A geothermal heating and cooling system doesn’t produce warm air through combustion like a furnace does. Instead, it utilizes the natural energy below ground to absorb heat and reject heat back into the earth. Using a ground loop as a method for heat exchange, warmed fluid is circulated below ground and back up inside a building to the heat pump, which moves conditioned air to specific areas of a building.

When a geothermal heating and cooling system is used for cooling in warmer months, the earth is used as storage for excess heat. The heat pump absorbs the excess heat from inside a building and uses the fluid-filled ground loop to send the heat below ground for depositing. While it may be hot on the surface, below ground temperatures remain steady and cool all year long- this enables heat from the building to be easily absorbed below ground.

When heating mode is utilized, the geothermal heating and cooling system works in reverse. The ground loop absorbs heat from below ground and moves it up to the building. This heat is distributed to the needed areas by the heat pump. Even though the ground may be frosty, the below ground temperature is toasty enough to provide heat for use indoors.

One added perk of geothermal heating and cooling systems is supplemental hot water. A desuperheater is a water to refrigerant heat exchanger which can be tied into a geothermal heating and cooling system’s ground loop. It doesn’t hurt the efficiency of the system’s heating and cooling capacities, and provides hot water for the building pretty much for free. Plus, when a hot water system is tied into the geothermal heating and cooling system, efficiency is actually increased, because less heat needs to be deposited back below ground.

A geothermal heating and cooling system very complicated; more so than traditional forced air furnaces and air conditioners. A properly sized earth loop and heat pump is important. If you have questions about what a geothermal heating and cooling system does, feel free to contact us. The geothermal heating and cooling system contractors at Smith Sustainable Design are available to answer any questions you may have.

A crucial element of the design of any ground source heat pump system is the ground loop, which works to collect and disperse heat underground. Installation methods vary, and are chosen to fit the needs of the individual system. The ground loop design can vary based on excavation costs, terrain, climate, and the heating and cooling requirement of the structure. The most popular ground loop design configurations are the vertical and horizontal closed loop, and the pond loop, which are discussed below.

Horizontal closed loop

A horizontal closed loop absorbs the natural heat below ground for use inside the structure, and also deposits unneeded heat back into the earth. As the name implies, horizontal loops are installed horizontally across the available ground. A horizontal loop requires more ground space, as the piping is laid at a shallow depth rather than in deep wells- the trenches where the piping is installed are approximately 6 feet deep. Ground temperatures closer to the surface vary with the changing seasons.

Vertical closed loop

Instead of laying the piping in shallow trenches, a vertical closed loop is installed several hundred feet below ground in deep bore holes. By drilling deep holes, less surface area is needed for installation because of the consent temperature. The ground temperatures at 25 to 30 feet start to become constant. Ground source heat pump system applications which do not have significant ground space are ideal candidates for vertical closed loop design and installation.

Pond loops

Instead of utilizing underground temperatures for heat exchange, a pond loop utilizes a body of water. In this scenario, a lake or pond near the building is used for installation, and the ground loop placed below the surface. If there is not an existing body of water, one may be constructed specifically to meet the needs of a ground source heat pump system. Not all bodies of water are suitable for ground loop placement- the depth and size of the pond or lake must be able to withstand the heating and cooling load of the building.

When designing a ground source heat pump system, loop design is a crucial factor which can determine the success and efficiency of your system. The experts at Smith Sustainable Design will survey the available area and factor in the building’s heating and cooling need to determine which ground loop design is appropriate for each application.

Maintaining your geothermal heat system should always be included in your home maintenance routine. Maintenance is crucial to protecting your system and maximizing performance. Geothermal heat system maintenance has different considerations compared to a traditional furnace: here are the areas you need to be sure to pay attention to.

Antifreeze Levels

Maintaining the proper level of antifreeze in your geothermal heat system’s ground loop is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the entire system. Without the proper amount of antifreeze, the fluid in you loop field could freezer and cause damage to your geothermal heat system. When performing routine maintenance, have your technician check the antifreeze levels in your system-improper levels may be a sign of a leak in the ground loop.

Piping

The piping used to create the ground loop portion of your system is very durable and should not need maintenance. Even so, during a maintenance inspection, your piping should be checked to make sure there are no leaks in the system. Any leak can prevent your geothermal heat system from functioning at its best, and should be corrected immediately.

Ducts

Your duct work transfers heating and cooling from the geothermal heat system into your home. If the ducts aren’t up to par, your geothermal heat system can’t provide the comfort levels you want indoors. Ducts should be inspected for leaks and other damage, and corrected so that conditioned air can flow properly into the home.

Dirt and Debris

Dirt and debris buildup anywhere in your geothermal heat system is bad news. This buildup can cause damage to system components and affect the quality of your indoor air. A geothermal heat system technician will clean crucial components during maintenance to prevent damage to the mechanical components. Removing dirt and debris will also help improve the overall efficiency of your system.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are commonly used in residences, but have great advantages when used in office settings and other commercial environments. While once cost prohibitive, they are an economical choice for heating and cooling for businesses in many different industries. In an office environment which houses multiple employees, geothermal heating and cooling systems provide practical solutions for maintaining indoor comfort at an affordable cost.

Geothermal heating and cooling system basics

Geothermal heating and cooling systems move heat from one location to another. Geothermal systems utilize underground sources or bodies of water to absorb and release heat. A system of underground piping is used to exchange heat and bring it into the structure. Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer high efficiency, low cost, reduced maintenance, and environmentally friendly heating and cooling for various applications.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems for office use

Geothermal heating and cooling system offer the same benefits for offices as they do homes. In an office setting, geothermal heating and cooling systems can be used in conjunction with zoning systems to individually heat and cool offices, maintaining comfortable temperatures for everyone working inside the building. Zoning with geothermal systems provides added control over energy use and further reduces energy costs.

A geothermal heating and cooling system can also be used to move heat from one part of a building to another. For instance, in the winter months, the side of the building with sun exposure is typically much warmer than the shaded side, which can cause discomfort all around. The geothermal heating and cooling system can move the unneeded heat from one area to another, reducing the amount of heat which must be transferred from below ground. By utilizing solar heat, the office building creates another way to reduce energy use and make use of natural heat sources.

One stigma about installing a geothermal heat pump system is the cost- many homeowners assume that these systems are out of their price range. In reality, there are many factors which need to be considered in order to accurately quote the price of a geothermal heat pump system. Different homes have different needs, and some may have qualities that can affect the cost of the overall system.

Does your home have duct work?

If your home has existing duct work which can be used with a geothermal heat pump system, this may reduce the overall system cost. If your geothermal heat pump system installer determines that your duct work is ideal for use with the new geothermal heat pump, you can avoid the cost of running a new duct system through your home.

What’s your heating and cooling load?

The heating and cooling load of your home will play a large part in determining the size of geothermal heat pump system you’ll need. A larger system is typically more expensive than a smaller one. In order to determine the size of geothermal heat pump your home will require, we conduct Manual J calculations to assess the exact amount of heating and cooling your home will need.

Is your property suited for a ground loop?

The geothermal heat pump system uses a ground loop to collect geothermal energy to heat and cool your home. Laying the ground loop will account for a portion of the installation price. Excavating must be done and equipment costs accounted for. We look at the soil conditions and landscaping or structures which could obstruct the ground loop. These factors play a role in determining how the ground loop will be installed, and the final cost of your system.

If you’re interested in a geothermal heat pump system, don’t guess at the cost. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of expert system designers can provide you with an accurate estimate of costs- which may be lower than you think!

If you have been looking into installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’re likely familiar with many of the benefits. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing this type of system, but many home and business owners agree on their reasons. Some are obvious, like energy efficiency and reduced operating costs, but some reasons are not as apparent. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons others are going geothermal.

Environmental Impact

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize natural, renewable energy to heat and cool homes and businesses, meaning they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel burning systems.

Flexibility in Design

Whether it’s a new home or existing structure, a geothermal heating and cooling system can be integrated easily and inexpensively in either scenario. Existing geothermal heating and cooling systems can be easily expanded to fit additions and remodeling projects.

Safety

With no fossil fuels used, geothermal heating and cooling systems eliminate the danger of a gas leak or undetected carbon monoxide poisoning.

Life Span

A geothermal heating and cooling system typically has a life span much longer than forced air heating and cooling equipment. These heat pump systems can outlast forced air systems by 10 to 20 years.

Noise Level

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are much quieter than forced air systems which use fans and other equipment which can create noise during operation. A geothermal system makes about as much noise as a household refrigerator.

Versatility

With a geothermal heating and cooling system, there is no need to purchase and install both a furnace and air conditioner- the geothermal system is capable of providing for a home or business’s heating and cooling needs.

Geothermal heat systems have a number of options which can be included with installation. One very beneficial add-on is a hydronic radiant floor heating system for a home. Enjoy warm, even temperatures and toasty floors in addition to low-cost heating for your home.

A hydronic radiant floor system is a popular and extremely cost-effective way to heat a home. The system uses a system of piping networked through floors. Heated water is pumped through the pipes, and emits warmth which radiates into the room above. Zoning valves can be used with thermostats to control temperatures in rooms individually.

When used with a geothermal heat system, hot water which is collected is then used in the hydronic radiant floor system. A radiant floor system provides much cleaner heating than a forced air system, as dust and pollutants are not blown throughout the home through a duct system. They are very design-friendly, as no special considerations must be made for ductwork and registers. Hydronic radiant floor systems offer silent operation, unlike forced air systems.

Geothermal heat systems and hydronic radiant floors offer convenient comfort throughout the home. As the system heats spaces, flooring also will have a slightly warm feel. Many homeowners find this to be a great feature, especially during the cold New Jersey and Pennsylvania winters. Radiant heat transfers heat to the room’s inhabitants, rather than the air.

When installing a geothermal heat system, you may also decide to install a hydronic radiant floor system to maximize your geothermal heat. Smith Sustainable Design is a qualified geothermal heat system installer with experience designing and installing hydronic radiant floor systems in homes and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about energy efficient heating systems for your home.

When choosing to install a geothermal heating system at home or for a business, choosing your installer is just as important as choosing your equipment. The right installer has the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the process while designing and installing a system appropriate for your application. From the beginning to the end of your project choosing the right geothermal heating system installer will make the entire process flow smoothly.

The right geothermal heating system installer provides expert guidance to help you choose the right system and equipment. There are many options when it comes to geothermal heating system design and you will be faced with a lot of choices: the right installer can help you compare different system designs and will make recommendations as to which is right for you. It is best to trust a professional to help you make the most of this sizeable investment.

Of course, choosing the right installer is important to ensure that your equipment is properly installed and well protected. The right geothermal heating system installer knows how to install systems to maximize the energy savings and benefits you expect. Proper placement of ground loops is essential to the performance of your system, and an expert installer will know exactly how to determine the best placement for your system and property.

When choosing a geothermal heating system installer, do your research. Ask for recommendations and ask questions of the installers you speak with. A good geothermal heating system installer has installed many systems and can easily explain the process, the equipment, and the benefits to you. Choosing an experienced installer like Smith Sustainable Design will give you peace of mind throughout the installation process and help to ensure that your system will perform properly for years to come.

Geothermal heating systems don’t just require a heat pump. To create a system that can really keep you comfortable, proper ventilation is a must. Homes today are insulated very well to keep heat and conditioned air inside, reducing energy waste. Unfortunately, all this air sealing restricts ventilation.

Proper ventilation is necessary to keep you breathing fresh air indoors. Without proper ventilation, indoor air quality suffers drastically. Pollutants and humidity can easily build up without ventilation, diminishing your indoor air quality and contributing to various problems with your health and your home.

Air tight homes with geothermal heating systems need to have ventilation systems in place. Air exchangers can be used to minimize the loss of heating and cooling while providing fresh air. Common features of air exchangers include heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV). Using HRV, an air exchanger transfers heat that is contained in air which is exhausted from the home to the fresh air coming inside. It eliminates the mixing of stale air with fresh air while still retaining your heat energy. ERV works to control the amount of humidity entering the home through fresh air supplies.

Don’t overlook the importance of a ventilation system when you install a geothermal heating system. Proper ventilation protects your home from damage and can prevent health issues caused by poor indoor air quality. Smith Sustainable Design is a geothermal heating system contractor in New Jersey who also installs important ventilation components. For more information about the benefits of proper ventilation, give us a call today.

Maintaining the right temperature is essential to maintaining your comfort. One factor that affects your geothermal heat system’s ability to maintain your comfort is humidity. When you use a geothermal heat system, it’s important to manage humidity levels by using a whole home dehumidifier.

Many people don’t realize how much humidity can affect one’s comfort. Too much humidity indoors can leave you feeling sticky, like you’ve been outside on a humid summer day- nobody wants to feel that way inside. It can cause your skin to feel clammy and even cause odors throughout your home.

Using a whole home dehumidifier with your geothermal heat system will help you improve indoor air quality. Excessive moisture is one of the many factors than diminishes indoor air quality and can affect your health. A whole home dehumidifier improves filtration and ventilation, along with providing moisture control.

A whole home dehumidifier manages indoor humidity to keep you comfortable and protect your home. Too much humidity can cause damage to your home’s interior and structure. Moisture affects woodwork such as flooring, trim, cabinetry, and furnishings. Excessive moisture can cause paint and decorative finishes to crack or peel. When humidity levels are not controlled in your home, the excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause serious damage to your home.

A whole home dehumidifier can improve the performance of your geothermal heat system and your home. Smith Sustainable Design provides quality geothermal heat system installation and design, as well as installation of whole home dehumidifiers. For more information about how dehumidification solutions can improve moisture control and air quality in your home, contact us.