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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Erwin, TN
    Posts
    330

    Default Geothermal System

    Inspected A Geothermal system today, i haven't inspected a system like this before. It heated and cooled well, but was slow. Can anyone tell me have to report the tonage and age of this unit. Here is the system label. Thanks

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    My guess 53,000 btu, probably between a 3 ton and 4 ton unit. Circa 1994 is my guess.

    What do you mean by slow?


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Erwin, TN
    Posts
    330

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    By slow i mean not like a forced air heat pump, wasn't blowing hard and took about 5 mins. to show temp change


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    The water will circulate first then the compressor will kick on. It is likely a multi stage blower, dependent on temperature settings. One or two degrees above set point on thermostat will run in low mode, if you set the temp higher it will kick into higher output mode and increased fan speed.

    Temp output is likely in the 80-95 degree range.

    Also this unit looks like it has a super deheater which pre warms cold water and sends it onto the hot water heater. If incoming potable water is 47 deg. F. the waste heat from compressor boosts water temp to about 100-110 deg. F, and then the water heater heats it to 130-140 deg F. So it helps save on heating hot water.

    This is based on my knowledge of my geothermal heat pump stats and the super deheater on my hot water tank.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Western Montana
    Posts
    261

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    There is a bit of a learning curve in inspecting geo-thermal systems. And, they vary quite a bit in how they can be installed (forced air blower systems, radiant baseboard or floor heat, etc). Many of these units, especially in northern latitudes, will have an electric auxiliary heating element that kicks in during boost mode. So part of the challenge in evaluating if a system is working properly or not is to determine if the heat being produced is from the geothermal heat pump or the electric heating element. I ALWAYS include a disclaimer in my reports that indicate my inspection of complicated heating systems is limited, and recommend a more compete inspection by a factory certified tech. Repairs can be horribly expensive ($7,000), so I don't want to be stuck with a liability claim from a home buyer when it turns out that his heating system isn't working right.
    Water Furnace puts out an owners manual that contains some helpful info,
    http://www.waterfurnace.com/downloads/manuals/WFOM.pdf


  6. #6
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    The rating plate shows what electric heaters are available with this unit. The installer did not check off which one was used, or none was used. If a heater is installed it will have a sequencer that will determine how many stages of heat to use. 2 stages of electric heat are listed for all of the heater models on the tag.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Re: Geothermal System

    It's on the nampate. (lower left corner)

    Cooling: 49 MBTH - 4 tons.

    Ken Amelin
    Cape Cod's Best Inspection Services
    www.midcapehomeinspection.com

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