EarthLinked® Direct Exchange Geothermal System
The EarthLinked® direct exchange geothermal Heat Pump system works with nature to deliver the highest efficiency using the sun's energy stored in the earth. Rather than consuming fuel to produce heat, EarthLinked® transfers heat energy from the earth into your home in the winter, and the system removes heat and humidity in the summer. Because it takes less energy to transfer heat than create it, EarthLinked® delivers up to four times more energy than it uses.
EarthLinked® direct exchange geothermal system offers the most energy efficient means of heating and cooling in the Southeast. Transferring renewable energy from ground temperature reduces cooling costs an average of 30% as compared to a 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) air conditioner and reduces heating costs by 75% compared with electric heat. EarthLinked® returns investment "dividends" immediately because monthly energy savings exceed the amortized cost of the system.
EarthLinked® also delivers comfort. The system circulates crisp, dehumidified air in summer; in winter, it warms without the hot blast of gas furnaces.
A non-toxic heat-transfer refrigerant circulates through the EarthLinked® direct exchange geothermal system, while earlier geothermal systems used water mixed with ethylene glycol, more commonly known as antifreeze. The EarthLinked® loop of pipes is made of more resilient copper, while water-circulating geothermal systems use high density polyethylene (plastic) piping loops. If a water-sourced system loop breaks, its antifreeze mixture has the potential to seep into the aquifer. In the unlikely event the EarthLinked® copper loop should ever break, its refrigerant escapes into the atmosphere. With some installations dating back to 1980, EarthLinked® has never experienced a field failure of the copper pipe due to corrosion or mechanical damage. In addition, most water-source loops are warranteed by the loop manufacturer and not the geothermal manufacturer. EarthLinked® loops are provided and warranteed by Earthlinked Technologies in Lakeland, Florida.
EarthLinked® can save up to 75% of water-heating costs and can be used to heat swimming pools.
EarthLinked® offers two options for water heating:
a desuperheater that captures heat from the cooling cycle during the warmer months and moves it to the water heater, supplying free hot water;
a full-demand water heater supplying hot water needs year-round.
Ducting and air handlers in retrofitted homes can circulate air with only minor modifications if they are in good condition and are the appropriate size. EarthLinked® can be added to an existing fossil fuel furnace, which then becomes the backup system.
EarthLinked® direct exchange geothermal system advantages
water preheating is four times more efficient than electric resistance water heating;
faucet hot water is essentially free during summer months;
the system is unobtrusive and quiet – about the volume of an aquarium;
the unit is the size of a dorm room refrigerator and can be installed in a utility room or basement because air doesn't need to circulate over an exterior coil;
its exterior condenser/evaporator unit is buried out of sight, protected from theft, damage and weather;
EarthLinked® has the smallest geothermal heat pump on the market;
it also has the smallest earth loop footprint, which means it can be installed almost anywhere regardless of space constraints.
needs no Homeowner Association approval.
The EarthLinked® direct exchange geothermal system is better than air-sourced heat pumps because it:
saves from 40% to 60% in annual operating costs;
doesn't lose efficiency as outdoor air temperature drops;
isn't subject to freezing; no defrost cycle or supplemental heat required;
eliminates the exterior coil, fan motor and capacitor, defrost timer and ancillary wiring, making it more simple mechanically and electrically;
is more reliable and longer-lasting because of its simplicity and stable temperature source;
achieves high efficiency without needing variable speed compressors or multi-speed fans;
extends compressor life by reducing wear caused by temperature fluctuations in outdoor air and by preventing liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor;
provides energy demand charge reductions where applicable;
eliminates the need to landscape around the outdoor compressor unit.
EarthLinked® is better than water-circulating closed-loop geothermal systems because it:
costs about 20 percent less to operate;
is mechanically simpler, more reliable, easier to service, easier to install, and requires less maintenance;
uses 3-inch rather than 6-inch bore holes, resulting in lower installation costs, less loop per ton, and less grout;
eliminates the intermediate closed-loop plastic piping system, which must be purchased in parts, assembled on site, installed, filled with antifreeze and water, and pumped constantly during operation;
operates even the when earth-loop evaporator surface is enveloped in ice;
operates compressor, evaporator, and condenser more efficiently with EarthLinked® refrigerant flow controls;
has unique optional capability of water pre-heating "on demand" during any season or as a desuperheater.
EarthLinked® is better than other direct exchange geothermal systems because it:
provides more efficient operation of the compressor, evaporator, and condenser with EarthLinked® refrigerant flow controls;
allows for more earth loop installation options, including shorter vertical, diagonal and horizontal loops that are helpful options in new construction and retrofitting;
has the unique option of water heating full-time, water pre-heating during any season, or by using a desuperheater;
has system capacity and performance rating for specific geographical areas.
