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 System
It 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 30% 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***
