Grants
Warranties
Collector - Heat Source
Heat Pump
Domestic Hot Water
Underfloor Heating
Costing
Construction
Is there any difference between the horizontal and vertical (bore hole) collector?
For a domestic build there is very little difference between the horizontal and vertical collectors when it comes to the efficiency of the system as they are both designed to meet the heat demand of that building. Bore holes are a better choice when natural cooling is required as is often the case with commercial and industrial projects.
How do I know which one is best for me?
Every site is different and some sites have no option but to use either vertical or horizontal. Your Nutherm representative will find the best heat source available on your site and maximise its potential.
What is the best soil type for a horizontal collector?
Your collecter will be designed by Nutherm to maximise the efficency of the system taking into account soil type, water content, orientation, gradient, etc.
How much land do I need for a horizontal collector?
The general rule of thumb is that you need at least twice the size of the floor space you are trying to heat. So, for example, if you are building a 300m2 house, you would need approximately 600m2 x 1m deep. This is assessed by a Nutherm representative for each project individually.
How deep are the bore holes?
Each bore hole is usually between 80m and 150m in depth but this will be determined specifically for each project.
I have water on my site, can I use this?
Surface water can be used in certain situations but careful forethought and design are required.
How do I know what size heat pump I need for my house?
The heating requirements for each building are assessed and calculated on an individual basis and a geothermal heat pump system is designed to match these needs following strict design guidelines.
Does the heat pump have to be inside the house? Where does the heat pump go?
Waterkotte heat pumps are designed to go inside the house. Because of the unusually high sophistication of the controls within the heat pump, the machine is best kept indoors somewhere warm and dry like the utility room. An outhouse or garage may be used but must be dry and weather tight. Special insulated ducting would be required in this instance where pipes are taken across open ground. Your Nu-therm representative will help with design.
Is the heat pump noisy?
Because the heat pump is made to go inside the house, every precaution has been taken to ensure it is the quietest it can be. There are anti-vibration, shock absorbers around the pump and the noise has often been compared to a fridge turning on.
Do I need solar panels or a back up immersion for my hot water?
The Waterkotte system that we use at Nutherm does NOT need any back up at all. It will be designed to provide hot water on demand for your needs, ie. number of showers and baths in the building.
Do I need power showers or electric showers?
The Waterkotte Heat Pump will provide all the hot water needed from a pressurised system thus eliminating the need for either power showers or electric showers. Guidelines will be provided for your plumber.
How do you install underfloor piping on the first floor?
Nutherm has several methods for installing the underfloor piping on the first floor. We provide diagrams for each build and our installer will explain each method on a site visit. To request a site visit, please click on ‘Contact Us'.
Can I use radiators upstairs?
Geothermal Heating Systems are at their most efficient when the heat distribution has a low flow temperature. Radiators typically need a flow temperature of between 40oC and 70oC. Underfloor heating requires a lower flow temperature and is therefore more efficient, however there are several options available where radiators are used in a project, for example, fan-assisted radiators, oversized radiators and aluminum radiators. Please contact a Nu-thern representative to establish the best option for your build.
I have heard that the heat pump can cost a lot to run after it is installed?
Unfortunately, there are many bad stories circulating about the cost of running heat pumps. And unfortunately, some are true! However, when a system is designed and installed properly, this can be an exceptionally economical way to heat your home. The official government figures are that savings of up to 75% are typical when compared to a central heating system with oil. For estimated running costs, please see www.sei.ie
Is Geothermal suitable for timber framed houses?
A geothermal heating system can be installed with any type of construction. Nu-therm will liase with your frame supplier to ensure a succesful outcome.