When you choose a geothermal heat system to provide heating and cooling for your home, did you know you can also get free hot water? A desuperheater can be used with your geothermal heat pump to capture heat from the compressor, which is then modified for use in water heating. With greater efficiency and the added hot water bonus, who could pass up the value and utility of a geothermal heat system?

Using your geothermal heat system to also heat hot water provides significant cost savings. You won’t have to rely so much on that electric, natural gas, or propane water heater, so you’ll save on energy costs. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, homeowners who use geothermal for their hot water needs find that hot water generation can cost about 80 percent less versus traditional water heating methods.

Excess heat is created by the geothermal heat pump in both heating and cooling modes, though more is produced through cooling because you’re trying to get rid of the heat, not bring more inside. Rather than depositing the heat from your home into the earth through the ground loop, that heat can be used to heat your water instead, allowing you to utilize that heat waste. Using a desuperheater in the summertime can create most or even all of the hot water you need around the house. During the other season, the desuperheater will still provide some of the hot water you need, but you’ll still need to use your primary water heating method.

If you have questions about geothermal heat systems or using a desuperheater for your hot water needs, give us a call. The geothermal experts at Smith Sustainable Design are available to answer all your system and equipment questions. If you’re thinking of installing a geothermal heat system, consider adding a desuperheater to further maximize efficiency and energy savings at home.

When you think of installing solar system panels, you probably picture them mounted on your roof. So how will the new panels affect your roof? If installed properly, solar system panels can actually protect your roof.

The design of your home’s roof will play a significant role in determining how and where your solar system panels will be attached. First, the system designer must consider the sunlight exposure of your roof area, as it is crucial for panels to face either south, east, or west and be free from trees or structures that can block the sunlight. Also, your roof needs to have enough space to accommodate the panels. In a typical residential installation, 300 to 600 feet of surface space is needed.

Next, the type of roofing you have and its age are considered. If your home has an older roof, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it before installing solar system panels, as the panels will outlast the roofing material and will need to be removed and replaced when it’s time for a new roof. Composite shingle roofing is ideal for solar installations, as they aren’t as fragile and can better withstand being drilled through to mount solar panels. Tile, concrete, and slate roofs can still accommodate a solar installation, but extra care and components will be needed to protect the integrity of the roofing.

There are three types of mounts that can be used to attach solar system panels to a home’s roof:

• Direct mounts attach panels directly to the roof. We don’t recommend this mount because it doesn't facilitate airflow under the panels, which is necessary to cool them.
  
• Integrated mounts attach panels to roof rafters. Roofing materials will have to be removed to do so. Because of this, this mount is best suited for new construction.
  
• Stand-off mounts, also known as rack mounts, are most commonly used for residential systems. The racks are attached to roof supports, and panels attached to them. They promote good airflow and can be set at the proper angle for maximum sunlight exposure.