Geothermal HVAC

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

Geothermal systems consist of a heatpump, underground loops and the distribution system. Learn more about the various components that make up this energy-efficient system.

Ground Loop

The Ground Loop is essential to the efficiency and durability of geothermal heating and cooling system. It consists of pipes that are placed in the backyard and connected to the heat pump in your home. The pipes are then filled with a water-based solution that circulates to absorb or disperse heat in accordance with your home’s needs. 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 in the heating mode, the heat transfer fluid absorbs the heat from the earth and then transfers it to the heat pump in your house. The fluid is then returned to the loop where it begins the process of circulating. In cooling mode, the system utilizes the opposite process to eliminate the heat surplus and return it back to the loop, where it starts the next cycle.

In a closed-loop system, the piping will be filled with a solution based on water and buried underground. The solution is safe and not harmful to the environment, and it doesn’t pollute the underground water supply. The system can also utilize lakes or ponds as a source of heat transfer fluid, which is more sustainable.

Depending on the available space, closed and open systems can be set up horizontally or vertically. Vertical systems require less trenches than a horizontal one and is less disruptive to your landscaping. It is commonly employed in areas with low soil depths or in areas where existing landscaping needs to be preserved.

Regardless of the type of ground loop system you choose, it is essential to select a reliable installer. Geothermal systems require substantial amounts of energy to operate, and it is crucial to have a well-designed and efficient system in place. A quality installation ensures the longevity of your geothermal system, and will save you money on electricity bills in the long term. It is important to flush the system on a regular basis to remove any minerals which could affect the efficiency and flow of the heat transfer liquid. GeoDoctor experts can help you choose the best system for your home.

Vertical Loop

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth and is used to heat or cool buildings. This energy is harnessed by using a series of underground loops that absorb the thermal energy and transmit it to your building. The most common type of geothermal system is called vertical ground loop. This kind of system is most commonly employed in commercial and residential applications. This system uses a heat pump to transfer thermal energy from the earth to your office or home. In the summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling.

The thermal energy transferred from the ground to your building is stored in a set of buried pipes. These pipes are an essential part of any geo-thermal hvac system. The pipes are made of high-density Polyethylene, and they circulate water and propylene glycol which is food-grade antifreeze. The temperature of the water or soil remains fairly constant at a few feet below the surface. This allows the closed-loop geothermal heat pump to work more efficiently than other heating systems like gas furnaces and boilers.

The loops can be erected in a horizontal trench or placed into boreholes that are made to an average depth of 100 to 400 feet. Horizontal trenches are best suited for large homes with lots of land, vertical boreholes are suitable for homes and businesses with small spaces. Installation of a horizontal ground-loop involves digging trenches, which can require a lot of time and effort. The ground must also be compacted to ensure that the loops remain connected 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 approximately 20 feet apart, and installs the piping to create a closed loop. The number of holes required will depend on the size of your building and the energy needs.

To ensure that your geothermal heating and cooling system operating at peak performance, it is important to maintain the loop fields. This includes cleaning the loop fields and conducting periodic bacteriological tests.

Horizontal Loop

Geothermal heat pumps transfer energy between your house and the ground or a nearby body of water, instead of being able to draw energy from the air outside. The reason is that the temperatures of the ground and the water is generally constant, in contrast to outdoor air temperatures that fluctuate. The size and layout of your property will determine which loop you use. The type of loop you choose and the method of installation used determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your geothermal heating system.

Horizontal geothermal systems employ series of horizontal pipes, which are placed in trenches that are between four and six feet in depth. The trenches can house up to three pipe circuits. The pipe circuits are connected to a manifold which is the geothermal heat pump’s central control unit. The manifold sends heated or chilled water into your home’s cooling or heating ductwork.

In the beginning these pipes were installed in vertical trenches that required more land area to cover the pipes. As technology improved, it was discovered that laying a larger single pipe back-and-forth in varying depths within shorter trenches decreased the space required and cost, without sacrificed performance. This was the birth of the “slinky” method of installing horizontal geothermal loops.

In situations where there’s not enough land, a vertical ground loop system is an ideal alternative. It can also be an option for homes located in urban areas, in which the topsoil is scarce and there isn’t any room for horizontal loops. If your property is located in an earthquake-prone zone and cannot support a horizontal loop system, an alternative that is vertical might be the best option.

If you have plenty of water lakes or ponds can be an excellent option for your home. This type of system is similar to a horizontal or a vertical ground loop geothermal heating system, but instead of using earth for cooling and heating the water is used. Be aware that a geothermal loop system that utilizes lakes or ponds cannot function in the event of a power outage. Installing a backup generator can provide electricity 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 decisions is whether or not to bury ground loops or to use an external tank to store hot water. The latter option is less expensive but might not offer the same level of efficiency.

A desuperheater is a device that transfers heat from geothermal heating systems to your home hot water tank. It is designed to operate in the winter months when the cooling cycle of the system generates excess heat. The desuperheater takes this wasted heat and uses it to increase the efficiency of your heating system. It can also cut down on your energy usage by using existing sources.

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

In the summer months, desuperheaters can save up to 80 percent in a heating dominated climate than a conventional hot water heater. This is because the desuperheater uses the energy that is emitted from the home during the cooling process and converts it into useful heat for the hot water generator. Geothermal systems can provide domestic hot water for 3 to 5 months a year at a fraction the cost of other energy sources.

The desuperheater is also useful in the winter months, when a geothermal heating system is operating at its lowest capacity. The device removes the extra heat generated by the cooling system and adds it to the domestic hot water tank. This allows the hot water tank to utilize the energy that is free and boosts the system’s heating capacity. The desuperheater is also a great way to reduce the amount of time that a geothermal heating system is in use when it’s in a place with a high heating demand.