the efficiency of heating in your home. It also reduces the energy use by utilizing existing sources.

The best design of a desuperheater dependent on a variety of physical, geometric, and thermal factors. These include the spray temperature, the angle of injection, as well as the design of the nozzle. These are all aspects that can influence the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

During the summer, desuperheaters can save up to 80 percent in a climate that is dominated by heating than a conventional hot water heater. The desuperheater converts the energy that is removed from the home during cooling into heat for the hot-water generator. Geothermal systems can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months per year at a fraction the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater can also be useful in the winter, when the geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device is able to add the extra heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use the energy that is free and boosts the heating capacity of the system. Desuperheaters are also an excellent way to cut down on the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is being used when it’s in a climate that has a high demand for heating.