Geothermal Heat Pumps: Open-Loop Systems

Q: What is an open-loop system?
A: The term “Open-Loop” is commonly used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. The groundwater is pumped through the heat pump where heat is extracted (in winter) or rejected (in summer), then the water is disposed of in an appropriate manner. Since groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round, it is an excellent heat source/heat sink. An example of a groundwater installation

Q: What do I do with the discharge water?
A: There are a number of ways to dispose of water after it has passed through the heat pump. The open discharge method is the easiest and least expensive. Open discharge simply involves releasing the water into a stream, river, lake, pond, ditch or drainage tile. Obviously, one of these alternatives must be readily available and must possess the capacity to accept the amount of water used by the heat pump before open discharge is feasible. A second means of water discharge is the return well. A return well is a second well bore that returns the water to the ground aquifer. A return well must have enough capacity to dispose of the water passed through the heat pump. A new return well should be installed by a qualified well driller. Likewise, a professional should test the capacity of an existing well before it is used as a return.

Q: How much groundwater does an open-loop system need?
A: Geothermal heat pumps used in open-loop systems need differing amounts of water depending on the size of the unit. The water requirement of a specific model is usually expressed in gallons per minute (l/s) and is listed in the specifications for that unit. Your heating and cooling contractor should be able to provide this information. Generally, the average system will use 6-10 G.P.M. [0.4 – 0.6 l/s] while operating. An extremely cold day might result in a usage of 6,000-10,000 gallons [23,000 – 38,000 liters] of water. Your well and pump combination should be large enough to supply the water needed by the heat pump in addition to your domestic water requirements. You will probably need to enlarge your pressure tank or modify your plumbing to supply adequate water to the heat pump.

Q: What problems can be caused by poor water quality?
A: Poor water quality can cause serious problems in open-loop systems. Your water should be tested for hardness, acidity and iron content before a heat pump is installed. Your contractor can tell you what level of water quality is acceptable. Mineral deposits can build up inside the heat pump’s heat exchanger. Sometimes a periodic cleaning with a mild acid solution is all that’s needed to remove the build-up. Impurities, particularly iron, can eventually clog a return well. If your water has a high iron content you should be sure that the discharge water is not aerated before it’s injected into a return well. Finally, you should opt against using water from a spring, pond, lake or river as a source for your heat pump system unless it’s proven to be free of excessive particles and organic matter. They can clog a heat pump system and make it inoperable in a short time. If water quality is a concern, a closed-loop system should be used.

Q: Does an open-loop system cause environmental damage?
A: No. They are pollution free. The heat pump merely removes heat from or adds heat to the water. No pollutants are added whatsoever. The only change in the water returned to the environment is a slight increase or decrease in temperature.

Q: Are there any laws that apply to open-loop installations?
A: In some localities, all or parts of the installation may be subject to local ordinances, codes, covenants or licensing requirements. Check with local authorities to determine if any restrictions apply in your area. Geothermal Heat Pumps: Parts of the System.

Q: What are the components of a geothermal heat pump system?
A: The three main parts are the heat pump unit, the liquid heat exchange medium (open or closed loop), and the air delivery system (ductwork).

Q: Are all geothermal heat pumps alike?
A: No. There are different kinds of geothermal heat pumps designed for specific applications. Many geothermal heat pumps, for example, are intended for use only with higher temperature ground water encountered in open-loop systems. Others will operate at entering water temperatures as low as 20°F [-7°C] which is required for closed- loop systems. Geothermal heat pumps can also differ in the way they are designed. Self-contained units combine the blower, compressor, water heat exchanger and air coil in a single cabinet. Split systems allow the coil to be added to a forced-air furnace and utilize the existing blower.

Q: Will I have to add insulation to my home if I install one of these systems?
A: Geothermal heat pumps will reduce your heating and cooling costs regardless of how well your home is insulated. However, insulating and weatherizing are key factors in realizing the most savings from any type of heating and cooling system.

Q: Can a geothermal heat pump also heat water for my home?
A: Yes. Using what’s called a Hot Water Generator (HWG), some types of geothermal heat pumps can save you up to 50 percent on your water heating bill by pre-heating tank water. The HWG is a factory-installed option.

Q: Is a geothermal heat pump difficult to install?
A: Most units are easy to install, especially when they are replacing another forced-air system. They can be installed in areas unsuitable for fossil fuel furnaces because there is no combustion, thus, no need to vent exhaust gases. Ductwork must be installed in homes that don’t have an existing air distribution system. The difficulty of installing ductwork will vary and should be assessed by a contractor.

Q: Can a geothermal heat pump be added to my fossil fuel (Gas, oil, propane) furnace?
A: Split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual-fuel system. Use the heat pump as the main heating source and a furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather if additional heat is needed.

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Closed-Loop Systems

Q: What is a closed-loop system?
A: The term “closed-loop” is used to describe a geothermal heat pump system that uses a continuous loop of special buried plastic pipe as a heat exchanger. The pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which water or an anti-freeze solution – depending on where you live – is circulated. Unlike an open-loop system that consumes water from a well, a closed-loop system recirculates its heat transferring solution in pressurized pipe.

Q: Where can this loop be located?
A: That depends on land availability and terrain. Closed-loops are trenched horizontally in yards adjacent to the home if the yard is large enough. Or, for smaller yards, the loops can be installed vertically using a drill rig, much like a water well installation.

Q: How deep and long will my horizontal trenches be?
A: Trenches are normally four to six feet deep [1.2 1.8 meters]. One of the advantages of a horizontal loop system is being able to lay the trenches according to the shape of the land. As a rule of thumb, 125 – 300 feet of trench are required per ton of heat pump capacity [11 – 27 meters per kW of capacity].

Q: How many pipes are in a trench?
A: Anywhere from 1 to 6 pipes per trench may be used, depending upon the optimal design for the yard. More pipe per trench shortens the total amount of trench required.

Q: What if I don’t have enough room for a horizontal loop?
A: Closed-loop systems can also be vertical. Holes are bored to about 150 – 300 feet per ton of heat pump capacity [13 – 27 meters per kW of capacity]. U-shaped loops of pipe are inserted in the holes. The holes are then back-filled with a sealing solution (grouting material).

Q: How long will the loop pipe last?
A: Closed-loop systems should only be installed using the appropriate high-density polyethylene pipe. Properly installed, these pipes will last over 50 years. They are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting properties. PVC pipe should not be used under any circumstances.

Q: How are the buried pipe sections of the loop joined?
A: The only acceptable method to connect pipe sections is by thermal fusion. Pipe connections are heated and fused together to form a joint stronger than the original pipe. Mechanical joining of pipe for an earth loop is never an accepted practice. The use of barbed fittings, clamps and glued joints is certain to result in loop failure due to leaks.

Q: Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
A: No. Research has proven that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees or shrubs. Most horizontal loop installations use trenches about 3 feet [1 meter] or less wide. This, of course, will leave temporary bare areas that can be restored with grass seed or sod. Vertical loops require little space and result in minimal lawn damage.

Geothermal Tax Credits

Q: Can I reclaim heat from my septic system disposal field?
A: No. Depending upon your geographic location, an earth loop will reach temperatures below freezing during extreme conditions and may freeze your septic system. Such usage is banned in many areas.

Q: If the loop falls below freezing, will it hurt the system?
A: No. The antifreeze solution used in loops that operate at low temperatures will keep it from freezing down to about 15°F [-9°C] fluid temperature. In the U.S. and Canada, three types of antifreeze solution are acceptable: propylene glycol, methyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol. Some states/ provinces may require one type over another.

Q: Can I install an earth loop myself?
A: It’s not recommended. In addition to thermal fusion of the pipe, good pipe-to-soil contact is very important for successful loop operation. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum heat pump performance.

Q: I have a pond near my home. Can I put a loop in it?
A: Yes, if it’s deep enough and large enough. A minimum of 8 – 10 feet [2.5 – 3 meters] in depth at its lowest level during the year is needed for a pond to be considered. In pond loops, polyethylene pipe must be used. Generally, a minimum of 1/2 acre [0.2 hectare] pond is required to provide adequate surface area for heat transfer.

Geothermal Comfort: Investing in Savings

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) geothermal systems are,“the most energy- efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.” Extremely high levels of efficiency are possible because a geothermal heat pump only uses electricity to move heat, not produce it. A geothermal unit typically supplies four to five kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity used. Three to four of these kilowatts of heat come directly from the earth itself, and are clean, free and renewable. Geothermal heat pumps also take advantage of the mild ground temperature for extremely high efficiency cooling. Most systems also include a hot water generator, which diverts a portion of the supplied heat to the domestic water heater. This provides a substantial portion of a family’s hot water needs at a very low cost. Overall, geothermal technology offers the highest cooling and heating efficiencies of any system available today.

Geothermal systems transfer heat from your home to the earth in the cooling mode, or from the earth to your home in the heating mode. Water is used as the heat transfer medium through a closed loop piping system buried in the ground. By using this stable thermal source, geothermal heat pumps provide energy efficient comfort year around with a factory- tested and sealed packaged unit, without the need for a noisy outdoor fan, or a flue.

The environmental advantages of geothermal systems have caught the eye of governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Because geothermal technology is lowest in CO2 emissions, it provides a solution to global warming by primarily using the natural energy of the earth. EarthPure® (R-410A) zero ozone depletion refrigerant is available for ClimateMaster geothermal heat pumps for an even friendlier system.

In January 2006 the U.S. Federal government changed the minimum efficiency for air conditioners to 13 SEER from the previous minimum requirement of 10 SEER. Geothermal systems are up to twice the minimum required efficiency! As efficiency ratings increase, operating costs decrease. However, efficiency ratings alone do not tell the “whole story” when it comes to operating costs for homeowners. Fuel type, home construction, geographic location and thermostat settings are just some of the factors.

Over the years, geothermal systems have always been the leader in low operating costs. Recently, however, fossil fuels (natural gas, fuel oil and propane) have begun increasing at a much higher rate than electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that electricity prices will remain stable over the next twenty years, allowing some increase for inflation. Now is the time to consider electric technologies like geothermal heat pumps for heating, cooling and hot water needs.

Clearwater Geothermal Installation

Even a high efficiency natural gas furnace with a high efficiency air conditioner is still nearly twice the operating costs as a geothermal system. Since these comparisons are for new equipment (i.e. standard efficiencies = 13 SEER efficiency for air conditioners and 80% AFUE efficiency for furnaces), comparisons to existing equipment being replaced by a geothermal system would be even more dramatic. If the existing air conditioner is older, it may have an efficiency of between 8 and 10 SEER. Older furnaces could be as low as 65-70% efficient.

Everything You Need To Know About Green Energy

Green energy refers to the use of power that is not only more efficient than fossil fuel but that is friendly to the environment as well. Green energy is generally defined as energy sources that don't pollute and are renewable.

There are several categories of green energy (GE). They are anaerobic digestion, wind power, geothermal power, hydro-power on a small scale, biomass power, solar power and wave power. Waste incineration can even be a source of green energy.

Nuclear power plants claim that they produce green energy as well, though this source is fraught with controversy, as we all know. While nuclear energy may be sustainable, may be considered renewable and does not pollute the atmosphere while it is producing energy, its waste does pollute the biosphere as it is released.

The transport, mining and phases before and after production of nuclear energy does produce and release carbon dioxide and similar destructive greenhouse gases. When we read of green energy, therefore, we rarely see nuclear power included.

Those who support nuclear energy say that nuclear waste is not, in fact, released into our earths biosphere during its normal production cycle. They stress as well that the carbon dioxide that nuclear energy production releases is comparable, in terms of each kilowatt hour of electricity, to such sources of GE as wind power.

As an example of the GE production the average wind turbine, such as the one in Reading England, can produce enough energy daily to be the only energy source for 1000 households.

Many countries now offer household and commercial consumers to opt for total use of green energy. They do this one of two ways. Consumers can buy their electricity from a company that only uses renewable green energy technology, or they can buy from their general supplies such as the local utility company who then buys from GE resources only as much of a supply as consumers pay for.

The latter is generally a more cost – efficient way of supplying a home or office with GE, as the supplier can reap the economic benefits of a mass purchase. Green energy generally costs more per kilowatt hour than standard fossil fuel energy.

Consumers can also purchase green energy certificates, which are alternately referred to as green tags or green certificates. These are available in both Europe and the United States, and are the most convenient method for the average consumer to support green energy. More than 35 million European households and one million American households now buy these GE certificates.

Geothermal Air Conditioning

While GE is a great step in the direction of keeping our environment healthy and our air as pollutant free as possible, it must be noted that no matter what the energy, it will negatively impact the environment to some extent.

Every energy source, green or otherwise, requires energy. The production of this energy will create pollution during its manufacture. Green energies impact is minimal, however.

Overview Of Solar Energy And Other Renewable Energy Sources

When we talk about renewable energy we are referring to power that delivers energy from resources that will not be depleted because of our use of them. Renewable energy is an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuel energy for reasons other than the factor of non-depletion.

One basic benefit of renewable energy, and the reason environmentalists all over the globe are advocate its use, is that it does give off greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants as do the by-products of burning fossil fuel for energy. Renewable energy such as solar power, water power and wind power, while the widespread discussion of which is new, are anything but new.

In both newly developing and highly developed countries wind, sun and water have long been used as power sources, though not to the extent of providing the primary energy source for large metropolitan communities.

The mass production of such renewable energy is become commonplace in recent years as more and more people come to realize how climate is changing due to the pollution of fossil fuel gases, due to the exhaustion of the availability of these fossil fuels and the political and social concerns of energy sources such as nuclear power.

Many countries and non-profit environmentally-conscious organizations are encouraging the use of renewable energy sources by passing legislation on tax incentives for their use and subsidies to offset the added expense of converting from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

The flow of renewable energy involves phenomena that occur naturally in our world. Tides, sunlight, wind and heat derived by geothermal occurrences all provide renewable energy. Each of these energy sources is unique both in where we can use them and how.

Tampa Geothermal Energy

Most technology that converts renewable energy into power sources we can use are powered at least in part by the Sun if not directly at least indirectly. The earths atmospheric system stays in such equilibrium that the heat that it gives off radiates into space to an amount equal to the radiation that comes to earth from the sun.

The result of this energy level within the atmosphere is roughly translated to the climate of the earth. The water of the earth, also referred to its hydrosphere, absorbs a lot of the radiation that comes to us from the sun.

Most of the radiation gets absorbed at the lower latitudes of the earth that exist around the equator. This energy gets dissipated all around the globe, however, in the form of ocean and wind currents.

The motion of the ocean waves might have a role in transference of mechanical energy between the ocean and the earths atmosphere by way of wind stress. Solar energy also provides the means by which precipitations is distributed and then tapped by hydroelectric energy projects as well as plant growth that then creates biofuels.

An Overview Of Energy Efficiency

While we often think of energy efficiency as the way to save our environment, we also often consider it a costly endeavor. Did you realize, however, that your homes energy bill might be reduced by up to 30 percent through energy-efficiency that includes the purchase or energy efficient appliances and other products? In other words, you can save yourself money while you do your part to save the planet.

Every time you buy a new air conditioning unit, a new washer or dryer, a new refrigerator, microwave, or piece of office equipment, you are affecting the environment, either positively or negatively depending on your choices. Smart choices of products designed for energy efficiency help the air we all breathe and reduce your energy bill each month.

Here is some basic information about how energy efficiency works and why its helpful. A great deal of the energy you consume in your home is produced by local power plants that must burn fossil fuel to create the energy. These fossil fuels might be natural gas, coal or oil.

These fossil fuels also create pollution. This pollution harms not only the environment but ultimately the people, as it causes smog, acid rain and respiratory diseases. Fossil fuel pollution is also a strong factor in changing the climate of the globe.

While we hear a lot about the harmful gas emissions that emanate from vehicles, what we don't hear much about is the fact that your home probably produces twice as much of these emissions as the average automobile.

Geothermal Air Conditioning

Opting for energy efficiency through your choice of products that are energy efficient is one of the best ways you can reduce your consumption of energy and thus your distribution of harmful emissions of greenhouse gas. Any household that buys equipment designed for energy efficiency puts a big dent in harmful emissions of carbon dioxide.

In fact, over the lifetime of one of these energy efficient appliances or other products you will have reduced pollution the equivalent of what would be saved by one fewer vehicle for seven years. The use of energy efficient household products reduces nitrogen oxides too, which contribute extensively to acid rain and smog.

The average U.S. household spends about 1500 each year on energy. Energy-efficiency can reduce this bill by 400-450 annually. If you're concerned about energy efficiency and wish to not only save the environment but save yourself some money it will help to know which appliances account for what portion of your energy use and bill.

The biggest, which probably comes as no surprise, is your heat and air conditioning. This is a whopping 45 percent of your energy bill. Your water heater uses up 11 percent of your energy, and your washer and dryer 10 percent. The lighting for your home is seven percent of your energy costs, while your refrigerator is six percent of your bill.

Your dishwasher, computer, monitor, TV, VCR, DVD player and similar equipment each use up about two percent of your total energy consumption. Stoves, microwaves and other smaller appliances generally account for the rest, though at less than two percent of the total each.

Air conditioning repair basics

Let’s start with the basics. You need to know about the important parts of an air conditioner so that you can effectively troubleshoot problems. The major parts of an air conditioner are:

• Compressor-Condenser, which is basically an electrically operated, high-pressure pumping device. As the name itself suggests, it compresses low-pressure into high-pressure gas. It is usually located at the outer part of an air conditioning unit.
• Thermostat, which basically distributes the liquid refrigerant into the cooling coil.
  

Air Handler Unit, inside which the cooling coil exists. The cooling coil contains the refrigerant which changes from a liquid state to a gaseous one, thereby absorbing heat and causing a cooling effect.

• Duct System, which basically regulates the exchange of cool, conditioned air and the existing air in the occupied space

The most common air conditioning repairs become necessary for solving such problems as the air conditioner not turning on, or not cooling efficiently, or there is a noticeable reduction in the airflow. Generally the things that need to be replaced in an air conditioner most frequently are a defective condenser, a faulty air-processing unit and a defective duct system unit. If an air conditioner refuses to start, start by checking the circuit breaker and the thermostat. Simply resetting the circuit breaker may solve your problem. If it still fails to start, check the air-processing unit. If the problem persists, check the duct system. It is important to regularly check such parts of an air conditioner as the supply and return ducts, and the filters. The blower unit also needs inspection if the air conditioner is not able to cool the room efficiently.

Tampa Air Conditioning Maintenance

If you continue feeling uncomfortable even after turning on the air conditioner, it is probably because it’s not doing its job properly. Consider cleaning the machine before calling a technician. Sometimes, a simple round of cooling will solve your problem and will help the machine cool better and faster. The cooling power of an air conditioner may also be seriously affected if the drainage of condensation is not drained properly. Leakage in various forms remains a major problem with air conditioners. So, you should check for any possible leakage, too. Damage to the air ducts or to the refrigerant system can result in the loss of the coolant gas and cause the machine to work less efficiently. Regular cleaning of the front grill and the filter is necessary to keep your air conditioner working like new for years.

However, sometimes the problem could be a more serious one and would necessitate professional servicing by a qualified technician. A very old compressor may not be able to cool a room like a new one. You may have to consider replacing the compressor sometimes and that would call for the help of a trained professional. When you are carrying out an air conditioning repair by yourself, don’t forget to turn off the main before attempting any repair. Special care should be taken if the grill is attached to the fan so that no wires come loose at the time of removing the grill or disconnecting the fan.

Air conditioning repair is possible at home and with the help of the manual, you can troubleshoot many minor problems. However, you are well advised to leave major repairs to trained technicians only.

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Ready for a change? Geothermal Heat Pumps is one of the most energy efficient ways to cool and heat your house with little to no maintenance needed.