Climate Masters Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Geothermal Air Conditioning’

How Does a Geothermal System Cool?

Monday, June 15th, 2015

It may have only been over the last few years that you’ve heard of geothermal systems, but they’ve actually been around since the 1940s. However, with advancements in the heating and cooling industry, better products have made geothermal systems more accessible to homeowners than ever before. Geothermal systems work differently from traditional heating and cooling systems in that they utilize the ground to both heat and cool your home. We are going to look at how the system cools your home first.

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Should I Consider Geothermal Cooling for My Home?

Monday, April 6th, 2015

We are enjoying some great early spring temperatures, and while you may not need your air conditioning yet, you will in a few short weeks – do you have an air conditioning system you can rely on, or is it time for a new one? One of the benefits of installing a new air conditioner is the ability to choose a system that fits your needs, possibly better, than an existing one. If this is a brand new installation, you can start with a clean slate and install a system that will meet your needs and provide comfort for years. One system worth considering is a geothermal system. These systems utilize sustainable energy, and can provide your St. Augustine home with both heating and cooling, but they do require trained specialists for installation. First, let’s take a look at how the system works.

Sustainable Energy

Geothermal systems are comprised of a ground loop, a heat pump and ductwork or ductless blowers that deliver the warm or cool air to your home’s living spaces. The ground loop is buried beneath the frost line and contains an environmentally-friendly antifreeze. During the summer, the heat from your home is absorbed and transferred to the ground loop, where it is released into the surrounding soil; this is known as a heat sink. In the winter, the antifreeze in the ground loop absorbs the heat from the surrounding soil, sends it to the heat pump where it is concentrated, and disperses the heat to your home. There are no fossil fuels used and very little electricity.

Benefits of a Geothermal System

Here are some of the benefits a geothermal system offers:

  • Best energy efficiency available – geothermal systems actually give back 3-4 units of energy for every 1 unit of energy they expend, making them 300%-400% more energy efficient.
  • Longevity – the heat pump of a geothermal system is designed to last 20-25 years and the ground loop lasts 25-30 years.
  • Easier maintenance – there are very few moving parts on a geothermal system, so while annual maintenance should always be scheduled, the maintenance process is easier.

If you are concerned about your environment and are looking for a sustainable way to cool your home, call the geothermal specialists at Climate Masters today and schedule an appointment.

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How Does Geothermal Air Conditioning Work?

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Geothermal air conditioning is an innovative system that relies on the ambient temperature of the earth itself to cool your home. (The same principles can also be used to heat your home in the winter.) It can cost a fair amount to set up, because it involves placing tubing underneath the earth, but once established, it can save you a great deal of money on monthly bills as well as providing environmentally friendly energy that doesn’t produce any toxic side effects. Here in St. Augustine FL, geothermal air conditioning makes an attractive alternative to more traditional forms or cooling. But how does geothermal air conditioning work?

How Geothermal Air Conditioning Works

The earth itself retains a constant temperature, regardless of what the weather is like outside. The very top of the soil can be affected by temperature changes, but once you get down below a few feet, it’s going to stay the same temperature no matter what. A geothermal system uses this principle to facilitate a heat exchange. Coils are planted underneath the ground, through which a combination of water and antifreeze it pumped. Depending upon the circumstances, the mixture can either pull heat from the earth or release heat into the earth, which either cools or warms the mixture accordingly. It can then return to your home and be used to warm or cool the air.

Because there are few moving parts, a geothermal system doesn’t need much energy to operate, and it also runs a lower risk of repairs. (The coils, in particular, rarely need servicing, since they aren’t vulnerable to wear and tear.) Geothermal systems do require a large amount of property space, since the coils need to spread out, though in some circumstances, you can sink the coils vertically into the ground instead of spreading them horizontally across a shallow field.

For more on how geothermal air conditioning works, or to schedule an installation session, call on Climate Masters to help.

In St. Augustine FL, geothermal air conditioners work well, but they also face unique installation challenges that our team understands very well. Pick up the phone today and make an appointment.

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