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Q
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Q. |
What
is a geothermal heat pump? |
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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
your home or commercial structure. |
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Q |
How does a heat
pump it work? |
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A. |
A
heat pump, simply moves heat energy from one place to another. Your
refrigerator works using the same principle. By using the refrigeration
process, geothermal heat pumps remove heat energy stored in the earth
and transfer it to the home or commercial structure.
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Q. |
How does the
heat transfer between the earth and structure?
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A. |
The
earth has the ability to store heat energy from the sun. To use that
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. There, the heat is used to heat your home. In summer the process
is reversed and indoor heat is extracted from your home and transferred
to the earth.
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Q. |
Does it do both?
Heating and Cooling.
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A. |
Yes.
One of the things that makes a heat pump so versatile is its ability
to be both heat and cool a structure. You can change from one mode
to another by simply adjusting your thermostat. In the cooling mode,
a geothermal heat pump takes heat from indoors and transfers it to
the earth through either groundwater or an underground loop system.
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Q. |
Do I need separate
ground loops for heating and cooling?
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A. |
No. The same
loop works for both.
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Q. |
What types of
loops are used?
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A. |
The two types
are closed loop and open loop.
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Q. |
What is a closed
loop system? |
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A. |
The
term "closed-loop" is used to describe 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.
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Q. |
Where can this
loop be located? |
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A. |
That
depends on land availability and terrain. The loops can be inserted
in vertical boreholes, laid in horizontal trenches or sunk in a pond
or lake.
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Q. |
How long will
the loop pipe last? |
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A. |
Closed-loop
systems should only be installed using high-density polyethylene pipe.
Properly installed, these pipes will last 50-75 years. They are inert
to chemicals normally found in soil and have good heat conducting
properties.
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Q. |
How are the pipe
sections of the loop joined?
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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.
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Q. |
Will an earth
loop affect my lawn or landscape?
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A. |
No.
Research has proven that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees
or shrubs. Vertical loops require little space and result in minimal
lawn damage.
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Q. |
Can I install
an earth loop myself? |
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A. |
It's
not recommended. In addition to thermal fusion which installers are
certified for good earth coil contact is very important for successful
loop operation.
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Q. |
What Is an open-loop
system? |
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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. The groundwater is pumped into the heat pump unit where
heat is extracted, then the water pumped back down a rejection well.
Since groundwater is a relatively constant temperature year-round,
it is an excellent heat source but there needs to be enough water
for the heat pump and the domestic needs.
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Q. |
Does an open-loop
system cause environmental damage?
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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.
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Q. |
What are the
components in a heat-pump system? |
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A. |
The
three main parts are:
The ground loop
The heat pump
The distribution system (ie: duct work, in-floor radiant)
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Q. |
Can a geothermal
heat pump also heat water for my home? |
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A. |
Yes.
Using what's called a desuperheater will create domestic hot water
when the unit is either heating or cooling. An electric hot water
tank is used for the in between. Some geothermal models can provide
all of your water needs on demand at the same high efficiencies as
the heating cooling cycles.
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Q. |
I have ductwork,
but will it work with this system? |
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A. |
In
all probability, yes. Your installing contractor should be able to
determine ductwork requirements and any minor modifications, if needed.
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These
are some frequently asked questions.
If you have more, please feel free to contact our staff. |
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