Questions about Geothermal Systems
Below is the Free Source Energies Frequently Asked Questions Archive.You can use the Filter function below to narrow the search categories. This system will remember your most recent filter selection until you reset the filter.
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| Filter Results: 30 | |
| Category | Question/Answer |
| Efficiency | Question: Is it true that this system can help heat my hot water? Answer: Yes! Ground Source Heat Pumps can help provide supplemental hot water. In the summer months, most of your hot water requirements can be met; the system is less efficient at providing hot water in the winter months (since the system is reversed and heat is being brought into the building). |
| Efficiency | Question: Aren't Fossil Fuels cheaper to operate than a Heat Pump using electricity? Answer: Since fossil fuels must be burned to generate heat, they're limited to 100% of their heat content. While some fuels produce produce many BTUs, they are still limited to a maximum of 100% efficiency. GSHPs use the ground as its energy source and only require electricity to run the compressor; therefore they can typically achieve 300-600% efficiencies. What that means is that even if fossil fuels are cheap to purchase, they will not outperform a properly-sized GSHP. |
| Efficiency | Question: How efficient is a GSHP? Answer: Ground Source Heat Pumps are typically 50-70% more efficient than conventional systems. |
| Efficiency | Question: Will it be necessary to add insulation to my home with a GSHP? Answer: As with any heating and cooling system, the proper insulation and weatherization of any structure will maximize benefits and efficiency of a heating and cooling system, including GSHP. |
| Environment | Question: What does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say about Geothermal systems? Answer: Studies by the EPA have shown that Geothermal systems typically have the lowest life cycle cost (of operation) of all systems currently available. Furthermore, due to their high efficiencies, Geothermal systems have the highest positive impact on our environment by not requiring fossil fuels for operation or releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. |
| Environment | Question: Isn't it dangerous to have refrigerant buried in the ground? Answer: The Direct Exchange system uses the NU22 refrigerant. NU22 is the drop-in replacement for R22 (the current "freon" refrigerant used in most applications which is being phased out of use). NU22 is less harmful to the environment as it has an ozone depletion potential of zero. It's completely non-toxic, non-flammable, and has an A1 classification. For more information about NU22, please check the ICOR International website. |
| Environment | Question: How loud is the equipment? Answer: GSHP systems are very quiet, generally only producing the amount of noise as a typical refrigerator. As there's no exposed outdoor equipment, there's no fan to disturb outdoor activities. |
| Environment | Question: Do soil freezing conditions create any problems with GSHPs? Answer: No. As long as a GSHP system is properly designed and installed, problems with winter frost lines will be avoided. |
| General | Question: What is a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)? Answer: Ground Source Heat Pumps are electrically-powered systems that tap the stored energy of the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings. |
| General | Question: How does Direct Exchange differ from Water Source Geothermal? Answer: Direct Exchange (DX) Geothermal does not require water (and water pumps) in the heat transfer process. By removing a step of heat transfer (Water Source systems use water as a conductor between the ground and a heat pump), Direct Exchange systems are more efficient than Water Source systems. Furthermore, by using refrigerant for primary heat transfer, more BTUs can be transferred per cycle than in Water Source systems. |
| General | Question: Will the copper loops rot or otherwise degrade while buried in the ground? Answer: Copper is a noble metal and, in most soil conditions, is non-corrosive. Copper is also widely used in underground water lines. In highly acidic soils (where copper is most likely to corrode), the copper loops can be treated with another element (usually magnesium or zinc) to prevent the corrosion of copper. These situations are quite rare, however, and is unlikely to be necessary for most installations. |
| General | Question: How long does this system last? Answer: Since all of the components of the DX system are either underground or indoors, it is not subject to temperature changes or other environmental changes (weather). Since the copper material will not degrade in the ground and the refrigerant (NU22) has a lower operating pressure, the system is anticipated to last upwards of 50 years. |
| General | Question: How will a GSHP system save me money? Answer: Since the monthly operating costs and overall maintenance costs of a GSHP system are very low, most installations can be paid for in as little as three years. Since energy savings of a GSHP system generally exceed the payment for a system, a positive cash flow is created for the occupant. |
| General | Question: Do I need a supplemental heat source with a GSHP? Answer: All systems require an emergency backup system, but a heat pump properly sized and installed can provide all the heat necessary, even on the coldest winter morning. |
| General | Question: What if my yard is heavily shaded? Will this cause a problem with the system? Answer: No. The outdoor components of a GSHP are deep enough so as to utilize the more or less constant ground temperature. |
| Installation | Question: What exactly needs to go in the ground for a complete installation? Answer: Direct Exchange installations generally involve drilling three-inch holes near the building with a small drilling machine. Into each hole is inserted a copper loop and conductive grout material (which helps transfer heat). The loops are then connected to a manifold and all holes & trenches are covered, returning the landscape to its pre-drilling state. |
| Installation | Question: What happens if there's a leak? Answer: As the copper loop tubing which carries the refrigerant is seamless, it's highly unlikely a leak will occur post-installation. Should the system ever develop a leak, a service technician would need to first determine the source of the leak (generally at the manifold), then take the appropriate action to resolve the problem. |
| Installation | Question: Why does a GSHP installation cost more than a conventional HVAC system? Answer: The Direct Exchange system is a high-tech, sophisticated system which generally takes more time to install. Furthermore, many of the compoents of the system are expensive and only typically found in commercial heating and cooling equipment. These factors drive up the cost of installation. However, due to the tremendous efficiency of the system, it's monthly cost of operation is significantly less than a conventional system. This means a GSHP system will typically pay for itself within a few years. |
| Installation | Question: What effect will the ground coil have on my yard? Answer: Some excavation is required for proper installation of the ground coils. Once the system is installed and has been backfilled, grass can be re-seeded and your yard returned to its previous state. Since the ground coils are installed several feet under the surface, you will notice no significant adverse effects on your yard. |
| Installation | Question: How large is a GSHP? Answer: The interior equipment of a GSHP is about the same size or smaller than conventional equipment. |
| Installation | Question: Can GSHP systems be installed for large residential, commercial, or industrial buildings? Answer: Certainly! For larger systems, there are simply more pieces required. A properly sized and designed GSHP system can provide adequate heating and cooling for any size structure. |
| Installation | Question: What other costs are there for installation? Answer: In addition to the cost for the Direct Exchange system, you can expect an installation charge for any electrical work, ductwork, plumbing, or other adaptations to your home which may be required for a complete installation. Your installer should provide an estimate of these costs in advance. |
| Installation | Question: Are GSHP systems difficult to install? Answer: In most cases, GSHP systems are fairly straightforward to install. The primary difference versus conventional installation is the time required to complete an installation (generally two to three days). |
| Installation | Question: Can I purchase the equipment and install a GSHP myself? Answer: It is not recommended that anyone but a licensed professional, specifically trained in the installation of GSHP systems, perform a geothermal HVAC installation. Free Source Energies can provide you with a list of qualified installers in your area. |
| Installation | Question: How can I ensure proper installation? Answer: Free Source Energies provides training for its certified installers. As long as the equipment is being installed by a licensed and trained professional, you can be sure all steps for a proper installation were followed. |
| Installation | Question: Will my existing ductwork work with a GSHP? Answer: In most cases, the answer is yes. Your installer will be able to do an analysis on your existing ductwork and determine if modifications are necessary. |
| Installation | Question: Can a GSHP system be added to my existing heating system? Answer: Yes. These are typically referred to as dual-fuel systems. Dual-fuel systems use the GSHP as the primary heat source and a traditional furnace for auxilliary heat should it be necessary. |
| Rebates | Question: What sort of rebates or tax incentives are there for GSHP systems? Answer: There are many options available to you, including (but not limited to) government tax incentives for energy efficiency, local utility company rebates, renewable energy grants, and even Energy Efficient Mortgages. Contact Free Source Energies for more information! |
| Technology | Question: Is Geothermal technology new? Answer: No. Geothermal systems have been available and in use for over 30 years. With the recent rise in fuel prices, however, geothermal systems have become a more cost-effective way to provide a comfortable environment in buildings of all sizes. |
| Technology | Question: How does the system heat my hot water? Answer: GSHPs use what is referred to as a desuperheater to use waste heat to provide hot water. In the summer (while in cooling mode), hot water is produced for free as a result of the thermal process. In the winter (while in heating mode), the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. |
If you are unable to find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us for assistance!