Chicago Weather Overview
The city of Chicago is commonly referred to as 'The Windy City'. However, this nickname was not originally based on the city's climate, but rather as a censorship of a New York newspaper. As far as weather goes, Chicago is actually windier compared to an average American city.
According to the Koppen climate classification system, a widely used global climate classification, Chicago has a climate described as “humid continental.” This type of climate is generally a seasonal temperature with a contrasting seasonal temperature. In other words, Chicago generally has hot or humid summers, as well as cold to extremely cold winters.
Based on latitude, Chicago's climate can be compared to that of Rome, Italy or Rhode Island. Additionally, the city's annual precipitation averages 35.82 inches, with prolonged but mild rains. It is not too dry or too wet in rain showers.
What is a geothermal system?
Residents living in Chicago, Illinois certainly need a heating and cooling system. These systems would keep the temperatures of your buildings at a comfortable level. Although most opt for conventional types of air conditioning, there is a much better alternative. This alternative is a geothermal system.
Geothermal cooling and heating systems use underground pipes. These tubes take advantage of the constant 55˚ Fahrenheit temperature of the Earth's surface to provide people with regulated thermal comfort.
According to an annual supply chain report by the Environmental Law & Policy Center for Illinois, there are more than 130 companies across the state that manufacture and install geothermal systems. ELPC states that these companies are those that specialize exclusively in geothermal energy or those traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) companies that offer geothermal systems to their customers.
How it works?
The way a Geothermal System functions closely resembles that of a traditional heat pump system. Commonly found air source heat pumps provide thermal comfort by removing excess heat from a building and transferring it outside, exhausting it. Geothermal systems heat and cool a building by obtaining heat from the ground or water reservoirs.
These systems use underground piping with a mixture of water and refrigerant circulating inside. The refrigerant circulates through the tubes and works by absorbing heat from the water source or underground. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant is then transferred to the building's heat pump.
Without the use of fossil fuels, geothermal systems use a small amount of electricity to transport heat from one place to another.
Getting heat from the ground is understandable, but how exactly does a geothermal system get heat from bodies of water. Water absorbs heat and stores thermal energy derived from constant exposure to sunlight.
Seasons change and certain temperatures follow. The system provides heat to a building during the winter by collecting some of the heat from underground. It concentrates heat and pushes it into the building. During the summer, the process reverses. There is also a similarity to traditional HVAC in that heat is absorbed from the home and stored in the ground. In some cases, the heat collected from the building can be used to heat another part of the building that requires it or a swimming pool. This can also be done efficiently.
Geothermal system installation process
It is important to note that the intense installation process of geothermal systems requires a qualified professional company and is not a DIY project.
Geothermal systems require an in-ground heat exchanger. It is made up of a system of spiral tubes that can be closed or open. The most common type is a closed circuit in which a high-density polyethylene pipe must be buried underground. This piping system is buried vertically 100-400 feet deep or horizontally 4-6 feet deep. The positioning of the pipes depends on the customer's preference and the majority of their land area. The pump unit then delivers heated or cooled air into the building and circulates it through ventilation openings or ducts, which is similar to a conventional system.
Types:
Horizontal loops – these are considered available if the customer has a suitable ground surface. The tubes are coiled underground over a length of 30 to 120 meters.
Vertical Ties – ideal for smaller ground surfaces. Small diameter holes that can reach 75 to 300 feet are drilled with drilling equipment.
Pond (lake) loops – Considered economical when there is a water reservoir as it does not require excavation, thus minimizing excavation costs. The pipes are placed at the bottom of a pond or lake.
Open loop systems – this system uses groundwater as an energy source. It is considered the most economical of all types of geothermal systems.
Benefits
The common system used in most homes and establishments for refrigeration is conventional air conditioning. Just buy an air conditioning unit and it can be set for about an hour. However, this convenient type does not benefit the environment. It consumes a lot of energy and electricity and increases household electricity bills.
Lower utility bills – The main benefit of geothermal systems is that these units consume, by a large margin, less energy than air conditioners. These systems can efficiently heat and cool someone's home or business while using less energy.
Longer operating time – Although it requires electricity, its usage is much less. These systems can last a long time and are very reliable. Ground loops generally have a 50-year warranty.
Not accompanied by a noisy fan unit – Systems either provide heat or remove it silently due to the lack of an external fan unit.
Green technology – These are the most environmentally friendly systems to comfortably heat or cool a building. These systems are perfect for home and business owners who want to reduce their energy usage charges by a significant margin. To top it off, they can use an efficient heating and cooling system that is also environmentally friendly.
Geothermal System Providers Near or In Chicago
There are a considerable number of geothermal system providers in or near Chicago. By simply contacting a utility or engineering services provider you can be advised on the best geothermal system solution for your facility.
This is just a brief overview of how a geothermal system works and how it applies to Chicago residents and business owners. Price and efficiency depend on the suppliers, so choose wisely.