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.
We can
perform a consultation at your convenience.
***Energy Earth, LLC is an
IGSHPA Accredited Installer***
National Public
Radio interview on commercial geothermal in local cities.
