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NOBS

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Posts:1

05/11/2009 3:51 PM
Hey guys I'm new to the forums, Can anyone give me some information on earth tubes? Thanks

National Owner Builder Services: 951-304-7777

Polycore

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Posts:64

05/12/2009 2:59 PM
"Earth cooling tubes present an alternative for controlling temperature within residential and office buildings as well as greenhouses and other structures requiring temperature regulation. These tubes run underground and alter air's cooling or heating temperature before it is allowed into a home or office. En route, the air releases its heat to the surrounding soil so it becomes cool air when it reaches its target structure. If the soil surrounding the tubes is warmer than the air within, the air acquires heat so it becomes warm air when it reaches its target." source = http://www.tech-faq.com/earth-cooling-tubes.shtml

Polycore Canada Inc. www.polycorecanada.com 1-877-765-9267

Alton

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Posts:662

05/12/2009 4:39 PM
I have used earth tubes and I think it is critical that the tubes be sloped for drainage. Also be sure to protect the ends at grade with mesh to keep critters away. In some applications without grade being available I have seen the tubes protrude above the earth and then turn 90° so rain will not enter. My only concern for this type is that of moisture building up in the tubes. I have seen one building that had water in the ductwork that was below grade. Water could facilitate the growth of mold.

Alton C. Keown Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant Auburn, Alabama E-mail: alton at auburn dot edu

wes

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05/12/2009 4:50 PM
Alton, I have been interested earth tubes for many years, but have never used them. The condensation factor here in the south has always been an issue in my mind, as well. I have always assumed that some type of sloping to daylight, to allow for drainage, would be necessary. Aside from this issue, what are your experiences with earth tubes? How well do they work in our climate? I have also considered tieing the earth tubes to a box surrounding the outdoor compressor unit of an electric heat pump system, to stablize the temperature of the air used in its heating and cooling cycles. Any thoughts about that hairbrained idea?

Wes Shelby Design Systems Group Murray KY wandr@ainweb.net

Alton

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Posts:662

05/12/2009 7:04 PM
Wes, I just sent you an e-mail because I could not get this system to accept any of my text I wrote with WordPerfect. It used to work. Feel free to copy it to this forum if you think it would be helpful to anyone.

Alton C. Keown Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant Auburn, Alabama E-mail: alton at auburn dot edu

jonathanlandrum User is Offline

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05/18/2009 8:53 PM
New guy here and enjoy all the info. Is this setup different enough from the earth tube to work in a humid environment? http://mb-soft.com/solar/saving.html It's basically (if I understand it correctly) a closed system of underground pipes where the air is blown through and cooled off before it returns to the inside of the house. Jonathan

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