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1. What are the components of a geothermal heat-pump system?
The three main parts are the heat-pump unit, the liquid
heat-exchange medium (open or closed loop), and the
air-delivery system (ductwork).
2. Are all geothermal heat pumps alike?
No. There are different kinds of geothermal heat pumps
designed for specific applications. Many geothermal heat
pumps, for example, are intended for use only with higher
temperature ground water encountered in open-loop systems.
Others will operate at entering water temperatures as low as
25°F which are possible in closed-loop systems. Most
geothermal heat pumps provide summer air conditioning, but a
few brands are designed only for winter heating.
3. Will I have to add insulation to my home if I install one
of these systems?
Geothermal heat pumps will reduce your heating and cooling
costs regardless of how well your home is insulated.
However, insulating and weatherizing are key factors in
realizing the most savings from any type of heating and
cooling system.
4. Can a geothermal heat pump also heat water?
Yes. Using what's called a desuperheater, some types of
geothermal heat pumps can save you up to 50 percent on your
water-heating bill by preheating tank water. Desuperheaters
are standard on some units, optional on others. Some
geothermal models can provide all of your hot water needs on
demand at the same high efficiencies as the heating/cooling
cycles.
5. Can geothermal heat pump be added to my fossil fuel
furnace?
Split systems can easily be added to existing furnaces for
those wishing to have a dual-fuel heating system. Dual-fuel
systems use the heat pump as the main heating source and a
fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold
weather if additional heat is needed.
6. I have ductwork, but will it work with this system?
In all probability, yes. We can quickly tell you if any
ductwork requirements or minor modifications are needed.
7. Do I need to increase the size of my electric service?
Geothermal heat pumps don't use large amounts of resistance
heat, so your existing service may be adequate. Generally, a
200-amp service will have enough capacity, and smaller amp
services may be large enough in some cases.
8. What size heat pump will I require?
Geothermal heat pumps are sized to meet your cooling
requirements. Depending on your heating needs, a geothermal
heat pump will supply 80-100 percent of your design heating
load. Sizing the heat pump to handle your entire heating
needs may result in slightly lower heating costs, but the
savings may not offset the added cost of the larger heat
pump unit. |
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and Sons uses the latest technology by the some of the
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