GB, GC, GP, GW, GZ: Owners Manual
Manufacturer reserves the right to change, at any time, specifications and designs without notice and without obligations. 2
ACCESSORIES Other accessories, like zoning systems, humidifiers, high efficiency air cleaners etc., can also be used with your geothermal system to provide additional comfort, energy savings and improved indoor air quality. For instructions on operating these accessories, refer to the Owners Guides.
VARIABLE SPEED OPERATION If your geothermal unit is equipped with a two-stage compressor and variable speed blower, you may notice your system runs for longer periods of time. This system is designed to meet cooling or heating needs of the home at a wide range of conditions. During days when the outdoor temperature is moderate, operation in low speed or low stage is common. When the outdoor temperature is extreme, the unit will generally operate on high speed/high stage. Longer run times on the unit result in indoor temperature that is more consistent with fewer drafts, better humidity control, enhanced comfort and enhanced energy efficiency.
HEATING MODE During heating, your geothermal unit absorbs heat energy from the ground using the earth loop (or well water). This low intensity heat is transferred to refrigerant, intensified by the units compressor, and then transferred to the air through the indoor air coil. (When a water-to-water style geothermal unit is used, the unit heats water, not air, and delivers warm water to the homes hydronic heating system.) Unless you live in a climate that doesn't get very cold, your geothermal unit will likely have a back-up source of heat. This is done either with an auxiliary heat accessory or a fossil-fuel furnace. During extreme conditions, the geothermal unit may use the back-up electric resistance heater to supplement the output. If the geothermal unit is connected to a gas furnace, the geothermal system will turn off and allow the fossil-fuel furnace to operate during very cold temperatures. The outdoor temperature at which the auxiliary electric or fossil furnace is used is dependent upon how the geothermal unit was sized which determines its output capacity. The back-up source of heat (either auxiliary electric or fossil fuel furnace) is also activated in the unlikely event of a compressor failure in order to maintain heating comfort. (When a water-to-water style geothermal unit is installed, back-up heat, if used, is usually done with a boiler.)
COOLING MODE During cooling, your geothermal unit removes heat from the air in your home (just like an air conditioner). Unlike an ordinary air conditioner, the geothermal unit sends the unwanted heat into the ground. Heat is transferred from the indoor air, to the refrigerant, to the ground loop fluid (or well water), and into the ground. Because the ground temperatures are cooler than the outdoor air temperatures, a geothermal unit operates more efficiently than an ordinary air conditioner.
HOT WATER If your geothermal unit is equipped with the device that provides supplemental water heating, it will be connected to your water heater. During heating and cooling operation, your geothermal unit will move excess heat to a water line into the water heater by using a small pump. This water heating function is only operational during heating and cooling. The amount of hot water made by the geothermal unit varies based on several conditions, and is usually not sufficient to be the sole source of hot water. Your water heater will still be connected to electricity or fossil fuel so that you will have full capacity, regardless of the contribution by the geothermal unit.
GEOTHERMAL EARTH LOOP Your geothermal earth loop is the key to energy efficiency and performance. The pipe is made using high-density polyethylene with a formulation and specification to maximize the performance when buried in the ground or submerged in a pond. All outside/buried connections are made with heat fusion so there are no clamps or glues that can deteriorate over time. The pipe and connections dont rust, rot or corrode and should last for decades. Once the loop is installed, service is limited to ensuring that proper levels of pressure are maintained and the circulating pump(s) are operational to deliver the proper flow rate to the unit. The fluid in the loop may include anti-freeze to prevent the liquid from freezing.
WELL WATER / OPEN LOOP SYSTEM If your geothermal unit is connected to your water well rather than an earth loop, it is important to ensure that the proper water quality and flow rate is maintained. Some maintenance is usually required for these applications in order to keep the heat exchanger inside the geothermal unit free of any mineral build-up. Periodic cleaning is highly recommended. The frequency of this maintenance or cleaning is dependent upon the quality of water. Poor water quality will lead to reduced efficiency and capacity, along with the potential for premature failure or corrosion of the heat exchanger. Contact your dealer for recommendations on the service interval.
FILTERS One of the most important things you can do for your geothermal system is to keep the filter clean. A dirty filter causes excessive restriction of air flow, leading to operational conditions in the unit that could lead to high energy costs, poor comfort, excessive wear and tear, noise, and premature failure. Your geothermal dealer will be able to provide appropriate replacement filters.
OPERATION DURING CONSTRUCTION Your geothermal heat pump contains components that can be damaged by operation during the construction process. Contaminants like drywall dust, sawdust, and chemicals can cause damage and premature failure of your system. Although using an extremely high efficiency filter may seem like the right solution, the filter will load up quickly and may cause excessive pressures and operational stress on the components. Using a standard, lower efficiency filter will not provide adequate protection to the unit. Units that fail due to operation during construction will not be covered under the warranty. See your Warranty Certificate for details.
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