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Since a geothermal
system merely transfers heat from the ground into your home in winter, it is unnecessary
to burn any fossil fuels to create a warm interior environment. This approach
drastically reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared with the operation of
other heating systems, and completely eliminates the heating system as a
potential source of carbon monoxide fumes within your home—it an
environmentally friendly as well as safe and healthy alternative to
traditional oil and gas furnaces. Highest
Efficiency The
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 4 kilo watts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity
used. Three of these kilowatts of heat come directly from the earth itself,
and are clean, free, and renewable. Overall, geothermal technology offers the
highest cooling efficiency available in the industry. Maximum
Comfort Geothermal
heat pumps also provide higher comfort levels than traditional space conditioning
equipment. By using a relatively warm source of heat such as the earth,
supply air temperatures are significantly higher in the heating mode than
traditional air-source heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps also cycle much less
often than fossil furnaces, creating a consistent indoor temperature with
comfortable relative humidity. Environmentally
Friendly 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 it is lowest in CO2 emissions,
geothermal technology provides a solution to global warming by primarily
using the natural energy of the earth. In contrast, traditional space
conditioning systems depend upon the exploitation and burning of fossil
energy sources with the resultant greenhouse gas emissions. Better
Investment Low
life-cycle costs are provided by the low operating and maintenance costs of
geothermal systems, even when the higher initial installation costs are
considered. In new construction, monthly energy savings typically exceed the
increased mort gage payments. Therefore, cash flow can be positive from the
start. In retrofit systems, a buyer who purchases with cash usually realizes
a return on in vestment well above certificate of deposit rates. And, with
equipment life exceeding 20 years, a GT-G Series unit is a lasting in
vestment. Electric
utilities, recognizing the dual benefits of high efficiency and low electric
peak demand, may provide incentives to purchase these systems. Geothermal
System Types Before
choosing a geothermal system, many application factors must be evaluated,
including: • ground
water availability and quality • loop
installation costs • land
area available •
sub-soil conditions • local
codes • owner
preferences Haley
Mechanical has the expertise and computer software to determine the best type
of system. Closed
Closed
Loop Systems consist of an underground heat exchange network of sealed, high
strength, poly ethylene plastic pipe, and a Flow Controller pumping module.
When cooling, the loop fluid temperature will rise, and rejected heat is
dissipated into the cooler earth. Conversely,
while heating, the loop fluid temperature falls, and heat is absorbed from
the earth. Bryant Flow Controller pumping modules utilize low wattage pumps
to circulate the water/antifreeze fluid within the piping system. The plastic
heat exchange loop is closed and thermally fusion-welded at all connections
in the same manner as natural gas distribution lines. Closed loops do not
require a ground water supply or drain, and they are not subject to mineral
build-up. Closed
Loops can be installed in vertical or horizontal configurations or submerged
in a pond or lake. When designed properly, all three alternatives operate
with similar efficiency. Bryant high density poly ethylene plastic pipe is
used for all closed loop installations. Pipe connections are heat fused to
form joints that are stronger than the pipe itself. Bryant loop piping has a
life expectancy in excess of 50 years.
Horizontal
boring technology can also be used to install u-bend loops 10-15 feet deep
with minimal landscaping disruption. Trench lengths range from 100-400 feet
per system ton. Trenches must be spaced from 6-10 feet apart. The overall
land area required ranges from 750-1,500 square feet per system ton.
Vertical
Loops are the ideal choice when available land area is limited.
Drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter vertical holes. Two pipes
joined together with a u-bend fitting are inserted into the vertical bore.
Bore hole depth ranges from 100-300 feet per system ton. Bores must be spaced
from 10-15 feet apart and properly grouted. The land space required ranges
from 100-200 square feet per system ton.
Pond ( Ground
Water Systems Open loop
systems utilize ground water as a direct energy source when good quality
water is available at a reasonable pumping depth. A well must have enough
capacity to deliver a minimum of 1.5 gpm per system
ton during peak operation. Ditches, field tiles, ponds, and streams are the
most common discharge systems. Re injection or semi-closed recirculation
wells can also be utilized in some regions. In ideal conditions, an open loop
application can be the most economical type of system to install. At Haley Mechanical, we take a
comprehensive look at your home and advise you on the most efficient and
economical way to create a comfortable indoor
environment. Call us today to
receive your Home
Efficiency Analysis at 737-424-9170. |
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