What is Geothermal and how
does it work?
Geo
= Earth/Rock
Thermal
= Heat
Geothermal systems absorb the relatively constant temperature that is
stored in the earth and uses it as a heating and cooling source. The whole premise behind the Geothermal system
is that the ground temperature is warmer than the air temperature in the winter and cooler than the air during
the summer.
Geothermal heat pumps are among the most energy and cost efficient heating and cooling systems available today.
For a home of 1500 square feet with a good building envelope, energy costs are about $1 a day, according
to the EPA.
Benefits of a Geothermal SystemIt uses no fossil fuels to run it.
It has a typical life span double of a conventional unit.
It operates with no noise and no outside unit to detract from the landscaping.
It can pre-heat your hot water.
The EPA recognizes
it as being the most energy efficient heating and cooling system available.
Types of Systems
We specialize in "closed loop" systems
that can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Closed loop systems circulate water in
a high-density polyethylene plastic pipe that is buried beneath the earth's surface.
The choice of a vertical or horizontal piping configuration depends upon the site
and land availability. Large open areas with good soil condition favor horizontal installations, and areas that contain rock
or alot of trees favor vertical installations.
Drilling
is required to install vertical loops. A loop consisting of two pipes with a U-bend at the bottom is fit into the
earth. When the
location of the house
entrance and desired location of the manifold is decided upon, the loops can then be completed.
The entire loop is then pressure-tested and the trench is backfilled. The cleanup
can then be completed with a backhoe.
Trenching
is required to install horizontal loops. This is done by using a backhoe. Rocks are removed as pipe is being
laid. And again, pressure testing is done when trenching is complete and all pipe has been laid.
Exterior water pipes are buried below the frost line about 4' under.
The system is checked for leaks before the insulation is applied to the piping. Electrical connections are then
made and the system can be started. A final capacity test is performed to verify performance and optimize the flow
rate.
Sizing the
System
Properly sizing the system is crucial
for optimum performance. The size or capacity of the geothermal system is based upon the estimated house heating and cooling
loads, which we determine when we perform a Heat Load Calculation as part of your consultation.
Replacement and/or major modifications to existing
duct work is required for a retrofit application. Hard metal piping that is properly sealed and externally
insulated is the preferable and most efficient method (marriage) with the highly efficient and powerful Geothermal system.
Because this unit moves large volumes of air, it requires larger ducts than conventional systems.
Costs
Expect to pay about 40% more than a conventional unit initially, but
the savings quickly offsets the initial expense.
A
geothermal system can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60%.
It can also provide free domestic hot water if a "desuperheater"
is installed in the geothermal heat pump as an option.
Energy Earth LLC would be happy to consult with you on an installation for a geothermal
heating and cooling system. A consultation is required to see if your home is a good candidate for a geothermal system. There
are many aspects to consider for a proper geothermal installation and to provide you with an installation quote. This consultation
requires approximately an hour to perform and costs $120.00. The fee is waived/refunded should you contract with Energy Earth
LLC for the installation.
Contact us at info@energy-earth.com to schedule an appointment.
***Energy Earth LLC is an IGSHPA Accredited Installer***
National Public Radio interview on commercial geothermal in local cities.
