Geothermal HVAC Blog

I have added a new device for my Geothermal HVAC monitoring system. I had ordered an HVAC8S device from ourcoolhouse.com that will monitor the HVAC calls from the thermostat.

This addition was prompted by the thermostat not operating correctly. This past winter the Humidifier was not working, see previous posts in this blog. But what was also not working was the 2nd stage call from the thermostat. That meant that instead of a multi-stage heat pump / air handler system, this last winter my system was operating as a single stage installation. This undoubtedly has cost me more in electicity this last winter.

The HVAC8S is intalled and operating. I have not yet added this new data into my real-time monitoring page. I now have the ability to track the daily run time, monthly run time, and current status (on/off) of the Fan, Stage1, Stage2, and Auxiliary/Emergency Heat. I already have Auxiliary/Emergency Heat monitoring on my monitoring page but that is ok.

I will be updating the blog when this new data is being displayed on the real-time monitoring page.

Well, after months of the Humidifier not working, it has finally been fixed. Originally it was thought to be a problem with the humidistat. I then called in an HVAC professional, since my installer kept blowing me off. After that visit it was determined that the problem was with the WaterFurnace thermostat. The humidifier worked when given 24 volts AC. The problem was in the thermostat in which 24vAC was not being sent. This was also verified by switching the fan setting from automatic to manual. What was expected was 24vAC would be detected on the fan call (Common and green wires). There was no voltage being sent.

Also noticed during the winter that the air handler fan was not working in second stage. It was noticeable when the fan kicked into high operation. I did not notice that this winter.

After the Tech from Optimal Energy ( Optimal Energy LLC ) replaced the thermostat with a newer WaterFurnace thermostat, all operated as it should. I had him check the rest of the system for proper performance. What was found was that my ground loop pressure was low as well. Now with these problems resolved, my HVAC system should be good to go.

I noticed back in early January that my Humidifer was not operating. Previous issues were that the humidifer was cycling very quickly on and off at times. I called my geothermal installer with the problem and was asked to do more troubleshooting. The humidifier finally quit and does not work now.

I called my Geothermal Installer. Not surprised that I needed to do some troubleshooting before anyone would be sent out to resolve the issue. I found that when installed, the 24 volt power was coming from the Bryant Air Handler not from a seperate transformer for the humidifier. I learned that the 24 volts was not present at the Air Handlers circuit board.

I relayed this information to my installer and due to other commitments, I was told to “sit tight", they’ll get back to me. Well, it is now near the end of February and no word from my installer. I have left numerous voice mails. I get the feeling that he doesn’t want to return my calls.

Needless to say that the humidifer is still not working. It is a really uncomfortable situation. Had I known the type of response I would get from my Geothermal Installer, I never would have had them install my HVAC system.

There is a new page for the ground temperature sensors. The page includes charts for the previous hour and meters which show the current temperature at depth. The page can be accessed directly at http://www.duanesworld.net/duanesworld.net.sensors.htm

Great News ….. The ground temperature sensors are operating and looking good.

I am excited to see how they perform this winter and how consistent the ground temperatures are

As expected, I see the temperatures of the firs four feet fluxuating quite a bit. The sensors below four feet are fairly stable.

The only concern I have is that I may have made a mistake in construction and did not provide any earth or insulation inside the 1/2 inch CPVC piping down to the sensors. This will propbably be the next generation of sensors or a modification to be made in the spring of 2008. A little late in the season to change things now.

Stay tuned ……