What is Geothermal Energy

Geothermal HVAC systems represent modern technology that is currently largely applied in the US and other parts of the world. Over a million Geo units have been put in place in various homes in the United States. The heating and cooling are attained via tapping of the earth’s crust heat. Scientifically, the earth can be described as a big storage bin that is able to trap and store the sun’s energy all through the day. The earth’s temperatures can differ based on various regions of the earth. In some regions, such as the U. S, the earth’s heat levels are between forty-five to fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. In other parts of the world, the heat levels can even go up to seventy degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The important point to note is that the geo-heating ventilation and air-conditioning unit can still deliver heating and cooling demands regardless of high or low heat ranges.

How the geothermal HVAC unit works
The unit is the means through which the untapped earth temperatures could become useful to man. As a result, man has developed large polyethylene pipe loops which are put in the ground. The loops are used to carry the liquid that is meant to absorb heat from the core of the earth. The heated liquid is then pumped to the heat pump located somewhere in your home. The liquid is also used to dispel excess heat into the ground during summer. Usually, a blend of water and glycol or water alone is the liquid mentioned above. An internal geo system consists of the part of the usual HVAC unit, including the fan, coil, compressor and refrigerant. However, its heat pump consists of an exterior housing with the necessary elements for dissipating or absorbing heat. There are two types of geothermal systems existing and they include the following.

Closed loop
To install this system you need enough outdoor space which would allow the installer to dig up horizontal or vertical trenches. The pipes are inserted in these shafts which are about sixty to two hundred feet below the ground. In this method, drilling is necessary and hence it could cost you lots of cash. Sometimes the HVAC professional may recommend that you install the loops in a lake or pond.

Open loop
This type must be used with a lake or pond where the loops are set up at the bottom. They are actually attached to a rack prior to being lowered to the bottom. As you probably guessed, this system cannot work without a water table known to exist in your land. Prior to making a decision to install it, the expert you intend to work with should make sure that there is groundwater in your place and that soil and other factors are okay.

Why Geothermal HVAC systems are beneficial
The survey reports that have been released by many utility companies reveal that geo units are more efficient than gas or oil furnaces. The systems are not linked to either noise or air pollution. The units are known to use less energy during heating and cooling cycles.