You may not know it, but your Virginia Beach home is sitting atop a powerful source of renewable energy. A geothermal HVAC installation is a great investment, but it often requires a considerable amount of space. To get started, let’s look at the key factors that can help determine whether geothermal is right for your home.
The Science of Geothermal Energy
Throughout the year, the weather in Virginia Beach varies from sticky summer heat to shiver-inducing cold. Just below the ground, however, temperatures are surprisingly consistent all year long. That means the ground can help cool the air during warm weather and warm the air during the winter months. To achieve this, geothermal heat pumps use a fluid-filled underground pipe system called a ground loop.
Selecting a Geothermal System
Broadly speaking, geothermal heat pumps can be differentiated by the type of ground loop they use. With horizontal ground loop systems, the pipes are buried in shallow trenches that spread over a wide area. These systems are more common and typically less costly to install, but they also require a great deal of space. Because installing these systems can be disruptive, they’re especially popular for new construction projects. By contrast, vertical ground loop systems are installed vertically into boreholes that may run hundreds of feet deep. Vertical loops make more efficient use of space, making them a preferred option for properties that can’t support horizontal ground loops.
The Geothermal HVAC Installation Process
Ultimately, the configuration of your ground loop is only one factor in determining how much space you’ll need. It’s also critical to consider how long your ground loop will need to be. This depends on your home’s heating and cooling requirements, with a longer ground loop offering a greater system capacity. Precision is essential, so you’ll need skilled heating and cooling professionals to help you calculate your home’s HVAC load requirements.
A geothermal heat pump isn’t ideal for every home, but it’s an outstanding option to consider. To get started, give us a call for comprehensive geothermal HVAC installation and evaluation services from Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.
