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Posts Tagged ‘Geothermal’

Springfield OR Geothermal FAQ: Which Geothermal System is Right for Me?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

If you’ve heard about geothermal loop systems and are interested in having one installed at your home, then you’re likely at the point where you’re wondering which loop system is right for you. At Comfort Flow Heating, we provide complete geothermal installation in Springfield, OR. We wanted to help our customers who were interested in geothermal installation but weren’t sure about which loop system was right for them. Here is a short description that we hope will help you ask the right questions during your consultation with your Springfield, OR geothermal specialist.

Geothermal Loop Configurations

There are a few different ways that geothermal loops can be configured in Springfield, OR. Here are some of them.

Horizontal – This configuration involves digging trenches that are about 4 feet deep and laying down the geothermal coils horizontally. This kind of configuration is ideal for new constructions and also for homes that have enough space for the loops.

Vertical – This type of geothermal loop configuration is ideal for larger buildings in Springfield, OR like schools or office complexes that need a long geothermal loop but don’t have the space. With this configuration, 4-inch wide holes are dug at least 20 feet apart. The holes can be anywhere from 100 to 400 feet in depth. The loops are buried in the holes and connected with horizontal pieces that run between them.

Water – If you live near a large enough lake or pond, you may be able to use a water-source geothermal system. In this system, the loops are suspended in the water at least 8 feet below the surface to avoid freezing.

The Open Loop – If the conditions are right, you might be able to use an open loop geothermal system. In this configuration, water is drawn directly from a water source like a stream or a lake. The water is pumped directly into your heat pump and then deposited back into the water source, into a well or some other suitable place. Many local codes need to be met in order for this to be done.

If you have any questions about geothermal installation in Springfield, OR call the heating experts at Comfort Flow Heating. Contact Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Is Geothermal Heating in Springfield, OR Right For Me?

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Geothermal heating systems are starting to gain more popularity in the Springfield, OR area. As fuel prices continue to rise, many people are starting to wonder if switching to a renewable energy source is a good decision. Geothermal systems offer a number of benefits to homeowners in the Springfield area. We’re going to explore how geothermal systems work, home requirements and some of the benefits.

What is a Geothermal Heating System?

If you dig down into the ground about 10 feet, the temperature there is a constant 55° F all year long—no matter what the temperature of the air is above it. Geothermal systems take advantage of the energy stored there to heat your home. They do this using two things: a series of coils buried in the ground and a heat pump.

How a Geothermal Heating System Works

Most traditional heating systems, like a furnace or boiler, create heat by consuming fuel. In contrast, a geothermal system moves heat from one place to another. Geothermal systems heat your home by collecting heat stores in the ground and transferring it into your home. Here’s how it works:

  1. Refrigerant is pumped through a series of coils and pipes in the ground.
  2. The refrigerant collects the heat from the ground.
  3. The heat pump in your house then extracts the heat by blowing air across a heat exchanger.
  4. The heat is delivered to your home through your ducts.

Is a Geothermal Heating System Right for Your Home?

The main consideration for many people who are interested in geothermal systems is space. Geothermal systems need a lot of room for the coils that are buried in the ground. Some homes in Springfield simply don’t have enough room for the coils.

If you would like to talk with a professional about the possibility of installing a geothermal system in your home in Springfield, contact Comfort Flow. We have years of experience working with geothermal systems and can quickly figure out if it’s a good choice for you.

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Springfield, OR Heating FAQ: Is It Time for a New Heating System?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Comfort Flow has been providing Springfield, OR heating services to customers throughout the area since 1961. That’s why customers trust us to help them with all their heating needs, including heating repairs, maintenance, and replacement services. If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s time for a new heating system, give us a call any time.

Meanwhile, here are a few questions to ask as you consider replacing your old heater with a new heating system:

Does your old heater cost too much to operate?

While your old heater may have given you many years of uninterrupted service, you could be paying more than you need to in heating bills. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system, or a heating system that runs on renewable energy, such as a geothermal heat pump system, could dramatically reduce your heating costs. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are other factors to consider before choosing to upgrade.

Does your current heating system need frequent or costly repairs?

If you are paying more money in repair costs than you normally would, it may be time for a heating replacement. We offer an energy savings agreement to help with the cost of preventive maintenance for your new heating system to help prevent repair needs, but eventually all heating systems will need to be replaced. Having to pay a large amount for a heating repair is another reason homeowners choose to replace their heating systems instead of repairing them.

Do you have hot or cold spots in your home?

While hot or cold spots in the home may just require a duct sealing service, inconsistent temperatures in your home could also indicate that it is time for a new heating system. Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider. These include the condition of other supporting equipment, the type and number of thermostats you have in your home, the level of insulation, and how well your home is sealed.

Does your heating system break down often?

If your heating system breaks down often, it could be due to age, improper installation, poor maintenance, or a number of other issues. In any case, frequent equipment failure is not only costly, but it leaves you without heat during the colder months of the year. It may be a more cost-effective decision to replace your heater with a new system, in addition to ensuring your comfort throughout the heating season.

Call the Springfield, OR heating experts at Comfort Flow if you would like to set up a consultation.

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