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Last Post 02 Dec 2008 10:07 AM by greenmama07. 7 Replies.

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greenmama07 User is Offline

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Posts:3

01 Dec 2008 01:21 PM
We are planning on building a home and would like to use Geothermal. When I started researching over the summer and spoke to a company that installs it they spoke about open loop and closed loop and I even visited a house that had just installed it and they showed me the set up in basement ( I believe it was heat exchanger). Similar looking to furnace and she said that was about it nothing else. When we spoke to a builder over the weekend he was talking about a system that goes in the attic and some kind of condenser that sits above ground where they dig for system. I've never read or heard about this type of system, does anyone know what the heck he's talking about and where I can get more info. I don't really like the idea of anything in the attic, I'd rather it in basement but I'm new to all this so what the heck do I know, it just sounds weird. thanks!

conniepangan User is Offline

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Posts:112

01 Dec 2008 03:31 PM
He's probably referring to a split system especially if you have 2 storey house and a basement. This is what I have in my retrofitted house.

geo fan

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Posts:408

01 Dec 2008 03:33 PM
The builder was likely talking about the air handler . If the home is single story , it can just as eisily be located in the basement with all the ductwork . Allot of builders prefer attic air handlers because it opens up head room in the basement ( for finishing ) . just remember if your ductwork goes in the basement and you decied to finish it there will be a few soffits . But Im with you from a service stand point nothing is better then a split system with a basement up airhandler ( also decreases your heat loss/ gain through ductwork ) just dont let them skimp on the wrap just because its in a cool basement.

greenmama07 User is Offline

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Posts:3

01 Dec 2008 04:10 PM
thanks. It is a ranch with basement. I know the company I spoke to likes to run ductwork from attic but didn't mention where they put air handler. I'll have to talk to them and builder more about it I guess and see who I feel more comfortable with getting it done. Still confused with outside condenser part.

geo fan

Basic Member

Posts:408

01 Dec 2008 04:39 PM
read the first thread it explains allot but basicly the system has 3 main parts air handler - which is what absorbs from / or releases heat to the air compressor - the engine of the system the earth tap / feild / in ac condenser- this is the piping that gets put in the ground and transfers heat to and from the system

joe.ami

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01 Dec 2008 08:45 PM
Outside condensers are okay. I'm not a big fan of air handlers in the attic. The biggest reason is during the cooling season you put recondensed moisture in a place where it can do the most harm. It is always my last choice. Packaged systems (vs splits) are always my first choice as they are assembled in a clean enviroment and enjoy much less site contamination than field assembled splits. All can work well. Contractor's references still highest on my list. Good luck, Joe

Joe Hardin www.amicontracting.com We Dig Comfort! www.doityourselfgeothermal.com Dig Your Own Comfort!

engineer

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Posts:2749

02 Dec 2008 07:30 AM
One of the biggest efficiency improvements you can make during the design phase is to place as much of the system as possible, air handler and all ductwork, within the insulated envelope of the building. Failing that, basements are preferred over attics since the ambient conditions are milder and it is easier to install and service the system. Other things being equal an easier, more accessible installation location will likely result in a tighter, more efficient, more code-compliant installation. The most important maintenance for a system is properly frequent air filter changes - that is more likely to get done if the air handler is more accessible. A split system (air handler separate from compressor, connected by refrigerant lines) allows more installation options, and possibly quieter operation albeit at a slight reduction in efficiency and an increase in installation complexity

Curt Kinder <br><br> The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is - Winston Churchill <br><br><a href="http://www.greenersolutionsair.com">www.greenersolutionsair.com</a>