Geothermal HVAC

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

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

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is vital to the durability and efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling system. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the yard 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 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 in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs Earth’s heat and then transfers it to the heat pump within your house. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins the process of circulating. In cooling mode, it uses the opposite method to eliminate the heat that is not needed. It then returns to the loop to start the next cycle.

In a closed loop system the piping is filled with a water-based solution, and then buried in the ground. The solution is safe and non-toxic to the environment, and does not pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also utilize lakes or ponds as the source of heat transfer fluid, making it more environmentally friendly.

Both closed and open systems can be vertical or horizontal according to the space you need. Vertical systems require less trenches than horizontal systems and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is typically used in areas with shallow soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping needs to be preserved.

It is important to select a reliable installer regardless of the type of system. 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 help you save money on electricity in the long-term. It is important to flush the system on a regular basis to eliminate any minerals that could reduce the efficiency and flow of the heat transfer liquid. GeoDoctor experts can help you select the right system for your house.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy from the Earth that is utilized to heat and cool 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 type of system is typically used in residential and commercial applications. The heat pump in this system takes the thermal energy from the ground and carries it to your office or home. In summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The heat energy that is transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a series of underground pipes. These pipes are a crucial element of any geo thermal HVAC system. The pipes are made of high-density polyethylene. They move an emulsion of water and propylene glycol, which is a food-grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the water or soil stays relatively constant at 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 installed in a trench horizontally or inserted in boreholes drilled from 100 to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are generally utilized for larger properties that have lots of land available, while vertical boreholes are ideally suited for homes or businesses with limited space. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which could require a lot of time and effort. The ground must be compacted in order to ensure that the loops are firmly fixed to the soil.

A vertical loop is easier to install than a horizontal field. The technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter spaced 20 feet apart. Then, he installs the pipe to create a closed circuit. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your building and the energy needs.

To keep your geothermal cooling and heating system operating at peak performance it is crucial to properly maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning up debris and conducting regular tests for bacteriological health.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of taking energy from the outside air. The reason for this is that the temperature of the ground and water are relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. The dimensions and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you employ. The type of loop that is used and the installation method determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps utilize a series of pipes buried horizontally in trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches are constructed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into the manifold, which is the central control unit of the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold is a conduit for heated or chilled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

Originally, these piping system were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger amount of land to cover them. As technology advanced it was realized that layering a single pipe back-and-forth at varying depths within shorter trenches decreased space requirements and cost without sacrificing performance. This led to the invention of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

A vertical ground loop system is a good alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in cases where there is not enough land available. It is also an option for homes in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone zone and is unable to support the horizontal loop, the vertical loop might be the best option.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump can be the ideal option for your home if you have access to an ample amount of water. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or a vertical ground loop geothermal heating system however, instead of using earth to heat and cool, the water is used. Remember that the geothermal loop system that is based on the pond or lake cannot function in the event of power failure. A backup generator must be installed to provide an electrical source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is an efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes to switching homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs and energy savings in the long run. There are a variety of aspects to consider, including the local climate and soil makeup. One of the most important choices is whether or not to dig ground loops, or use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option is less expensive, however it may not provide the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from a geothermal heating system to your hot water tank. It is designed to operate in winter, when the system’s cooling cycle produces excess heat. The desuperheater uses this waste heat to improve the efficiency of heating in your home. It can also cut down on your energy usage by using existing resources.

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

In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater will save you up to 20% more than a conventional water heater during the summer. The desuperheater transforms the energy removed from the house through cooling into heat for the hot-water generator. This enables the geothermal system to produce domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months of the year at less than the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps in winter when geothermal systems are running at its lowest capacity. The device is able to add the extra heat produced by the cooling system 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. Desuperheaters are also an effective way to reduce the amount of time geothermal heating systems are being used when it’s in a climate that has a large demand for heating.