Geothermal HVAC

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

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

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and longevity. It consists of pipes that are either trenched or drilled in the backyard and connected to your home’s heat pump. The piping is then filled with a water-based solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with your home’s needs. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant from four to six feet below the surface, which makes it a natural energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is heating, the liquid used to transfer heat absorbs heat from the earth. It then transfers the heat to the heat pump inside your home. The fluid is then returned to the loop, where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, it utilizes the reverse process to remove the heat that is not needed. It then returns it to the loop to begin another cycle.

In a closed-loop system the piping is filled with a solution made of water, and then buried underground. The solution is safe and non-toxic to the environment, and does not pollute the underground water supply. The system can also utilize a pond or lake as the source of heat transfer fluid, which is even more sustainable.

Open and closed systems can be vertical or horizontal depending on your space requirements. Vertical systems require less trenches and cause less disturbance to your landscaping than horizontal systems. It is used in areas where soil depths are shallow or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

No matter what type of ground loop system, it is essential to select an experienced installer. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to run and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A properly installed system will ensure the longevity of your geothermal system, and can save you money on electric bills in the long term. It is essential 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. A GeoDoctor expert can help you select the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy derived from the Earth that is used to cool and heat buildings. It can be harnessed through underground loops which absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to your building. Vertical ground loops are the most popular geothermal system. This kind of system is commonly used in residential and commercial applications. The system utilizes an energy pump to transfer heat from the earth into your home or office. In summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.

The thermal energy that is transferred from the ground to your home is stored in a set of underground pipes. These pipes are a crucial component of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of high-density Polyethylene and circulate water and propylene glycol, which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the soil or water stays almost constant just 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 and boilers.

The loops can be inserted into the horizontal direction of a trench or placed in boreholes that are drilled from to 400 feet deep. Horizontal trenches are generally used for larger properties with plenty of land and vertical boreholes are best suited for homes or businesses that have small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which could take a lot of time and effort. Additionally, the ground must be compacted so that the loops have a firm grip on the soil.

A vertical loop system is much easier to install than a horizontal field. The service technician digs holes that are 4 inches in diameter and 20 feet apart, and installs the piping to create an enclosed loop. The number of holes needed will depend on the size of your structure and the energy demands.

It is essential to keep the loop fields in good condition in order to keep your geothermal system functioning at its top efficiency. This involves cleaning the loop fields as well as performing periodic testing for bacteriological issues.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or nearby bodies of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. This is due to the fact that temperatures in the ground and in the water remain relatively stable, unlike the fluctuating outdoor air temperature. The size and layout of your property will determine the type of loop you employ. The type of loop and the installation method used determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pumps make use of a set of pipes buried horizontally within trenches that range from four to six feet deep. The trenches can hold up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected into an amanifold that is the central control unit for the geothermal heat pumps. The manifold pumps heated or cooled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

Originally, these piping system were placed in vertical trenches that required a larger amount of land to cover them. As technology advanced and technology improved, it was discovered that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within smaller trenches could reduce the space required and cost, without necessarily sacrificing performance. This was the beginning of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

A vertical ground loop system can be a great alternative to a horizontal geothermal heat pump system in situations where there isn’t enough land space available. It can also be an option for homes situated in urban areas in which the topsoil is scarce and there is little if any space for horizontal loops. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone region and is not able to support the horizontal loop, the vertical loop could be the best choice.

A pond or lake geothermal heat pump system can be the ideal choice for your home if you have access to an abundance of water. This kind of system functions the same as vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump except the water is used to heat and cooling instead of the earth. It is crucial to note that a geothermal system that uses a pond or lake loop is not functional in the event of a power outage. A backup generator must be installed to provide an electric source during this time.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is an efficient alternative to conventional methods. But when switching to geothermal homeowners must consider balancing upfront costs against the total energy savings. Many factors are involved, including the soil composition and climate of the area. But one of the biggest decisions is whether to bury ground loops or build an external hot water tank. The latter is less expensive, but it won’t provide as much efficiency.

A desuperheater is a piece of equipment that transfers heat from a geothermal system to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to operate in winter when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater utilizes this wasted heat to increase the heating efficiency of your home. It also reduces your energy consumption by using existing sources.

The optimal design of a desuperheater is dependent on several physical, geometric, and thermal factors. These include the spray water temperature as well as the angle of injection, and the design of the nozzle. These are all aspects that can affect the performance and efficiency of the desuperheater.

In a climate dominated by heating, a desuperheater will save you up to 80% more than an ordinary water heater during the summer. This is because the desuperheater makes use of the energy removed from the house 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, at a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater can also be useful in winter, when a geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device can add the additional heat produced by the cooling system to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to make use of this energy free of charge and increase the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater is also a great way to reduce the amount of time geothermal heating systems are operating when it’s in a location that has a high demand for heating.