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Geothermal Compontents that make up your geo HVAC system

What makes up a geothermal HVAC system? Find out exactly what will be installed

A geothermal HVAC system consists of several key components that work together to provide heating and cooling using the Earth’s stable underground temperature. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

1. Ground Loop

  • Piping System: The ground loop is a series of underground pipes, typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The pipes circulate a water-antifreeze solution or refrigerant, which transfers heat between the ground and the heat pump.
  • Types of Ground Loops:
    • Horizontal Loop: Pipes are buried in shallow trenches.
    • Vertical Loop: Pipes are drilled deep into the ground.
    • Pond/Lake Loop: Pipes are submerged in a body of water.

2. Heat Pump

  • The heat pump is the central unit that extracts heat from the ground (in heating mode) or dissipates heat into the ground (in cooling mode). It consists of the following sub-components:
    • Evaporator: Absorbs heat from the ground loop fluid.
    • Compressor: Compresses refrigerant to increase its temperature and pressure.
    • Condenser: Releases heat into the building (in heating mode) or into the ground (in cooling mode).
    • Expansion Valve: Regulates refrigerant flow, ensuring efficient heat transfer.

3. Air Delivery System (Ductwork)

  • Ductwork distributes the conditioned air (heated or cooled) throughout the building. The geothermal heat pump connects to the existing air distribution system in the home or building.

4. Desuperheater (Optional)

  • This is an additional component that helps capture excess heat generated by the system and uses it to preheat water for a hot water tank. It can reduce energy costs by supplementing the domestic hot water supply.

5. Circulator Pumps

  • These pumps circulate the water or antifreeze solution through the ground loop and the heat pump, ensuring constant fluid flow and efficient heat exchange.

6. Thermostat/Control System

  • The thermostat controls the operation of the geothermal heat pump, allowing users to set desired temperatures and switch between heating and cooling modes.

7. Auxiliary Heat (Optional)

  • Some systems include backup heating elements (like electric resistance heaters) to provide supplemental heat during extremely cold conditions when the geothermal system might need assistance.

These components work together to harness the Earth’s stable temperatures for efficient, sustainable heating and cooling.

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North Andover, MA

Dann Nicolosi, Homeowner

4/5
“Ultra Geothermal converted my duplex home from electric to baseboard heating to a forced air heating & cooling system with multiple zones. The price they gave me was very reasonable and I’m very pleased with the work and the performance of my new system. I would refer their services to anyone interested in any type of a heating & cooling system.”

Hillsborough, NH

Eric Ruben, Contractor

5/5
“I have been a contractor for over 20 years now on my own and now for a very reputable builder in the lakes region of New Hampshire. I have worked with many HVAC companies over the years and Ultra is by far the best company I have every worked with. They have been there through all my needs and they can do anything HVAC related and do it well. They have never let me down!”
5/5
“The EPA has published reports saying that geothermal is the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient system available. The average operating cost for heat, hot water and air conditioning is at least a 50 percent savings over a code-built home with fossil fuels. Responsibly installed, these systems can be quiet and comfortable.”

Skyline Industries

Valerie Tobin, Builder

5/5
“Ultra works within my schedule, does a thorough job, and stands behind its name and its products. They have constantly tried to go out and find products that are both cost effective and energy efficient.”