Ground
Water Systems (Open Loop) have been utilizing the earth’s
natural heat source/heat sink ability for over 40 years. Ground
Water Systems draw water from an aquifer via a supply well, pass
through the Geothermal heat pump's heat exchanger where heat is
exchanged with the refrigerant inside your unit, then returned to
the aquifer via a return well or simply disposed of per local code.
Ground water temperatures remain very constant (usually within a
degree) throughout the year despite wide variations in outside air
temperature, therefore your unit will maintain it's super high
efficiency no matter how hot or cold it is outside. Ground Water
Systems are ideally suited for homes that have existing water wells
available or a good potential source for well water. When ground
water is available this system usually has the lowest installed
cost.
Vertical Systems (Closed Loop) utilize the natural thermal properties of the earth in a similar manner to the Ground Water Systems. However, instead of pumping water out of a well then back into the ground, you simply circulate water or an antifreeze solution through a closed loop network of plastic pipe that is inserted into vertical bore holes. These vertical bore holes are typically drilled to a depth of 100 to 300 feet per ton of air conditioning or heating. The Vertical System is ideally suited for applications when available land area is limited. Similar to the Ground Water System, the Vertical System avoids wide temperature swings of the outside air to deliver constant high efficiency and comfort no matter where you live.
Horizontal
Systems (Closed Loop) also utilize the Earth's plentiful and
renewable thermal characteristics. Like the Vertical Systems,
Horizontal Systems circulate water or an antifreeze solution through
a closed loop network of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe that is
buried in the ground. Instead of inserting the plastic pipe into
vertical wells the pipe is laid in horizontal trenches at a typical
depth of 4 to 6 feet and at a length of 75 to 400 feet per ton of
air conditioning or heating. Recent innovations in horizontal pipe
configurations have made this system particularly attractive in
first cost as well as operating efficiency. Typically a little more
land area is required to install a Horizon System. The same energy
saving characteristics are enjoyed with the Horizontal System as
with the Vertical Systems.
Pond or Lake Systems (Closed Loop) may be the most economical closed loop system to install and has many advantages for producing energy savings. This system utilizes a nearby body of water such as a lake or a pond. As with the Vertical and Horizontal Systems it is a closed loop of sealed and pressurized plastic pipe and water or an antifreeze fluid solution. Instead of inserting the pipe into a vertical well or laying the pipe in a horizontal trench the pipe is submerged into a body of water (pond or lake) where it can utilize the consistent temperature and outstanding heat transfer characteristics of the water. No wells and very little trenching are required cutting installation costs. Once again the Pond or Lake System is not subject to the cruel outside air temperatures that all air-to-air heat pumps are subject to year after year.
What are the advantages of a Geothermal System?
- Safe, Clean Operation
No flues, no flame, no dangerous carbon monoxide and a factory-sealed refrigerant circuit make Geothermal technology an attractive alternative or safe, clean and environmentally friendly comfort for your home. - Energy Efficiency
Geothermal units operate more efficiently than ordinary heating and cooling systems, saving you up to 60% in most cases, and providing virtually free hot water. - Durable Design
Geothermal heat pumps last longer because they are housed indoors and protected from harsh weather conditions. No defrost cycles are needed, which means less stress on critical components and no loss of operating efficiency. - Better Comfort
Constant, even temperature and humidity control. Gone are the uneven temperatures experienced with ordinary furnaces and poor dehumidification you get from standard central air units.
Along with geothermal heating and cooling we use polyurethane foam insulation in all of our homes. Polyurethane insulation is sprayed on to the interior framing to stop any air filtration and gives a higher R-value sidewall than conventional fiberglass insulation.
*Photos courtesy of Geothermal/Heat Pump Consortium
Further information can be found at
www.geoexchange.org
Custom Crafted Homes Cedar Rapids, IA 888-438-1704 info@customcraftedhomes.net