Frequently Asked Questions
How efficient is an Aqua Comfort geothermal system?An Aqua Comfort geothermal system is the most efficient heating and cooling system available today, providing heating, cooling and hot water operating cost savings of up to 70% versus fossil fuel systems.
Can one system provide both heating and cooling for my home? What about heating hot water?
An Aqua Comfort geothermal system can meet all your heating and cooling requirements. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick of your indoor thermostat. The hot water assist on your Aqua Comfort system can save you up to 60% on your hot water-heating bill.
What does an Aqua Comfort geothermal system mean for the environment?
Aqua Comfort geothermal systems work with nature, not against it. They emit no greenhouse gases, which have been linked to global warming, acid rain and other environmental hazards. All our systems use an earth loop antifreeze that will not harm the environment in the very unlikely event of a leak and they use R-410-A, a performance enhancing refrigerant that does not harm the ozone layer.
How does an Aqua Comfort geothermal system work?
Outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons, but underground temperatures don’t. Three to Six feet below the earth’s surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year round. Our geothermal system, which typically consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures to provide “free” energy. In winter, fluid circulating through the system’s earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth.
What makes an Aqua Comfort geothermal system different from fossil fuel systems?
Unlike ordinary systems, Aqua Comfort geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat; they simply transfer heat to and from the earth to provide a more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling.
Are all geothermal heat pumps alike?
NO!! There are different kinds of geothermal heat pumps designed for specific applications. Many geothermal heat pumps, for example, are intended for use only with higher temperature ground water encountered in open-loop applications. Aqua Comfort geothermal systems are designed to operate efficiently in entering water temperatures as low as 20 degrees F and as high as 120 degrees F. This means that you are assured of excellent and economical operation (increased savings) through a wide range of conditions that no other geothermal system can meet. It is important to note that although most geothermal heat pumps provide air conditioning, there are a few brands that are designed only for winter heating.
Will the minimum entering water temperature (EWT) affect which geothermal heat pump I use?
YES. In open loop systems (used primarily in Florida) the EWT ranges from the 70s in the southern US to the 40s in Canada. All heat pumps can handle temperatures in the moderate-to-warm range. Closed loop systems encounter EWT’s below freezing (down to 20 degrees F) and up to 120 degrees F. Unlike Aqua Comfort, not all geothermal heat pumps will operate efficiently at these temperatures, resulting in higher operating costs and reduced savings versus Aqua Comfort.
What are the components of a geothermal system?
The three main components are the Aqua Comfort geothermal heat pump unit, the geothermal loop and the air delivery system (ductwork).
What is a closed loop system?
A closed loop system uses a continuous loop of buried polyethylene pipe. The pipe is connected to the indoor heat pump to form a sealed, underground loop through which the environmentally friendly antifreeze-and-water solution is circulated. A closed loop system constantly re-circulates the heat transferring solution in pressurized pipe, unlike an open loop system that consumes water from a well. Where applicable, closed loops are trenched horizontally in areas adjacent to the building. However when adequate land is not available, loops are vertically bored.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the horizontal and vertical loop installations, respectively?
Horizontal installations are simpler and significantly less expensive than vertical installations. However where land is limited or very rocky a vertical installation may be your only alternative. Where applications are horizontal loop feasible (60-70% of the time) it is the installation of choice.
What about open loop systems?
Though typically less expensive than closed loop systems, open loop installations should only be considered under the most ideal conditions (a rare exception). The quality of the ground water which can be a maintenance nightmare, well pump costs, return well problems and the need to reject significant amounts of water (a 5 ton system will need to dispose of over 6,000 gallons of water every 12 hours) are all problems that eliminate open loop options in nearly all cases.
Does the earth loop pipe system really work?
The buried pipe, or earth loop, was an important technical advancement in heat pump technology. The idea of burying pipe in the ground to gather heat energy originated in the 1940’s. However advanced heat pump designs and pipe materials, introduced in the mid 1980’s have combined to make geothermal heat pump systems the most efficient heating and cooling system available today.
Do I need a separate earth loop for heating and cooling?
No. The same loop works for both. To switch from heating to cooling, or vice versa, the flow of heat is simply reversed.
Will an earth loop affect my lawn or landscape?
No. Research has proven that loops have no adverse effect on grass, trees or shrubs. The installation of the loop, horizontal or vertical will result in some lawn damage that can be easily restored with grass seed or sod.
Is an Aqua Comfort geothermal system difficult to install?
Let’s look at the three major components of the Aqua Comfort geothermal system: The geothermal heat pump unit , which is comparable in size to fossil fuel heating units, are simple to install in either new construction or when replacing an existing fossil fuel forced air system. The unit is connected to the loop via a flow center. Installation and hook-up of the geothermal unit is usually done in less than a day. The earth loop, either horizontal or vertical, can be installed in one or two days and must be installed by a qualified installation specialist. The geothermal unit can be easily connected to the ductwork delivery system much the same as any other heating/cooling system.
I have ductwork, but will it work with this system?
In all probability, yes. Your installing contractor should be able to determine ductwork requirements and any minor modifications, if needed.
How long will my Aqua Comfort geothermal system last?
Aqua Comfort geothermal systems are durable and highly reliable. All Aqua Comfort systems incorporate the highest performance components (dual capacity compressors, variable speed fan motors, premier microprocessor controls) and are certified for performance by independent testing to meet and exceed Energy Star ratings. Independent testing confirms that the life expectancy of a typical geothermal unit is 24.7 years, nearly ten years longer than fossil fuel heating units and typical air conditioning units. All Aqua Comfort earth loop material is warranted for 55 years.
How can I be sure that my Aqua Comfort system is sized properly?
All Aqua Comfort geothermal systems are sized by heat transfer engineers and trained dealer specialists to insure proper sizing that guarantees optimum performance, long life expectancy and the lowest operating costs.
Is an additional heat source necessary in cold weather climates?
An Aqua Comfort geothermal system can provide all the heat necessary even in the coldest weather. Our sizing experts will ensure that your geothermal system will be the most economical and cost effective system necessary, which typically means little or no backup heat. By code, all systems require a back up heat source in case of emergency.
How noisy is an Aqua Comfort system?
All Aqua Comfort systems are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside and outside. With no noisy outdoor A/C units, our system will not disturb your outdoor activities or your neighbors.
How safe is an Aqua Comfort system?
Our systems are safe and protected. With no exposed outdoor equipment, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. Aqua Comfort systems have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.
What about comfort?
Your Aqua Comfort geothermal system moves warm air (90-105 degrees F) throughout your home or business via standard ductwork. An even comfort level is created because the warm air saturates the building with warmth more evenly. This helps eliminate hot or cold spots as well as the blasts of heat common with fossil fuel furnaces.
How much does an Aqua Comfort geothermal system cost?
The initial investment for an Aqua Comfort geothermal system is greater than that of a conventional system. However with greatly reduced operating costs, energy savings quickly offset the initial purchase price difference. In most case if you are financing the cost of the geothermal system you will be cash flow positive immediately, which means the monthly cost of your geothermal system purchase is less than your monthly operating cost savings. This means money in your pocket immediately. And don’t forget the 30% federal tax incentive and utility rebates which will put even more money back in your pocket.
Will I have to add insulation to my home or change my windows if I install an Aqua Comfort system?
An Aqua Comfort system will reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly regardless of how well your home is insulated. Many of our systems are installed on existing homes without any other changes to home resulting in thousands of dollars in savings annually. In new homes insulating and weatherizing are factors in gaining the maximum amount of savings from any type of heating and cooling system.
Do I need to increase the size of my electric service?
Aqua Comfort geothermal systems are designed to use minimal, if any, electric resistance heat, so existing service is adequate in most cases. Generally a 200 amp service will have enough capacity and smaller amp service may be large enough in some cases.