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Geothermal radiant

GDA
GDA Member Posts: 3
in THE MAIN WALL
I'm going on the assumption that you are referring to ground source heat pumps as your heat source. When start-up is done in cold weather the flow thru the heat pump may need to be throttled to maintain a head pressure above that of the low pressure cut-out switch, gradually increase flow as the return temperature begins to climb.

Comments

  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    geothermal radiant

    Seems like a natural. I have two jobs just starting. Wondering what I should watch out for? Anybody have experience? I'm using closed loop system on both jobs. any insight is appreciated.
  • Andy Michl_2
    Andy Michl_2 Member Posts: 14


    Make sure that you use a buffer tank to keep the heat pump from short cycling. Just like any heating system longer on/off cycles help the equipment last longer and perform better. Other than that they work great and are very inexpensive to operate.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    fuel cost comparison

    Does anyone have a fuel cost comparator when using a heat pump vs. nat.gas boiler?
  • Earthfire
    Earthfire Member Posts: 543
    Costs

    Your heatpump supplier should have one and wrightsoft has one in their geo hvac package
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,601
    Well worth reading

    http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=11-80
    Retired and loving it.
  • Andy Michl_2
    Andy Michl_2 Member Posts: 14
    Cost comparrision

    If you go to www.hydroheat.com and click on the operating cost work sheet you can compare almost any system at a given fuel cost. I find this to be an excellent calulator. Hope this helps. Andy
  • Glenn Harrison
    Glenn Harrison Member Posts: 405
    Let me add one personal experience.

    Check with the heat pump manufactureres specs on the hottest water temp allowed. The company I work for has a customer with a radiant floor basement heated with geothermal, and after having the unit trip a safety I found out that the maximum water temp allowed from the unit is 120°F. So now the system is running cooler than designed and takes for ever to heat the slab.
  • GDA
    GDA Member Posts: 3
    Clarification

    When start-up is done in cold

    > weather the flow thru the heat pump may need to

    > be throttled to maintain a head pressure above

    > that of the low pressure cut-out switch,

    > gradually increase flow as the return temperature

    > begins to climb.



    A clarification of my statement about throttling the flow thru the heat pump. The flow to the floor system is what needs to be reduced and it is to maintain refigerant suction pressure above that of the low pressure cut-out switch, not maintain head pressure as I stated.
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