Geothermal HVAC

Contrary to traditional HVAC systems that run 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 pretty constant all year.

A geothermal system is made up of a heatpump underground loops and an distribution system. Learn more about the various parts that make up this energy-efficient system:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s efficiency and long-lasting. It is made up of pipes that are placed in the backyard and connected to the heat pump in your home. The piping is filled with a water-based fluid and circulated to absorb or distribute heat based on the needs of your home. The temperature of the ground is constant between four and six feet below the surface level, making it an ideal energy source for geothermal systems.

When the system is in heating mode the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the earth and then carries it to the heat pump within your home. The fluid is then transferred to the loop which then starts to circulate. In cooling mode, it uses the opposite process to remove the heat that is not needed. It then returns it to the loop to begin a new cycle.

In closed loop systems, the piping is filled with a water-based solution and buried in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and does not pollute the water supply of underground. The system can also utilize a pond or lake to provide heat transfer fluid, making it more environmentally friendly.

Both closed and open systems can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the space you require. Vertical systems require less trenches than a horizontal one and reduces disturbance to your landscaping. It is ideal for areas in which soil depths are low or in areas where existing landscaping must be preserved.

It is important to select an experienced installer, regardless of the type of system. Geothermal systems require large amounts of energy to operate and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your system, and will help you save energy costs in the long run. It is crucial to flush the system on a regular basis to get rid of any mineral deposits which could affect the flow and effectiveness of the heat transfer liquid. GeoDoctor experts can help you select the right system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. This energy can be harnessed through underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it into your building. The most popular type of geothermal system is called a vertical ground loop. This kind of system is commonly used in commercial and residential settings. The system utilizes an energy pump to transfer heat from the earth to your home or office. In the summer it reverses to provide cooling.

The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a network of underground pipes. These pipes are an essential element of any geo thermal hvac system. The tubes are made of high-density polyethylene. They circulate an emulsion of propylene glycol and water, which is a food-grade antifreeze, throughout the system. The temperature of the soil or water remains relatively constant, even 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 placed in an excavation horizontally or in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are generally used for larger properties with lots of land available, while vertical boreholes are best suited for homes or businesses with little space. The installation of a horizontal ground loop involves digging trenches that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. Additionally the ground needs to be compacted so that the loops have a firm grip on the soil.

On the other hand, a vertical loop system can be constructed quicker and with less effort than a horizontal loop field. The service technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter and 20 feet apart, and installs the piping to create a closed loop. The number of holes required will be determined by your building’s size and energy requirements.

It is vital to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system functioning at its top efficiency. This involves 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. The reason is that the temperature of the ground and the water is relatively constant, unlike outdoor air temperatures which fluctuate. There are four primary types of geothermal heating loops and which one your system uses depends on your property size and layout. The type of loop and the method of installation employed determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems employ series of horizontal pipes that are that are buried in trenches ranging from four and six feet in depth. The trenches are designed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to the manifold, which is the central control unit for geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or cooled water into your home’s heating or cooling ductwork.

In the beginning these pipes were installed in vertical trenches that required more land area to encase the pipes. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a single longer pipe back and forth at different depths in smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost without the loss of performance. This led to the creation of the “slinky method” of installing horizontal geothermal circuits.

A vertical ground loop system is an excellent alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system for situations in which there isn’t enough land available. It is also an option for homes located in urban areas where topsoil is thin and there is little if any room for horizontal loops. Vertical loops can be a good option for properties that are located in an earthquake-prone zone and is not able to support the horizontal loops.

If you have a lot of water, ponds or lakes can be an excellent alternative for your home. This kind of system functions exactly like a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump but the water is used for heating and cooling instead of the earth. Remember that the geothermal loop system that is based on the pond or lake will not function in the event of power failure. A backup generator should be installed to supply an electrical source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating and cooling is a highly efficient alternative to conventional methods. When it comes time to switch homeowners must consider balancing the initial costs with the energy savings in the long run. Many factors are involved including the soil’s composition and local climate. One of the most important choices is whether to plant ground loops or build an external hot water tank. The latter option may be less expensive, but it won’t provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater transfer heat from geothermal heating systems to your hot water tank. It is designed to work in winter, when the cooling process of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and utilizes it to improve your home’s heating performance. It also reduces the energy use by using existing resources.

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

During the summer months, desuperheaters can help save up to 80 percent more in a climate with a high degree of heating than a conventional hot water heater. This is due to the fact that the desuperheater utilizes the energy removed from the house during the cooling process and converts it into useful heat for the hot water generator. The geothermal system can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months a year, at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps during winter, when a geothermal system is running at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat produced by the cooling system and adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use this energy free of charge and increase the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater can even be used to decrease the length of time a geothermal system is active in a climate that is dominated by heating.