Significance Of Geothermal Heat Pumps

By Author: Joann Dudley
Total Articles: 17
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A geothermal heat pump is essentially a central heating/ cooling system which is used to pump heat from the ground. During winter, the pump makes use of the Earth as a source of heat or a heat sink during summer. As its name implies, geothermal heat pumps do not receive its heat from the Earth's center but it does so from the sun. These pumps make good use of the comparatively steady temperature of either of the ground or water present below the surface of the Earth, as font of heating/cooling. However, these air source heat pumps can work only in regions enjoying a non-frigid climate. This is because in frigid climates there is a lack of sufficient warmth present in the air, in the rather extended heating season.

Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Basically, geothermal heat systems are of four types. Out of these, three are known as vertical, horizontal, as well as pond/lake; these are essentially closed-loop systems. Then there is a fourth type known as open-loop option. Choosing from these four systems is dependent on the soil conditions, the climate, local installation costs, and the land available. These various ...
... systems are suitable for commercial as well as residential building applications.

Closed-Loop Systems

*Horizontal
This kind of system is extremely cost-effective as far as residences are concerned, especially for new construction with enough land around. This needs trenches with a depth of around 4 feet. The usual layout consists of two pipes, with one pipe buried at 4 feet and another 6 feet. It can also be with two pipes arranged side-by-side at 5 feet below the ground within a trench that is 2 feet wide.
*Vertical
Vertical systems are used by schools and large commercial structures as the land area necessary to build horizontal loops can be really prohibitive. Also, if the soil is not deep enough for trenching vertical loops are the better option and they also reduce the disturbance to the prevailing landscaping. Under this system, holes with a diameter of around 4 four inches are sunk approximately 20 feet apart as well as 100 to 400 feet deep. Two pipes are laid in these holes and linked with a U-bend at the bottom in the shape of a loop. Finally, these vertical loops are joined together with a horizontal pipe known as a manifold and arranged in trenches before connecting the same to the geothermal heat pump installed inside the building.
*Pond/Lake
This can be the least expensive option, in case the site enjoys a sufficient water body. A pipe to supply water is laid underground from water to the building, in circular coils around 8 feet below the surface to check freezing. The coils are to be laid only within a water source, meeting a minimum of depth, volume as well as quality criteria.
*Open-Loop System
An open-loop system makes use of well or surface water as the fluid for providing heat exchange, circulating straight along the geothermal heat pump system. As the water circulates through this system, it goes back to the ground through surface discharge or a recharge well. This system is practical only when there is sufficient supply of comparatively clean water. It is also necessary while opting for this system to meet all local regulations concerning groundwater discharge.

Apart from these, there is also the Hybrid System that uses a combination of geothermal resources, or a cooling tower. These are effective only in locales where cooling requirements are much larger than mere heating needs.

All insulation except basement, cellulose, and rock-wool are done by many establishments to prevent the leakage of cooled/heated air, thereby enhancing comfort as also reducing power bills. Whenever outside air finds it way into your house through cracks or openings, air leakage occurs. Unless air sealing these cracks/ openings properly, it can considerably reduce your cooling and heating costs, thereby improving the durability and also making the indoors healthier to live and breathe in.

All heating and cooling services are basically part of what we know as air conditioning. Ducts are necessary in air conditioning to deliver as well as remove air and a system of ducts is termed ductwork. However, lint and dust particles gather within and around the ductwork. This offers the perfect environment for the breeding of bacteria. The dust/lint inside the ductwork and air grille restricts the air flow into the heating fan unit, resulting in fires. This makes any unclean ductwork a health as well as safety risk. Under the circumstances, duct cleaning at periodic intervals is compulsory.

Electric, Gas, and Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless Water Heaters have the ability to directly heat water without the need for any storage tank. They do away with stand-by heat losses as in water heaters of the storage type. Tankless water heaters are powered either by electricity or gas.

Then there are times when you find that your home or office wants to go for replacement windows and doors, particularly when you want to refurbish your premises. There are number of establishments that can satisfy the parameters of the job.

Dr. Energy Saver Yorktown provides home energy audits in Chesapeake, VA and other surrounding areas.