GEOTHERMAL HEATING

GEOTHERMAL HEATING SOLUTIONS
FOR PENSACOLA, CRESTVIEW, BAKER, NICEVILLE, FL & BEYOND

Geothermal heating is the most advanced comfort system on the market today and Gordon Air Conditioning is proud to offer WaterFurnace® products. Geothermal systems will add value to your home.


WaterFurnace® geothermal heating and cooling moves heat with the Earth’s naturally stored energy. In the warmer months, heat is moved from your residence into the Earth and vice versa in the cooler months. With geothermal heating and cooling, there is not a unit on the outside of your home, making for a more pleasing landscape. All mechanical parts are located inside of your home and a properly installed WaterFurnace® geothermal system normally lasts 25 years versus 12 years for the typical heating and cooling systems available today. The double lifespan of the system is one of the selling points to a geothermal heating and cooling system.


WaterFurnace® geothermal systems rely on the Earth’s naturally stored energy to move heat and is done by the heat put off by the sun year-round. The heat makes the Earth's temperature fairly constant at 69 degrees and the mechanical part of the system makes up the temperature difference for the desired temperature inside your home. This is typically done using a polyethylene pipe and a geothermal service contractor (GSC) normally drills vertically into the Earth approximately 200 feet per ton, one hole per ton. It’s also important to know that there are three main options for installing the Earth loop, including the vertical loop, horizontal loop, and pond loop.


Cost is always a concern for any renovation project or new construction but thanks to the savings on less power alone, the system will pay for itself in as little as four years. Plus, there is also a payback on the equipment replacement cost since the average lifespan of a properly installed WaterFurnace® system is double the lifespan of a normal one. Another advantage to geothermal heating and cooling systems is that they produce as much as 75% of your domestic hot water. There is also less maintenance involved with a properly installed geothermal system since there is no outside unit, making them less prone to failure due to the scorching summer heat. Since a geothermal heating and cooling unit does not rely on outside temperature, there are no defrost controls needed like a typical heat pump.


The advantages to a WaterFurnace® heating and cooling system properly installed by the Gordon Air Conditioning professionals are the following:


● Low operational cost ● Free hot water ● Low humidity in the summer months ● Overall greater comfort ● Low maintenance

● Double life expectancy of equipment ● Quiet operation

GEOTHERMAL FAQS

What is a geothermal/geo-exchange heat pump?

A geothermal system is an electrical-powered home comfort system that uses the Earth’s stored energy to heat or cool your residential or commercial space.

How does it work?

A geothermal system relies on principles that are similar to a normal heat pump. The system moves heat from one place to another, from the Earth into your home in the winter and from your home back to the Earth in the summer.

How can a geothermal system transfer heat?

The Earth has the ability to absorb and retain heat, so in the winter, heat is extracted from it using a water or antifreeze solution, while in the summer, heat is sent back to the Earth through the same water or antifreeze solution. The geothermal system’s purpose is simply reversed based on the climate and the desired effect of heating or cooling.

How does it know when to heat and when to cool?

The same basic indoor thermostat we’ve used for years determines the amount of heating or cooling.

What methods are available to transfer the water?

Open loop and closed loop are the two basic methods of moving the water or antifreeze solutions.

What is a closed-loop system?

Closed loop means there is one continuous loop of special material used to transfer the water or antifreeze solution. The solution is re-circulated from the geothermal down into the Earth and back to the geothermal in a pressurized pipe.

Where can I put this loop?

The location of the loop depends on the amount of space available on your property. If you have a lot of land, the loops can be placed horizontally, or if the amount of land is limited, it can be placed vertically. A pond or lake can even be used in some situations.

Which loop is best?

There isn’t a “best” loop configuration for every geothermal system. Some vertical loops are great where drilling is easy and inexpensive, whereas some rockier areas may be better suited for horizontal looping.

How much pipe is used for the loops?

The amount of piping needed for the loops depends on the particular areas you are putting the geothermal system in. A horizontal loop typically needs 400-500 feet of piping per ton and the pipe needs to be buried in trenches normally 4-6 feet deep. The vertical loop typically takes 150-250 feet of piping per ton and the loop is placed in the hole with a U-Bend to allow the water to circulate. Speak with your mechanical contractor to learn which looping is right for you.

What kind of material is used for these loops?

Currently, polyethylene is the most widely used material for looping, but many different materials have been used in the past with different degrees of success.

How do polyethylene loops get connected together?

The loops are connected by heat fusion. Most fusion is done around 510°F using special tools and irons just for geothermal piping. Loop failure is certain if heat fusion isn’t used and barbs, screw fittings, clamps, and glued joints should never be used.

Will the loops be visible or affect my lawn?

The loops shouldn’t be visible and will not affect your lawn long-term. The initial installation of the loops will affect your lawn but will not be visible once the grass has grown back.

What about freezing?

The mechanical contractor you’re working with should be able to properly prepare your geothermal system for freezing conditions. Antifreeze is also for climates that need freeze protection.

Can I do the loops myself?

It’s not recommended that an individual performs loop installation. Heat fusion is critical for a long life expectancy of the geothermal system, and most manufacturers require schooling on proper heat fusion and Earth-to-loop contact. Poor installation can result in unsatisfactory performance and possible shortened equipment life, and the money saved (if any) will only be overshadowed by an uncomfortable home, higher utility bills, and more maintenance.

What kind of warranty do I get with the loop?

50 to 55 years is the standard warranty on the loop if the geothermal system is installed by a mechanical contractor.

How big are the pipes?

Normally, ¾” for the actual loop itself and 1 ¼” pipe going from the system to the loop field.

How much water is in the loops?

¾” pipe takes .028 gallons of water per foot, so an average three-ton loop would take approximately 40 gallons.

What kind of temperatures can I expect in a closed-loop system?

Temperatures range from the 40s in the northern states to the upper 90s in the southern states.

What are the drawbacks to closed-loop systems?

Cost is the main drawback to closed-loop systems, as drilling can be an expensive project.

What about using an open loop instead of a closed loop?

Open-loop geothermal systems have been used for years, but many areas no longer allow open-loop geothermal systems because they are bad for the environment since they may deplete water supplies. However, open loops are actually a great source of heat transfer since groundwater stays relatively the same temperature all year round.

What are the drawbacks to open-loop systems?

There are a couple of main drawbacks to open-loop systems, including a large amount of wasted water and possible mineral deposits, which can ruin your geothermal system causing major repair bills.

How hard is it to install a geothermal system?

The difficulty of installation varies from home to home, but new construction is the easiest as long as there is coordination between the homeowner, the builder, and the mechanical contractor. The only real drawback to installing geothermal equipment is the limited amount of space.

There is no outside unit?

One of the advantages of the geothermal system is the lack of an outside unit. Many people like that their system doesn’t affect the appeal of their landscape and that the average life expectancy is 20-25 years since the geothermal system doesn’t have to deal with exterior temperatures.

What about noise?

A well-built and properly installed geothermal system will give you years of quiet operation.

Can a geothermal system heat water?

Yes, the system makes hot water and can reduce your power consumption for hot water up to 60%, depending on the number of people using hot water in your residence. Geothermal systems also become more efficient when producing hot water.

Is there a gas version of geothermal?

No, but you can add a split geothermal system to a gas furnace. However, this isn’t normally performed because of the additional costs and lack of any real savings on utility consumption.

Can I use my existing ductwork?

Usually, yes but your ductwork should be checked to verify that there isn’t any leakage, and the proper sizing is used. You should consider changing the duct system on any HVAC system if there are a lot of leakages or you are sizing up your system.

How much supplemental heat will I need?

That amount of supplemental heat needed depends on your heat loss calculation, which your mechanical contractor should be able to provide for you.

How efficient is a geothermal heat pump?

Most geothermal systems are at least three times more efficient than fossil fuel systems.

What about the comfort levels of a geothermal system?

You can count on your geothermal system to give the highest possible comfort for the least amount of operating cost.

How much does a geothermal system cost?

Costs vary from region to region and depend on the loops you use. When thinking about costs, it’s also important to consider the lifecycle cost, operating cost, availability of resources, and maintenance costs.

Do you need to have a backup heating system?

No backup heat is typically required. In fact, according to our records, we haven’t installed auxiliary backup heating in a geothermal system since August 1999. There really isn’t a need for backup heat in a geothermal system since there isn’t a defrost cycle and outside temperatures do not impact geothermal systems as they do air-source heat pumps. (Added 10-10-02.)

Is hot water generated in all seasons or only in the summer when you are removing heat from the house?

Hot water is generated throughout the entire year, but only 100% of your domestic hot water will be generated 4 to 8 months out of the year. (Added 10-10-02 in regard to two people residing in the home.)

What should I look for if I am willing to make this kind of investment?

You should ask for referrals. Don’t be reluctant to request information on where the mechanical contractor is basing the size and projected operational cost. You should also ask the contractor for their qualifications and how long they have been in the business of installing geothermal systems.

Is there a particular brand that is better than the rest?

Look for the best contractor first, as even the best home comfort systems would leave you unsatisfied if it’s installed incorrectly. Expect to pay more and expect to get more.

HOW GEOTHERMAL LOOPS ARE INSTALLED

At Gordon Air Conditioning, we’ve been doing open loop geothermal installations since the early 1980s, but there always seemed to be water problems, whether it was getting rid of the water, wells running dry, or nasty buildup. So, since 1994, we’ve been installing closed-loop geothermal systems and had much better results.


One of the common questions we receive is how the loops are installed. We use specialized, high-quality equipment to drill into the Earth. After the drilling is done, it’s time for excavation, where the loop field is “header up” and brought into the house to connect to the geothermal flow center, which is then connected to the geothermal unit. After the installation process is complete, your yard should be back to its original condition.


Gordon Air Conditioning is proud to be the oldest Lennox® and WaterFurnace® dealer in Okaloosa and Walton counties, including Crestview, FL; Baker, FL; Niceville, FL; Valparaiso, FL; Destin, FL; Pensacola, FL; Mary Esther, FL; Shalimar, FL; and Fort Walton Beach, FL.


If you are interested in the benefits of a closed-loop geothermal heating system or to start the installation process, we encourage you to contact us today! We'd be happy to schedule an appointment with you to go over your options and discuss your project in greater detail!

A NOTE FROM THOMAS GORDON

With utility rebates, tax incentives, and media push, there are several companies “green washing” their products and/or trying to reinvent themselves with their green shirts, green business cards, and recycled letterhead.


At Gordon Air Conditioning, much like the country song, we were green before green was cool. Our first geothermal system was installed in 1981. Since then, we’ve stayed consistent as the second to third largest volume dealer for WaterFurnace® in Florida, although we’re the smallest company of the three. Some supposed experts are talking the big talk, but do they have geothermal in their house? Why not? If it’s so great, you would think they have it in their home. We’ve won award after award for doing homes right and putting our money where our mouth is by having geothermal in my last three personal homes, my parents’ home, and my sister’s home. All of the accolades for Gordon Air Conditioning can be seen at our office with case studies.


So why WaterFurnace®? In 1994, I was approached by Gulf Power and WaterFurnace® about offering closed-loop geothermal systems. Gordon Air Conditioning would be the first contractor in the area to offer this system, so I had the opportunity to look at every manufacturer. I found that WaterFurnace® was the best thing going after spending countless hours on the internet (which wasn’t like it is now), on the phone, and talking with the very few contractors offering geothermal.


In 2009, I went to a show for air conditioning and heating. There were 12 geothermal manufacturers there and I walked into each booth asking about their training, product, service, warranty, and pricing. First question, “Tell me about training.” Half of them did not offer any type of training. The other half said I could sell their product if I was a WaterFurnace® dealer. Think about that for a moment. In essence, they were saying if you sell WaterFurnace®, we feel confident that you can sell our product.


Why is that? What I’ve found in the geothermal world is that there is WaterFurnace® and then there’s everyone else. WaterFurnace® is the only major factory-direct manufacturer, so the number I called to order their equipment from is the same number I called about warranty issues, design questions, tech support, training opportunities, and even brochures. I looked at another brand that sounded promising, but they were manufacturer to distributor to contractor and that can make for a nightmare when trying to get tech support or solve warranty issues.


This leads to the WaterFurnace® brand. To my knowledge, WaterFurnace® is the only manufacturer that designs its own equipment and offers a total line of products from units to geolink piping to Earth coupling flow centers to thermostats to filters. Every other manufacturer I’ve looked at offers a unit and it’s up to the contractor to put the rest of the pieces together. Even the loop design software is by WaterFurnace®. I make one call to WaterFurnace® and get the entire system shipped directly to us.


Another major advantage to WaterFurnace® is the training. Some manufacturers offer zero training. But boy, oh boy, they have a great price! I went into a mansion on the south end of the county with some geothermal products that I had never heard of. The homeowner was having comfort problems partially because the installing contractor made some large fundamental errors in the loop design and the equipment looked (and sounded) like a beer can with a compressor in it. The homeowner told me it was cheap, and I said, “Yea, didn’t cost much either.” Unfortunately, geothermal technology took a beating on this home because it looked like he used a sprinkler guy with the cheapest junk out there.


So, in a nutshell, there’s a thin line between bragging and simply being confident. We’ve worked hard to couple the most award-winning air conditioning contractor in the southeast USA with the best manufacturer. As of this writing, we’re the only company offering factory-direct equipment with all the certifications and track records to prove we’re the place to go for geothermal heating and cooling.

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