Installation Process
This example illustrates installation of an in-floor hydronic heating system, also known as in-floor and in-slab heating. As an alternative, radiators can be supplied.
Phase 1 – installing the heating system
As part of the overall system design and to ensure energy efficiency we advise you to instruct your builder to add insulation to the concrete slab and if necessary, thermal breaks. Once this is completed a network of in-floor heating pipes is tied to the reinforcing mesh of the concrete slab. The concrete slab is poured, embedding the in-floor heating pipes within the concrete floor. Later, when heated water is circulated through the pipes, the concrete slab warms up and radiates heat into the rooms.
Phase 2 – installing the captor field
The heat collecting area is excavated near to your property to a depth of between 50 and 60 cm. For a Home Heating system the excavated area would be between 200m² and 300m². For a Hot Water system the area would be approximately 35m². The tubes of the Captor field are placed in the ground and then covered with soil. Later, this area can be grassed and incorporated with landscaping. To reduce the cost of earthworks we recommend excavation is carried out at the same time as house excavation or drain laying when earth moving machinery is on site. Alternatively, this can be done during landscaping.
Phase 3 – installing the compressor unit
Geothermal compressor units of up to 12kW are placed outside the building; larger units are installed either inside a garage or separate plant room. Prior to wall linings being fitted flow and return connection is made between the captor field and the unit/s and the heating manifold control and associated wiring.
Phase 4 – commissioning your system
Final connection and commissioning will generally take place towards the end of the build process usually at the same time as the lighting and plumbing fit outs.
Phase 5 – performance review
On hand-over or taking possession of the property, we return to check and confirm the efficiency of your system and following consultation with you make alterations to settings if necessary. An Owner’s Manual is supplied complete with all technical and system design information to assist in the operation and maintenance of your Next Energy Geothermal heating system.
For more information on any of the above please contact us.
