Is installing a ground source heat pump affordable?

When you’re investing in new heating and cooling equipment for your home, one of the deciding factors will probably be cost. The cost of installation and energy is a top concern for many homeowners. Before choosing a ground source heat pump, you’ll want to know all the costs associated with installation and operation.

The cost of installing a ground source heat pump will vary from site to site. Different homes have different needs, varying heating and cooling loads, and type of earth loop available to the site, which will all factor into the final price. The heating and cooling loads can be effected by the size of the house and how well it is insulated. The yard size will determine  whether a horizontal or vertical earth loop can be installed. An open loop earth loop will new special township or county approval.

The federal government as well as many state and local programs offer incentives which can cut down the cost of installing a ground source heat pump for homeowners. With the federal tax credit alone, you may be eligible to receive up to 30 percent of the cost of installation back. Don’t count on these incentives unless you meet the qualifications. It’s best to call and verify your installation will be eligible before installing to avoid any surprises later.

Homeowners can also estimate how much it will cost to operate their new ground source heat pump ahead of time. Consider your home’s heating and cooling demand, and the efficiency of the ground source heat pump you’ll be installing. If you need help determining operation costs or your payback period, or to learn more about installing a ground source heat pump for your home, contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Types of geothermal heat pump systems

Geothermal heat pump systems are ideal for use in most homes due to their extreme efficiency and use of natural energy to heat and cool living spaces. When choosing a geothermal heat pump for your home, there are two different options which may be suitable for your application. Residential geothermal heat pump systems can be either water-to-water or water-to air heat pumps.

Water-to-water geothermal heat pump systems

A water-to-water geothermal heat pump system is used for radiant heating and cooling; domestic hot water; pool conditioning; ice and snow melt. They can be used in place of gas or oil furnaces which may be used in the home for heating water and indoor living spaces. These heat pumps work at their highest efficiency when the temperature variance between the ground and the heat sink inside the home is minimal.

A water-to-water geothermal heat pump can also be used to heat your home’s hot water. Many new geothermal heat pumps are equipped with desuperheaters, which allows excess heat from the compressor to be transferred to the domestic water heater. Using a geothermal heat pump is an effective, efficient way to provide for all your home’s heating needs.

Water-to-air geothermal heat pump systems

A water-to-air geothermal heat pump system is used for forced air heating and cooling a home and domestic hot water. These heat pumps use water as a heat sink, or the location where heat is rejected from inside the house. The air is then distributed in the home through the duct system. They function in the same manner as the water-to-water heat pumps.

To make your home’s geothermal heat pump system more efficient, you can take a few simple steps. Start by cutting your home’s heating and cooling requirements. This can be done through insulation as well as using windows for solar heat gain during colder months.

If you’re considering a geothermal heat pump system for your home, consult the professionals at Smith Sustainable Design. We can help you by designing an appropriate system to meet your home’s requirements.

Heating your home with geothermal heating systems

Heat pumps have been around for decades, and the technology has been improving ever since. Geothermal heating systems are considered one of the most effective and efficient methods for heating and cooling homes and businesses. With efficiencies of over 500% in some models, they can reduce home energy consumption by up to 75 percent while cutting carbon emissions by 70 percent or more.

Despite all the advantages they offer, geothermal heating systems aren't as widely used as conventional heating and cooling methods. The reasons behind this concern upfront costs, lack of knowledge about the systems, and inconsistent incentive initiatives. In the last few years, the federal government has been pushing tax credits for homeowners installing geothermal heating systems, which have allowed many more homeowners to take advantage of this efficient heating and cooling technology in their homes.

Geothermal heating systems perform better than air source heat pumps. While the air outside fluctuates in temperature, the ground below us remains at a steady temperature all year long. The lack of temperature variation in the heat source used by geothermal heating systems makes them more than twice as efficient compared to air source heat pumps.

Yes, geothermal heating systems are more expensive to install. They don’t just consist of the equipment you see in your home or outside like conventional forced air heating and cooling systems have. There is also the ground loop component which is comprised of hundreds of feet of pipes buried underground. The ground loop works with the heat pump to absorb and circulate heat from the earth up into your home.

The performance of your home’s geothermal heating system will depend on a few factors. First, the climate will play a role in determining your home’s heating demand. Second, the heating fuels you geothermal heating system is replacing will also play a role, as some fuels and heating equipment are more efficient than others, and more expensive. Replacing expensive heating fuels with a geothermal heating system will result in greater energy and monetary savings versus lower cost fuels.

Myths about geothermal heat systems

Geothermal heat systems are an excellent option for homeowners looking to heat and cool their homes efficiently and affordably. They are not usually found in homes as often as gas and oil heating and electric cooling equipment, so not all homeowners know about their advantages. If you’re not familiar with geothermal, it’s easy to believe some of the myths floating around about these systems. Get the facts instead and don’t buy into the myths about geothermal heating systems.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems aren't a renewable technology

Some people think that because these systems use a small amount of electricity, they are not a true renewable system. The truth is, a geothermal system moves up to 5 times the amount of heating and cooling for every unit of electricity they use. How’s that for efficiency?

Myth: You need a lot of space to install a geothermal heat system

The earth loop utilized by the geothermal system doesn't always have to be installed horizontally, covering a large area. In some installations, the loop can be laid vertically. This option makes it easy to install a geothermal heat system on a site with restricted space.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems are loud

One of the pluses to installing a geothermal heat system is the quiet operation. The heat pump component of the geothermal heat system is installed inside, so your neighbors wouldn't be affected even if it was noisy.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems only heat your home

A geothermal heat system can also provide cooling for your home, no need for two types of equipment. During the summer months, its process is reversed to remove warm air from your home and deposit it back into the earth.

Myth: Geothermal heat systems are too expensive

With the incentives available to homeowners installing geothermal heat systems, they may not be much more expensive than conventional heating and cooling systems. Plus, your geothermal heat system continues to pay you back as you use it with increased energy savings for your household.

Smart heating and cooling with geothermal

The sun’s energy is useful for generating electricity for your home. It’s also useful for heating and cooling, but not through the use of solar panel collectors. Geothermal heating and cooling systems also make use of the sun’s free energy using different collection methods. Ground loop components actually absorb heat caused by the sun from within the earth to heat your home, and deposit heat back into the earth for cooling.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer the highest level of energy savings compared to any home system. With geothermal, you can save as much as 70 percent on heating and cooling costs. This savings is made possible through the use of the sun’s energy stored within the earth, rather than fossil fuels.

Even when temperatures outside fluctuate, geothermal provides steady heating and cooling. It doesn't matter what the outside temperature is, because the temperature below ground always remains at a constant level. Usually, this temperature is between 50 and 55 degrees year round.

For heating purposes, geothermal heating and cooling systems offer the best return on your heating dollars. They are able to produce about 5 dollars’ worth of heat for every dollar spent for electricity. Even the most high efficiency furnace can’t do that. In fact, the best a high efficiency furnace can do is give you back about 98 cents’ worth of heating for every dollar spent on heating fuels; not much of a payback, is it?

For cooling, central air conditioners and air source heat pumps drop in efficiency as outdoor temperatures climb, which is typically when you want and need cooling the most. A geothermal heating and cooling system is much more efficient. Typically, they more than double the efficiency you’ll find with air source heat pumps and central air conditioners.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems don’t have exposed outdoor components. Everything you need is either below ground or housed within your home. Central air conditioners and air source heat pumps have outdoor components, leaving them vulnerable to damage, vandalism, and theft.

How do ground source heat pumps work?

Many people know that geothermal heat systems use the earth’s heat to provide heating for the home, but may be unsure of how this is achieved. The answer is simple: a heat pump. The system utilizes a ground source heat pump to move heat from within the earth into your home.

A geothermal heating system doesn't use combustible materials to heat your home like a gas or propane furnace does. Instead, it uses refrigerant to carry heat from one system component to the next. The compressor within the heat pump moves the refrigerant throughout the entire system.

In winter, the earth’s heat is absorbed by the ground loop and carried to the coaxial coil.  The inner coil contains the water from the ground loop, and the outer tube of the coil houses cold refrigerant. Through the walls of the coil, the heat from the ground loop’s water is passed to the refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant moves the heat to the compressor where it is pressurized. The pressure makes the refrigerant extremely hot.

Once the refrigerant is good and hot, it’s pumped through the air coil’s pipes and fins. When air is forced across the now-hot coil, heat is transferred into that air. A blower then moves the heated air through your duct system and into your home to heat the space.

Next, the refrigerant is moved to the expansion valve, where the pressure is low. The low pressure cools the refrigerant so it’s ready to move back to the coaxial coil. Once refrigerant returns to the coaxial coil, it is again ready to absorb the heat from water carried through the ground loop.

For cooling your home, the ground source heat pump simply works in reverse. Refrigerant will flow in the opposite direction and excess heat will be pulled from inside your home to be deposited back into the ground. This excess heat can also be used to heat water for your home.

Geothermal heating system installation and new construction

Are you planning to build a new home in the future? If so, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is how to heat and cool your home. Geothermal heating systems are efficient and environmentally friendly. New home construction is an ideal time to install a geothermal heating system.

Constructing a new home is the perfect time to install a geothermal system because of the ground loop that will need placed. While your building site is empty, it’s easy to lay the piping needed for the ground loop. When installing a geothermal heating system at an existing home, there are obstacles that must be worked around, such as the house itself, and landscaping that may have to be disturbed. With an unfinished site, the necessary components for the geothermal heating system can be placed before structures and landscaping are finished.

Choosing a geothermal heating system will provide you with great energy savings, above and beyond what can be achieved with high efficiency forced air heating and cooling equipment. The energy savings you’ll earn over the lifetime of your system can be reinvested into other items for your home, like upgraded fixtures and the other “wish list” items you've been wanting in a new home.

Installing a geothermal heating system will cost you more initially versus conventional oil or gas heating and cooling options. Don’t be put off by the price tag, as the energy savings this system will produce will allow it to pay for itself. Plus, your geothermal heating system installation will qualify you to receive a 30 percent tax credit, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. When you look at it that way, almost a third of the initial cost will be covered, which can take away some of the sticker shock for homeowners.

Free hot water with geothermal heat systems

When you choose a geothermal heat system to provide heating and cooling for your home, did you know you can also get free hot water? A desuperheater can be used with your geothermal heat pump to capture heat from the compressor, which is then modified for use in water heating. With greater efficiency and the added hot water bonus, who could pass up the value and utility of a geothermal heat system?

Using your geothermal heat system to also heat hot water provides significant cost savings. You won’t have to rely so much on that electric, natural gas, or propane water heater, so you’ll save on energy costs. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, homeowners who use geothermal for their hot water needs find that hot water generation can cost about 80 percent less versus traditional water heating methods.

Excess heat is created by the geothermal heat pump in both heating and cooling modes, though more is produced through cooling because you’re trying to get rid of the heat, not bring more inside. Rather than depositing the heat from your home into the earth through the ground loop, that heat can be used to heat your water instead, allowing you to utilize that heat waste. Using a desuperheater in the summertime can create most or even all of the hot water you need around the house. During the other season, the desuperheater will still provide some of the hot water you need, but you’ll still need to use your primary water heating method.

If you have questions about geothermal heat systems or using a desuperheater for your hot water needs, give us a call. The geothermal experts at Smith Sustainable Design are available to answer all your system and equipment questions. If you’re thinking of installing a geothermal heat system, consider adding a desuperheater to further maximize efficiency and energy savings at home.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems

When it comes time to choose a geothermal heat pump system for your home, which brand do you trust? Over one million homeowners in American have chosen ClimateMaster for their system’s needs. Learn more about ClimateMaster and see why their products make a great fit for your home.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems are extremely efficient. Versus conventional heating and cooling methods, their equipment is 400 to 600 percent efficient! With conventional high efficiency equipment, the best you’ll get is around 95 percent efficiency. With 4 to 6 times the efficiency of conventional heating and cooling methods, ClimateMaster heat pump systems offer savings of up to 80 percent on energy bills.

Heat pump systems by ClimateMaster are built to last. Their products are extremely durable and have a life expectancy of over 20 years- much longer than most traditional heating and cooling systems. Plus, their maintenance needs are very little.

ClimateMaster heat pump systems also offer the convenience of home cooling, so there is no need for separate air conditioning equipment. You will save on expensive cooling costs in the summer without an electric air conditioner. Plus, you won’t see those high gas bills in the winter, or have to worry about propane delivery!

When you choose a ClimateMaster heat pump system for your home, you’re also benefiting the environment. These high efficiency systems severely cut down your home’s use of fossil fuels and electricity, so your home contributes less carbon emissions. With geothermal heat pump systems, nearly all of the energy needed to heat and cool your home is renewable.

Smith Sustainable Design installs ClimateMaster heat pump systems for homeowners and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us today to learn more about how these great products can improve your home comfort.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems pay you back

When you install a geothermal heating and cooling system at your home or business locations, you’ll receive a big payback. Geothermal systems offer many benefits that traditional heating and cooling methods do not. The price you pay to upgrade to geothermal will surely result in a big payback to you.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are tried and true. This method of heating has actually been around for thousands of years! It is often viewed as a new technology, and while it has been perfected over the years by advancing technology, geothermal has been heating and cooling homes and businesses for longer than you may realize.

Other methods of heating and cooling don’t really pay you back. While upgrading to more energy efficient equipment promises energy savings, the improvement to your utility bills isn’t as drastic as you think. Geothermal heating and cooling systems cut energy bills by up to 80 percent- you’ll definitely notice that decrease on your monthly utility statements. These mechanical systems also have more moving parts compared to geothermal systems, and can require more maintenance and repairs, which ends up costing you more than a geothermal heat pump.

Old furnaces and air conditioners don’t always pay you back in improved comfort. Forced air systems can be noisy and can detract from the peace and serenity you’re trying to achieve inside your home. Plus, this forced air method falls short in providing consistent, even heating and cooling throughout your home- you can blame it for that one room that’s always too hot or too cold. Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer quitter operation and consistent temperatures throughout your living space.

By using a geothermal heating and cooling system, you’ll receive the payback of clean energy. You won’t be burning dirty fossil fuels and coal to create the energy your system needs- geothermal uses clean, natural energy straight from the earth! So you’ll be doing you part to help the environment while staying comfortable inside your home.

Control your home comfort with a heat pump system

There are many costs associated with maintaining and running your household. Keeping your home in order can be expensive. Creating the perfect home can be even more costly. Control your home comfort with a heat pump system.

The price of energy is a major contributor to the cost of maintaining a home. Gas, oil, and electricity prices are always fluctuating, and usually not in your favor. When your home’s comfort systems depend on these fuels for operation, you are at the mercy of your utility providers and have very little control over the cost of your comfort.

Improving the efficiency of these fuel consuming systems is one way you can try to reduce energy costs. Upgrading to newer, more efficient equipment may reduce your energy bills, but is it making that big of a difference for you? These types of upgrades typically offer noticeable improvements in utility consumption, but what if you could do better?

Switching to a heat pump system can drastically reduce your household’s energy consumption, making your comfort much more affordable! Using geothermal energy, a heat pump can heat and cool your home and even heat your water, while using renewable natural energy that is free!

With heat pump systems, homeowners can achieve heating and cooling efficiencies of 400 to 600 percent. Upgrades to an energy efficient gas furnace model can only offer about 95 percent efficiency at best. Upgrading to heat pump systems can save homeowners up to 80 percent on their monthly heating and cooling expenses, which is enough to really make a difference.

Take control of your utility usage and expenses. Control your home comfort with a new heat pump system. For quality equipment, installation, and service of your new heat pump system, contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Why is a geothermal heat system right for your home?

Your home’s HVAC system should be a top priority when it’s time to upgrade, update, or build a new home. Hot water, heating and cooling contribute to about 70 percent of your home’s energy usage, so choosing the right system to handle these needs can yield great savings. Some options can do little to save you energy, and may even increase your utility bills if they are not right for your home.

Geothermal heat systems are an excellent choice for most homeowners. What’s great about these systems is that they offer an efficiency of 400 to 600 percent- try and get that from a gas or oil furnace. Plus, installing a geothermal heat system will allow you to take advantage of the 30 percent federal tax credit. When you install a geothermal heat pump, you may even be able to take advantage of state and local programs which reward homeowners for choosing energy efficient appliances.

Geothermal heat systems can provide many comforts beyond heating. In summer months, your heat pump will reverse to cool your home- no air conditioning unit needed! Depending on the configuration of your system, hot water and floor heating can also be provided by this single system. With one efficient system doing all the work, you’ll open the door to energy savings all year long.

Choosing a geothermal heat system for your home is a green choice. With the power to reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 70 percent, you’ll also be reducing your home’s contribution to carbon emissions by replacing your old gas and oil powered systems. For homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods, geothermal heat systems are a smart choice.

Geothermal heat systems don’t take up a lot of space. You don’t need a large yard to have a ground loop installed. Plus, the heat pump equipment won’t consume a lot of space inside your home. The underground and indoor installation will also protect you from weather damage, theft, and vandalism.

Go green with a geothermal heating system

Homeowners today are looking for alternatives to make their home a greener place. From using recycled building materials to choosing energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to green a home. Installing a geothermal heating system is a significant step for homeowners, and one of the most environmentally friendly steps which can be taken, in the journey towards going green.

Geothermal heating systems use natural energy to heat and cool and home, not fossil fuels. Solar energy which hits the Earth’s surface every day is absorbed into the ground. A geothermal heating system taps into that energy. Using this energy source is very environmentally friendly, because fossil fuels are not burned and greenhouse gases are not emitted during the heating process.

While geothermal heating systems use natural energy, they also use this energy more efficiently. The temperature below ground stays at approximately 54 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, so the heat pump doesn’t use more energy to compensate for temperature fluctuations. Air source heat pumps use energy from the air outdoors, which as we know, can vary greatly even over the course of a day.

With these energy saving features, homeowners who have a geothermal heating system installed also save money. The average household benefits from energy savings of approximately 70 percent. Plus, water heating expenses can also be saved, as geothermal heating systems can be configured to provide hot water, too. A geothermal heating system allows you to use less energy for three of the major energy expenders in your home: heating, cooling, and water heating.

Choosing a geothermal heating system will help your home become a much greener place. Heating and cooling alone accounts for about 50 percent of the average home’s energy use- doesn’t this seem like the perfect place to start?

Make the switch to a geothermal heat system and save

Geothermal heat systems can be installed in existing homes. Often times, they are a great alternative to oil, propane, or natural gas. When it’s time to replace your current heating system, switching to geothermal can definitely help you save.

Homeowners who switch from oil, propane, or natural gas to a geothermal heating system are overall very pleased with the results. Besides from just heating your home, a geothermal heating system also offers cooling and  hot water assist, which can further reduce your costs. The hot water assist package can save homeowners about 60 percent on their domestic water heating. In the wintertime, geothermal heat systems offer comfortable, even heat throughout the home.

When switching to a geothermal heat system, your home may require a few alterations to maximize the efficiency of the new system. For instance, duct work will be evaluated and may be sealed to prevent air leaks which reduce the efficiency of the new system. Upgrades may need to be made to your electrical service to ensure the load created by the ground source heat pump can be handled.

When it’s time to replace your current heating system, consider replacing it with a geothermal heat system. Smith Sustainable Design can show you how switching to geothermal heat can be a benefit to your comfort and your wallet.

Ground Loop Sizing and Groundwater Levels: Important components of a geothermal heating and cooling system

Often during the hot summer months, New Jersey and Pennsylvania may go without rain for a period of time, creating drought conditions. While the brown grass is an obvious sign that the ground is dry, underground water levels are also subsiding. Lowered underground water levels affect the steady underground temperatures your geothermal heating and cooling system depend on to keep your home cool during the summer. Homeowners with horizontal loops which are not buried deep into the ground and those with inappropriately sized systems may experience cooling troubles during these dry periods.

When systems are undersized, there aren’t enough loops to exchange heat in the ground, which hurts during these dry times. More loops could be placed, but this investment would be pretty great just to solve a problem that only affects a home during extreme weather periods that aren’t typical.

Luckily, extreme droughts don’t seem to damage geothermal heating and cooling systems- they only affect their power to sufficiently cool the home. Your system has controls which will shut down if conditions that are too extreme for operation are detected. If this happens, simply call the installer to come check components such as water flow and refrigerant levels to ensure the system is in good condition.

Picking a quality geothermal heating and cooling system installer to do your initial installation and system design can help you combat the possibility of being affected during times of drought. The qualified installers at Smith Sustainable Design take these factors into consideration when designing your system to ensure you’ll receive optimal cooling when you need it. We’ll discuss the proper placement of ground loops and whether.

Storm proof your HVAC with a geothermal heating and cooling system

From hurricanes to hail storms and snow storms, New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents see their fair share of inclement weather. Outdoor HVAC components, like traditional air conditioner units, can be ravaged by bad storms. Flooding can cause underground fuel tanks used in heating to rise. The storms we experience can do a number on this equipment, rendering it useless or in need of expensive repairs.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a storm proof choice. Components are buried underground and housed inside your home. They are not subjected to harsh outdoor elements like other equipment is.

After Hurricane Sandy, many homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas began searching for information about geothermal heating and cooling systems. These homeowners had experienced major losses and were looking for alternatives to protect their heating and cooling systems from weather damage. Often times, homeowners were considering a switch to geothermal heating and cooling systems before damage was incurred, and decide to make the jump when their old equipment is damaged beyond repair.

The rise in geothermal heating and cooling system installations in the area poses great benefits to the homes and buildings where they are being added. The protected components will save owners money in the long run, sparing damage expenses and insurance damage claims. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are also reducing the emissions of the buildings where they are installed. With over 40 percent of the world’s energy use being consumed by buildings, geothermal heating and cooling systems are substantially lowering the amount of energy needed to fuel the heating and cooling needs.

If you’re looking for an HVAC alternative that can stand up even to the toughest weather conditions, consider a geothermal heating and cooling system. Smith Sustainable Design is an experienced geothermal heating and cooling system installer who can provide additional details of their benefits for your application.

What does a geothermal heating and cooling system do?

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.

Ground source heat pumps: ground loop design

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.

Geothermal Heat System Maintenance

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.

Utilizing geothermal heating and cooling systems for offices

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.

Factors affecting the cost of a geothermal heat pump system

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!

Reasons to install a geothermal heating and cooling system

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.

Hydronic Radiant Floors & Geothermal Heat Systems

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.

Choosing a geothermal heating system installer

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.

Ventilation is an important component for geothermal heating systems

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.

Control humidity when using a geothermal heat system

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.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems

When choosing a geothermal heating and cooling system, there are many models from many different manufacturers to choose from. At Smith Sustainable Design, we install systems built by several reputable manufacturers, including Hydron Module.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems are built with high quality components and excellent craftsmanship. These systems are made in America, and undergo rigorous testing to assure quality. Combining the best components with innovative design allows Hydron Module to offer quiet, efficient operation on systems that last longer than the competition. Heavy gauge steel cabinets are used to ensure tough construction and more protection compared to other brands.

Hydron Module systems offer higher heating capacities than competing models, meaning you’ll have less need for supplemental heating, saving you more on heating costs. Oversized heat exchangers which come standard on Hydron Module equipment exceed the efficiency levels required by ENERGY STAR for additional energy savings.

Hydron Module geothermal heating and cooling systems are flexible and appropriate for numerous applications. Go hybrid with a split system-combine with a new or existing furnace to provide for all your home’s air conditioning needs and 80-90% of your heating requirements. Hydron Module water-to-water systems offer chilled water for air conditioning, eliminating the need for a supplemental air conditioning unit. In fact, there is a Hydron Module system built to fit every residential application!

When choosing geothermal heating and cooling systems, there are many options available to you. The experts at Smith Sustainable Design offer reliable geothermal heating and cooling system design and installation, and can help you decide which equipment is best for your home. For more information about Hydron Module geothermal systems, contact us today.

The added benefits for installing geothermal heat systems

Yes, a geothermal heat system is a great energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home. In addition to energy savings, these systems offer another convenient benefit: radiant floor heating. What some may think of as a luxury, it’s easy to warm your floors with radiant heating when you have a geothermal system in place at home.

With a geothermal heat system, a hydronic radiant floor heating system can easily be added on. Hydronic systems use hot water to carry heat to areas within your home. A network of piping is laid below floors, and 

can even be used outdoors to melt snow off sidewalks and driveways.

Radiant floor heating is a great comfort feature to add in combination with geothermal heat systems. Imagine your feet hitting a nice, warm floor in the winter! These systems are also perfect for warming up cool tile flooring in kitchens and baths. When used with geothermal heating systems, radiant floor heating costs very little to operate.

With a geothermal heat system and radiant floor system in place, you’ll want to choose the right floor coverings to conduct the heat properly. The most common floor covering to use with radiant floor heating is ceramic tile, because this material conducts heat well and provides additional thermal storage. Other flooring materials such as vinyl, linoleum, and wood can be effective, but you’ll want to choose a material with minimal insulation. Carpet, for instance, is often thicker and includes a thick pad; to use carpet with radiant floor heating, choose a thinner carpet and dense pad for better results.

When installing a geothermal heat system, think of the additional comfort and benefit a hydronic radiant floor heating system can provide your family. Practical and convenient, these systems can be easily added to your geothermal heat system installation. Call Smith Sustainable Design for more details.

Our geothermal heating and cooling system components

When we design and install a geothermal heating and cooling system, we use quality, reliable components to ensure your system will operate effectively and efficiently for many years to come. At Smith Sustainable Design, we use components manufactured by Rehau, a leader in geothermal component design.

The RAUGEO™ line of components includes features that combine to create a more secure geothermal heating and cooling system. These components are cost effective and easier for us to install versus other manufacturers’ products, meaning less install time and expense for our homeowners. Here are some of the RAUGEO™ products we use:

• RAUGEO PEXa Pipe: This flexible piping material requires fewer fittings than HDPE piping, saving you money on additional components. RAUGEO PEXa piping provides excellent resistance to impact, earth movement, and rock impingement, and we trust it for its durability.
• EVERLOC Fittings: REHAU EVERLOC brass compression-sleeve fittings allow for secure connections between ground loop components. Their heat shrink wrap protects the fittings from corrosive soils which may be present.
• PRO-BALANCE XP Manifolds: By using a PRO-BALANCE XP manifold, we can easily optimize your geothermal heating and cooling system. These manifolds include balancing valves, flow meters, and isolation valves which allow for easy access and control of the ground loop.
• RAUGEO U-bends: Using the RAUGEO PEXa piping, bends can be bent in a tight 180-degree radius and cast in fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin, eliminating the need for connections and potential leaks.
• RAUGEO Double U-bends: These double u-bends extract more energy than the typical vertical loop components and offers higher security against ground loop failures. RAUGEO Double U-bends feature seamless technology, just as the single u-bends. These components are built to resist damage caused during borehole insertion and remove the risks associated with underground joints.

At Smith Sustainable Design, we use top-quality components to ensure our customers receive long-lasting performance and satisfaction with their geothermal heating and cooling system. We are confident that the products we install and the systems we design will offer you optimal energy savings and durability. For more information about the components we use when installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, contact Smith Sustainable Design anytime.