Geothermal HVAC

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

Geothermal systems consist of the heat pump, underground loops and a distribution network (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 efficiency and durability. It is made up of pipes that can be drilled or trenched in the backyard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The pipes are then filled with a water-based solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with your home’s needs. The temperature of the ground is relatively constant between four and six feet below the surface level, making it a great 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 starts circulating again. In cooling mode, the system utilizes 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 is filled with a water-based solution and buried in the ground. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It doesn’t pollute the water supply in underground. The system can use lakes, ponds or any other body of water to provide heat transfer fluid. This is even more environmentally friendly.

Based on the space available Open and closed systems can be installed horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is ideal for areas in which soil depths are low or when existing landscaping needs to be preserved.

It is essential to choose an experienced installer regardless of the kind of system. It is important to have a well-functioning and well-designed system as geothermal systems use a lot of energy. A properly installed system will ensure the long-term viability of your system and help you save money on electricity in the long-term. It is also essential to have the system flushed regularly to remove any mineral buildup, which can hinder the flow of the heat transfer fluid and impede system efficiency. A GeoDoctor expert can help you select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. It is harnessed using underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. Vertical ground loops are the most popular geothermal system. This kind of geothermal system is used most often in commercial and residential applications. This system uses a heat pump to transfer energy from the earth to your office or home. 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 building. These pipes are a crucial part of any geo-thermal HVAC system. The tubes are made from Polyethylene with high density and circulate water and propylene glycol, a food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil stays relatively constant, even only a few feet beneath the surface. This allows the closed loop geothermal heat pump to be more efficient than other heating systems, like gas furnaces or boilers.

These loops can either be placed in an excavation horizontally or into boreholes that are drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are best suited for large properties with lots of land, vertical boreholes are suitable for businesses and homes with small spaces. Installing a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches that can require a lot of time and effort. In addition, the ground must be compacted to ensure that the loops have a firm hold on the soil.

A vertical loop system is simpler to set up 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 a closed circuit. The number of holes needed will depend on the building’s size and the energy requirements.

It is essential to maintain the loop fields to keep your geothermal system running at its top efficiency. This involves cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic bacteriological tests.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or the nearby body of water, rather than taking energy from the outside air. This is due to the fact that temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, compared to the fluctuating temperature of outdoor air. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you use. The type of loop and the method of installation used determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems make use of series of horizontal pipes, which are placed in trenches that are between four and six feet in depth. The trenches can house up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to an amanifold that is the central control unit for the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold sends heated or chilled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

In the beginning, these pipes were buried in vertical trenches, which required more land space to surround the pipes. As technology developed, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within shorter trenches decreased space requirements and cost without necessarily sacrificed performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system is an excellent alternative to a horizontal geothermal heating system in cases where there is not enough land available. It’s also a great option for homes located in urban areas, where the topsoil is thin, and there is not much space for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be the ideal solution for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support the horizontal loops.

A geothermal pond or lake pump system can be the ideal option for your home when you have access to an abundance 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 it uses water to heat and cool. Keep in mind that a geothermal loop system using lakes or ponds cannot function in the event of a power failure. Installing a backup generator will provide electricity during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to making the switch homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs with total energy savings. There are a myriad of aspects to consider including the local climate and soil makeup. One of the most important choices is whether or not to put in ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option is less expensive but may not provide the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is a device that transfers heat from a geothermal heating system to your home hot water tank. It is designed to work during winter, when the system’s cooling cycle produces excess heat. The desuperheater eliminates this waste heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your home’s heating. It helps reduce your energy consumption by using resources already in use.

The ideal design for desuperheaters is determined by several physical, thermal, and geometric variables. These factors include the angle of injection, the temperature of the spray water and the nozzle design. These are all crucial elements that impact the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In a climate dominated by heating, a desuperheater will save you as much as 20% more than a traditional water heater in the summer. This is because the desuperheater makes use of the energy emitted by the home during the cooling process and converts it to useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months of the year for 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 smallest capacity. The device takes away the extra heat generated by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use this energy free of charge and increase the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater may also be used to reduce the amount of time geothermal systems are in operation in a heating dominated climate.