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 Geothermal Basics
Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons but underground temperatures don’t. Four to six feet below the earth’s surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. A geothermal system, which typically consists of an indoor unit and a buried ground loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures to provide “free” energy. In winter, fluid circulating through the system’s loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. In indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature using a refrigeration process and distributes it throughout the building. In summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying it though the ground loop and dispersing it into the cooler earth.
Unlike ordinary systems, geothermal systems don’t burn fossil fuel to generate heat; they simply transfer heat to and from the earth to provide a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling. In most applications, electric power is used only to run the unit’s fan, compressor and pump. |
 Ground Loops
The ground loop transfers heat to and from the ground – eliminating the need for fossil fuels. It’s the heart of a geothermal system, and its biggest advantage over ordinary heating and cooling technologies. Ground loops come in two basic types. Closed loops, made of durable, high-density polyethylene pipe, are buried in the earth or submerged in a lake or pond. They transfer heat by circulating a solution of water and environmentally safe antifreeze. Open loops use ground water pumped from a well as a heat source.
The type of ground loop to use depends on the terrain, the cost of excavating or drilling, the availability of quality ground water and available space. Buchanan & Hall has experience in all types of ground loops and can help you make the best choice. Click here to learn more about the various types of ground loops |
 Variety of Geothermal System Applications
WaterFurnace geothermal units can be installed in a wide variety of installations – new or old homes, large or small. Although most systems are simply single units in a forced air application, geothermal systems can also be used for other types of installations.
Radiant Floor Heating
Some geothermal units can provide hot water for radiant floor applications, utilizing tubing encased in the floor. By circulating warm water through the tubing, the room is comfortably conditioned. Since the entire floor acts as a giant radiator, you’ll experience consistent comfort throughout the room from head to toe. Floors covered in tile, wood, linoleum or stone are kept toasty warm, even with bars feet. Basement floors or other concrete slab floors are also a perfect application for radiant heating. And with an individual thermostat in every room, you can simultaneously keep the bathroom floors at a higher temperature, your bedrooms and main living spaces warm and cozy, while just taking the chill off a basement floor; it’s completely up to you.
Domestic Hot Water
Homes with large demands for domestic or portable water heating will benefit from the exceptional efficiency of geothermal units. When used in conjunction with another geothermal unit to condition the air inside the home, the complete system provides the ultimate in savings and comfort with safe, reliable, quite performance.
Pool Heating
Units can also be utilized to heat water for pools and spas. You’ll find a geothermal unit will heat your pool or spa for much less than an ordinary pool heater. And compared to fossil fuel burning heaters, it’s much safer too, without the concerns associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Snow & Ice Melt
Using a geothermal unit, you can keep your sidewalks or driveway free of ice and snow during the winter months. Eliminate the hazards of walking on ice-covered sidewalks, forget the back breaking effort of shoveling snow.
Commercial Applications
In addition to being a smart choice for residential installations. Many commercial and institutional buildings utilize geothermal systemsincluding offices, retail, hotels, apartments/condos, resorts, schools, hospitals,assisted living centers and manufacturing facilities. |
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