Geothermal Heating Systems in Lethbridge
The team at Cam Air Refrigeration & Heating can install a Bosch geothermal heating system for commercial clients in Lethbridge. Geothermal systems use the earth as a heat source and a heat sink. In order to transfer heat to or from a structure, heat exchangers, known as ground loops, are installed which either heats or cools the structure.
Call to learn more about a geothermal heating system.
Why Bosch Geothermal?
Flexibility & Comfort
Depending on the season, Bosch systems allow you to heat or cool your home. Experience a greater level of comfort without the hot spots from a conventional system. Bosch units can be equipped with the ability to recover "waste" heat from the compressor to heat the water virtually for free, saving you extra dollars in your hot water bill.
Environmentally Friendly
Bosch's green technology is the most environmentally friendly way to cool and heat your home. The system has no carbon dioxide emissions or any other negative effects on the environment. Bosch Geothermal installations have the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible for climate change.
Quiet Operation
Customer satisfaction is our number one goal!
Bosch units come equipped with a unique floating base pan and an optional compressor blanket that turn their units into the quietest ones available.
Lower Operating Costs
Bosch's technology helps save up to 70% on your energy bills for heating, cooling and hot water because of the more efficient operation compared to conventional systems. Simple payback could be as short as 5 to 7 years and you can experience costs savings from the beginning.
Warranty
With limited residential warranty, you receive peace-of-mind knowing you will receive replacement parts protection for up to 10 years.
Components
Compressor: 10 years
Refrigerant circuit: 10 years
All other internal parts assembled by Bosch: 10 years
Labour Allowance
Refrigeration circuit parts: 10 years
All of internal parts: 10 years
How Geothermal Works
Geothermal systems use the earth as a heat source and a heat sink. In order to transfer heat to or from the house, heat exchangers (ground loops) are installed in the ground. These consist of high-density polyethylene plastic pipes. The loops are then connected to the heat pump and fluid is circulated between them transferring the heat between the heat pump and the earth.
Earth Coupling Options
Pond Loop System
When there is a nearby body of water available, the pipe coils can be place on the bottom to transfer heat to and from the water. For an average home at least 1/2 acre, 8ft deep body of water is usually sufficient. Pond loop is usually the least expensive loop system install
Well Water System
This design is only possible if there is sufficient ground water available in a well, lake or river in the area. The water must be of good quality. The system is open which means the water is pumped directly into the geothermal unit and then discharged either into a return well or a body of water. The water quality remains unaffected
Horizontal Loop System
Trenches four to seven feet deep are created and a series of parallel plastic pipes are laid inside them. These loops are manifolded and connected to the heat pump. The fluid is then circulated, absorbing or rejecting heat to the earth depending on the mode of operation. The loop ranges from 100 to 300 feet depending on the loop design.
Vertical Loop System
This type is used mainly in commercial buildings or where space is limited. Vertical holes 150 to 400 feet deep are drilled and a single loop of pipe with a U-tube at the bottom is installed. The vertical loops are connected to a horizontal underground header pipe that carried fluid to the unit. The earth's temperature is more stable farther below the surface which is an advantage for this system
Heating Mode
In HEATING mode, fluid in the loop absorbs heat from the earth. The Fluid is then transferred to the geothermal unit which distributes the warm air, by either conventional duct systems or radiant heat systems.
How It Works
During the HEATING mode, the refrigerant, hot gas, is pumped from the compressor to the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger via the reversing valve. In the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger coil, the heat is removed by the air that passes over the coil surface, and the hot gas condenses into a liquid. The air is circuited to the space and provides heating for the house. The refrigerant liquid then flows through a metering system to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. When evaporating into a gas, the liquid absorbs heat and cools the water. The heating cycle is competed when the refrigerant flows as a low-pressure gas through the reversing valve and back to the suction side of the compressor. In the winter the fluid in the ground loop extracts heat from the ground, raising the fluid temperature and circulates back to the heat pump in the house.
Cooling Mode
When in COOLING mode, the geothermal system is simply reversed. The warmer temperatures in your home are removed and transferred to the flood loop fluid. The heat in the fluid is deposited into the ground and fluid is cooled.
How it works
In the COOLING mode, hot gas is pumped from the compressor to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger via the reversing valve. Water, generally with antifreeze, flowing through the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger removes heat and the hot gas condenses into a liquid. This liquid then flows through a metering device to the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger coil. In evaporating into a gas, the liquid absorbs heat and cools and dehumidifies the air that passes over the coil surface. The cooling cycle is completed when the refrigerant flows as a low-pressure gas through the reversing valve and back to the suction side of the compressor. The fluid from the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger is pumped to the ground loop heat exchanger where it transfers the heat to the earth. The cooled fluid then flows back to the unit.
Cost & Payback
Reinventing Energy Efficiency
Geothermal heat pumps not only provide dependable, natural heat, they also provide you with more financial independence through the money the heat pumps can save.
- Geothermal heat pumps have the lowest life cycle cost today - 25% to 50% less than an conventional system.
- Savings up to 70% in your energy bill depending on location and which GSHPS you use.
- Will normally cost more than a conventional system, but will pay back the cost difference in a short period of time.
- In Canada, federal ecoEnergy grants are available to homeowners who complete approved energy efficiency retrofits. The amount is based on the nature of the retrofits that embrace more efficient heating systems.
- Extra money to invest on quality family time.
Heating Operation Cost Estimate
Estimated heating costs of operation for a building with 54,000 Btu/hr Design Heat Loss at -3 F.
Estimates based on the following energy costs:
Electricity - 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour
Natural Gas - $1.2 per therm
Propane - $1.75 per gallon
Oil - $2.25
Dry Wood - $230 per full cord
CO2 Emissions Estimate
Estimated CO2 emissions for a building with 54,000 Btu/hr Design Heat Loss at -3 F.
Estimates based on the following CO2 emissions rates:
Electricity - 0.76 CO2/KWH
Natural Gas - 110 lb CO2/MBTU
Propane - 126.7 lb CO2/MBTU
Oil - 188.6 lb CO2/MBTU
Dry Wood - 323.8lb CO2/MBTU
source: www.bosch-climate.us