Geothermal HVAC

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

A geothermal system consists of the heat pump, underground loops, and a distribution system (such as air ducts). Find out more about this energy-efficient system’s components:.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is crucial to the durability and efficiency of geothermal heating and cooling system. It is comprised of pipes that can be drilled or trenched 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 relatively constant between four and six feet below surface level, 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 transfers it to the heat pump within your house. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins to circulate again. In cooling mode, the system utilizes the opposite method to eliminate the excess heat and return it to the loop, where it begins the next cycle.

In a closed loop system the pipe is filled with a water-based solution and buried in the ground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the water supply in underground. The system can also make use of lakes or ponds to provide heat transfer fluid, which is even more eco-friendly.

Based on the space available, closed and open systems can be installed vertically or horizontally. Vertical systems require less trenches than a horizontal system and minimizes disturbance to your landscaping. It is commonly employed in areas with low soil depths or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

Whatever the kind of ground loop system, it is essential to select an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to operate and it is essential to have an efficient and well-designed system in place. A well-designed installation will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system and can save you money on electricity bills in the long term. It is important to flush the system regularly to get rid of any mineral deposits that could reduce the efficiency and flow of the liquid used to transfer heat. A GeoDoctor expert can help you determine the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy derived from the Earth that is used to heat and cool buildings. It is a source of energy that can be harnessed by underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it into your home. The most common kind of geothermal system is known as vertical ground loop. This kind of geothermal system is commonly used in commercial and residential applications. This system makes use of a heat pump to transfer heat from the earth into your office or home. In summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.

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

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench, or placed into boreholes that are made to the depth of 100- 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are usually used for larger properties with lots of land available and vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes that have limited space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops entails digging extensive trenches that can require considerable time and effort. In addition the ground needs to be compacted to ensure that the loops have a strong hold on the soil.

On the other side vertical loop systems can be installed much faster and more easily than a horizontal loop field. The service technician drills holes that are 4 inches in diameter and 20 feet apart, and then installs the piping to form an enclosed loop. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your structure and the energy needs.

It is essential to maintain the loop fields in order to keep your geothermal system functioning at its top efficiency. This includes cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic testing for bacteriological issues.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground or a nearby body of water instead of the air outside. This is because ground and water temperatures remain relatively stable, unlike the fluctuating outdoor temperature. There are four primary kinds of geothermal heating loops and which one you use will depend on your property size and layout. The type of loop and the method of installation used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps use a series of pipes buried horizontally within trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches are designed to accommodate two to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold, which is the central control unit. The manifold then delivers hot and cool water to your home’s cooling and heating ductwork.

Originally, these piping system were installed in vertical trenches, which required a larger amount of land to cover them. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that laying a single, longer pipe back and forth at varying depths in shorter trenches could help reduce the space required and cost without losing performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

In situations where there’s not enough space, a vertical ground loop system is a good alternative. It is also a good option for homes located in urban areas where the topsoil is a bit thin, and there is not enough space for horizontal loops. If your property is in an earthquake-prone region and is unable to support an horizontal loop system, the vertical loop could be the best choice.

If you have plenty of water available lakes or ponds can be an excellent alternative for your home. This kind of system functions similar to a vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump but the water is used to heat and cooling instead of the earth. It is important to keep in mind that a geothermal system that uses a pond or lake loop will not function in the event of a power failure. A backup generator must be installed to supply an electric source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal cooling and heating is a very efficient alternative to traditional methods. But when it comes to making the switch homeowners must weigh upfront costs against total energy savings. There are a variety of factors that come into play such as the local climate and soil’s makeup. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops, or install an external tank for hot water. The latter option may be cheaper, but it might not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfers heat from a geothermal heating system to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to operate in the winter months when the cooling cycle of the system generates excessive heat. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and utilizes it to improve your home’s heating performance. It reduces your energy usage by using pre-existing resources.

The optimal design of a desuperheater dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and factors. These factors include the injection angle, the temperature of the spray water, and the nozzle design. These are all significant elements that impact the desuperheater’s operation and performance.

In a climate dominated by heating, a desuperheater will save you as much as 20% more than an ordinary water heater during the summer. This is because the desuperheater uses the energy that is emitted from the house during the cooling process and converts it into useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide hot water to homes for 3 to 5 months of the year for a fraction of the cost of alternative energy sources.

The desuperheater also helps in the winter when the geothermal system is running at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat generated by the cooling system and adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This enables the domestic hot water tank to utilize this free energy, and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater is an effective way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is operating when it’s in a climate that has a high demand for heating.