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This technology has been around for quite some time . It's becoming more popular in this area now because it's becoming more affordable depending on your particular options. It is very green technology and qualifies for LEEDS points on certain applications.
Geothermal vs. Ground Water vs. Water Furnace
Geothermal energy has been used to heat and air condition buildings for several decades, and, during that time, these geothermal systems have been called many different things. Some of the more popular variations include geo-thermal, geoexchange, ground-water, ground-water assisted, ground-water-source, water-to-water, and even our company name, water furnace heating and cooling.
All of these terms, though, convey the same thought: use of geothermal heat pump technology to tap the energy in the earth's surface and drive a heating and air conditioning system for both residential and commercial uses. The result is a green or natural heat pump that saves energy and benefits the environment.
Geothermal Applications
These "Boilerless/Towerless" Heat Pump systems use the natural thermal properties of the Earth to dissipate or capture heat for the water loop. Geothermal Heat Pumps operate in an identical fashion to Water-Source Heat Pump units. However, without the need for a boiler or cooling tower, they save substantial energy costs and space. The water loop after system is underground and the units are inside the building. Thus, the environmentally friendly geothermal system preserves the architectural design of a building naturally.
Geothermal Earth Loops
Geothermal Earth Loops come in several different configurations depending on space availability and soil properties. Chances are at some point you have either stood over, or walked across a geothermal loop field. Loop fields can be located under parking lots, landscaped areas, or any number of other locations. All earth loops use high-density polyethylene pipe to circulate either water or an antifreeze mixture. All joints and connection fittings are thermally fused to prevent leaks and most piping comes with a 25-year or longer warranty.
Vertical Loops
Vertical loops utilize bore holes drilled to an average depth of 250 feet. Once the loop pipe is inserted into the bore, it is grouted using a Bentonite mixture for maximum thermal conductivity. When space is a limited, vertical loops are the most common type of geothermal loop installed.
Horizontal Loops
Horizontal loops utilize trenches dug to an average depth of four to six feet. As one of the more cost effective loops to install, horizontal loops are commonly found in open fields, parks or under parking lots.
Lake Loops
Lake loops utilize a "slinky" assembly of geothermal loop piping placed at the bottom of a pond, lake, or other large body of water. An extremely cost effective loop system, lake loops are an easy alternative if the option is available.
For further information is this will fit your application Please give F&S Mechanical a call, we would be happy to go over your project with you. 201-686-2071
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