Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal is a two-in-one system that can provide heating and cooling. The temperature of the earth below the surface remains relatively constant throughout the year.

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

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is the main element to a geothermal system’s effectiveness and durability. 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 solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat based on the requirements of your home. The ground’s temperature is relatively constant between four and six feet below the surface, making it an ideal energy source for a geothermal system.

When the system is in heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the heat pump in your house. The fluid is then pushed back to the loop, where it starts circulating again. In cooling mode, the system utilizes the opposite process to eliminate the heat surplus and return it to the loop where it starts another cycle.

In a closed loop system, the pipe is filled with a water-based solution and is buried in the ground. The solution is safe and non-toxic to the environment, and doesn’t pollute the water supply of underground. The system can also utilize the pond or lake as the source of heat transfer fluid, which is more environmentally friendly.

Both closed and open systems can be horizontal or vertical, according to the space you need. The vertical system requires fewer trenches than a horizontal one and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is commonly used in areas with shallow soil depths or where existing landscaping needs to be maintained.

It is crucial to choose a reliable installer regardless of the kind of system. Geothermal systems require a lot of energy to run and it is essential to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A quality installation will ensure the long-term viability of your system and help you save energy costs in the long run. It is crucial to flush the system regularly to remove any minerals that could reduce the flow and efficiency of the liquid used to transfer heat. GeoDoctor experts can assist you to choose the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy is the energy that comes from the Earth that is used to heat and cool buildings. This energy is harnessed by using underground loops that absorb thermal energy and then transfer it to the building. Vertical ground loops are the most popular geothermal system. This kind of system is typically utilized in commercial and residential applications. This system makes use of an energy pump to transfer heat from the earth to your office or home. In the summer, it operates in reverse to provide cooling.

The pipes that are buried store the thermal energy that transfers from the earth to your building. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of high-density polyethylene. They move an emulsion of propylene glycol and water, which is a food-grade antifreeze through the system. The temperature of soil or water stays relatively constant only a few feet below the surface. This enables the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems, like gas furnaces and boilers.

These loops can be installed in a horizontal trench or placed into boreholes that are drilled to a depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are usually used for larger properties with a lot of available land and vertical boreholes are ideally suited for businesses or homes that have limited space. The process of installing horizontal ground loops entails digging large trenches that take a considerable amount of time and effort. Additionally the ground has to be compacted to ensure the loops have a firm grip on the soil.

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

It is vital to keep the loop fields in good condition to keep your geothermal system running at its peak. This means cleaning the loop fields and performing periodic tests for bacteriology.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pump transfers energy between your home, the ground, or a nearby body water instead of the air outside. The reason for this is that the temperature of the ground and water is generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures, which fluctuate. There are four main types of geothermal heating loops, and which one you choose to use depends on the size of your property and layout. The type of loop and the installation method used determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal heat pump systems utilize a series of pipes that are buried horizontally in trenches that are four to six feet deep. The trenches are designed to hold three to four pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold, which is the central control unit. The manifold then delivers chilled and heated water to your home’s cooling and heating ductwork.

Originally these pipes were installed in vertical trenches, which required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology developed it was realized that layering a longer single pipe back-and-forth at varying depths within shorter trenches reduced the space required and cost, without sacrificed performance. This is the reason for the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

In cases where there isn’t enough space, a vertical ground loop system is an option. It is also an option for homes situated in urban areas, where topsoil is thin and there is little if any space for horizontal loops. If your property is in an earthquake-prone zone and cannot support the horizontal loop, a vertical loop system could be the best choice.

A geothermal lake or pond heat pump is the best option for your home if you have access to an ample amount of water. This kind of system functions similar to vertical or horizontal ground loop geothermal heat pump however, the water is used to heat and cooling instead of the earth. Be aware that a geothermal loop system that utilizes the pond or lake will not function in the event of a power failure. A backup generator should be installed to supply an electrical source during this period.

Desuperheater

Geothermal heating is an efficient alternative to conventional methods. But when making the switch, homeowners must balance upfront costs against the total energy savings. There are many factors to consider, including the soil composition and climate of the area. 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 but may not offer the same efficiency.

A desuperheater transfer heat from geothermal heating systems to your domestic hot water tank. It is designed to function during winter, when the system’s cooling cycle produces heat that is not needed. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your home’s heating. It reduces your energy usage by using pre-existing resources.

The best design of a desuperheater dependent on several physical geometric, thermal, and variables. These include the spray water temperature and the angle of the injection, and the shape of the nozzle. These are all significant factors that affect the performance and operation of the desuperheater.

In a climate dominated heating, a desuperheater can save you as much as 80% more than a traditional water heater in the summer. The desuperheater converts the energy removed from the house during cooling into heat for the hot-water generator. This enables the geothermal system to make domestic hot water for three months of the year, at only a fraction of the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater can also be useful during winter, when the geothermal heating system is at its lowest capacity. The device eliminates the excess heat generated by the cooling system and transfers it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to use this free energy and maximizes the heating capacity of the system. The desuperheater can even be used to decrease the length of time geothermal systems are in operation in a climate with a high degree of heating.