FAQs FOR GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is a geothermal heat pump?
A. A geothermal heat pump is an electrically powered device that uses the natural heat stored in the ground or the groundwater to heat and cool a home or commercial structure.
Q. How does the heat transfer from the earth to the structure?
A. The earth has the ability to store heat energy from the sun. In order to use the stored energy, heat is extracted from the earth through a liquid state (groundwater or an anti-freeze solution) and is pumped to the heat pump where the heat is used to heat the structure.
Q. How does Geothermal Cooling work?
A. The geothermal unit draws heat from the structure and carries it, by way of the “loop” back into the earth. It operates on the same principal as a refrigerator but it puts the heat into the ground.
Q. Are separate ground loops needed for heating and cooling?
A. No. The same loop works for both.
Q. What is a closed-loop system?
A. A closed-loop system is a geothermal heat pump system that uses a continuous loop of high-density plastic pipe as a heat exchanger. The pipe is connected to the heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which an antifreeze solution is circulated.
Q. What is an open-loop system?
A. An open-loop system is a geothermal heat pump system that uses groundwater from a conventional well as a heat source. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where heat is extracted. The water is pumped back into a rejection well.
Q. Where can this loop be located?
A. The loops can be inserted in vertical boreholes, laid in horizontal trenches or sunk in a pond or lake, depending on the terrain.
Q. How long does the loop pipe last?
A. Properly installed and constructed of the right materials, the pipes will last up to 100 years. They are inert to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting properties.
Q. How are the 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 which is stronger than the original pipe.
Q. Will a system of this type affect landscaping?
A. Loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees or shrubs. Vertical loops require little space.
Q. Does an open-loop system cause environmental damage?
A. Open-loop systems are pollution free. The heat pump simply removes heat from- or adds heat to- the water. No pollutants are added. The water returned to the environment, however, could have a slight increase or decrease in temperature.
Q. Can a geothermal heat pump also heat water for a building?
A. Yes. Using what’s called a desuperheater it can create hot water when the unit is either heating or cooling. An electric hot water tank is used for the times in between.
Q. Will existing ductwork work with this system?
A. Often it can. Any ductwork requirements or modifications can easily be determined, if needed.
Q. Is a geothermal structure cost-effective?
A. Yes. A geothermal system can reduce heating costs by 70% and cooling by 40%. The geothermal system can pay for itself in five years.
Q. How does geothermal system affect the environment?
A. The geothermal system is efficient and environmentally friendly. It requires no fuel for combustion, and it recycles the earth’s natural energy to add comfort to a home or commercial structure.
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