Geothermal HVAC

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that operate on fuel oil, natural gas propane, electricity or fuel oil geothermal offers two-in-one cooling and heating. The temperatures of the earth below the surface remain fairly constant throughout the year.

Geothermal systems consist up of a heatpump, underground loops and an distribution system. Find out more about the various components of this energy-efficient system.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and longevity. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or slit in the backyard to connect with your home’s heat pumps. The pipes are then filled with a water-based fluid that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with the requirements of your home. The temperature of the ground is relatively constant between four and six feet below the surface level, which makes it a great energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode in the heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the heat from the earth and then transfers it to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then pushed into the loop, which is then able to circulate again. In cooling mode, it utilizes the opposite method to eliminate the heat surplus. It then returns back to the loop in order to begin a new cycle.

In a closed loop system, the piping will be filled with a solution based on water and then buried beneath. The solution is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It 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 sustainable.

Depending on the available space depending on the space available, open and closed systems can be set up vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require fewer trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is often used in areas in which soil depths are low or in areas where existing landscaping must be maintained.

No matter what type of ground loop system you choose, it is important to choose a reliable installer. It is essential to have a well-functioning and well-designed system, since geothermal systems consume a lot of energy. A quality installation will ensure the longevity of your system and allow you to save money on electricity in the long-term. It is also essential to have the system flushed frequently to eliminate any mineral buildup that can reduce the flow of heat transfer fluid and hinder the efficiency of the system. A GeoDoctor expert can assist you to select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy originates from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. It is harnessed using a series of underground loops which absorb the thermal energy and transmit it to your building. Vertical ground loops are the most popular geothermal system. This kind of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential applications. The system utilizes an energy pump to transfer heat 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 transfers 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, and they circulate water as well as propylene glycol, which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil remains fairly constant for only a few feet beneath the surface. The closed loop geothermal system is more efficient than other heating methods, like gas boilers or furnaces.

These loops can either be installed in the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are typically used for larger homes with a lot of available land and vertical boreholes are ideal for businesses or homes with little space. The installation process for a horizontal ground loop involves digging extensive trenches that can require considerable time and effort. The ground is also to be compacted to ensure that the loops are securely attached to the soil.

A vertical loop is simpler to set up than a horizontal field. The technician digging holes that are 4 inches in diameter and about 20 feet apart, then installs the piping to create a closed loop. The number of holes needed will depend on the dimensions of your building as well as the energy requirements.

To keep your geothermal heating and cooling system at peak performance, it is important to maintain the loop fields. This means cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic tests for bacteriology.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your home and ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. This is because ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, in contrast to the fluctuating outdoor temperature. There are four major kinds of geothermal heating loops, and which one you use will depend on your property size and layout. The type of loop that is used and the installation method determine the efficiency and effectiveness your geothermal system.

Horizontal geothermal systems employ series of horizontal pipes, which are that are buried in trenches ranging from four and 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 sends heated or cooled water to your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

Initially these pipes were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology improved it was discovered that layering a single longer pipe back and forth different depths in smaller trenches could help reduce the amount of space needed and also costs without sacrificing performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system is an excellent alternative to a horizontal geothermal heating system for situations in which there isn’t 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. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone region and cannot support a horizontal loop system, the vertical loop could be the best choice.

A pond or lake geothermal heat pump system can be the best option for your home in the event that you have access an ample amount of water. This kind of system is similar to a horizontal or a vertical ground loop geothermal heating pump however instead of using earth for heating and cooling it uses water to heat and cool. Keep in mind that a geothermal loop system that utilizes a lake or pond will not function in the event of power failure. Installing a backup generator can provide electricity during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is a reliable alternative to conventional methods. But when it comes to switching to geothermal, homeowners must balance the initial costs with total energy savings. There are a myriad of aspects to consider such as the local climate and soil makeup. One of the most important decisions is whether to bury ground loops or use an external hot water tank. The latter option is less expensive but may not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater is an equipment used to transfer heat from a geothermal source into your hot water tank at home. It is designed to work in the winter months when the cooling process of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and utilizes it to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating. It also reduces your energy consumption by utilizing pre-existing resources.

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

During the summer, a desuperheater can save up to 80 percent more in a heating dominated climate than traditional hot water heaters. The desuperheater converts the energy taken from the house through cooling into heat for the hot water generator. This enables the geothermal system to produce domestic hot water for 3-5 months of the year at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater can also be useful during winter months, when a geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device can add the additional heat generated by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the domestic hot water tank to utilize the energy that is free, and increases the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater could be used to reduce the time that the geothermal system is in operation in a heating dominated climate.