Product FAQ’s
Question: What effect does Direct Energy have on the environment?Answer: U.S. EPA and DOE have determined that ground source heat pumps have the lowest environmental impact of all heating systems and they reduce energy consumption and corresponding emissions up to 72% when compared to electric heat strips and standard air conditioning. The refrigerant used by Direct Energy is not toxic, and is the same as that currently used by a majority of the HVAC industry.
Question: How do the earth loops work?Answer: The standard compressor circulates fluid through either the earth loops (in the case of DX, with sufficient velocity to transport the lubricating oil through the system) or a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger while it is heating in the winter or reversing the flow for cooling in the summer.
Question: How do Direct Energy’sRefrigerant Flow Controls differ from others?Answer: The two controls in Direct Energy’s DX system are simple mechanical controls that respond directly to the temperature and velocity of refrigerant flow through the system. They modulate the amount of refrigerant in circulation to assure optimum efficiency at all times. By eliminating sub cooling in the condenser, the system operates at lower refrigerant “head” pressures with increased mass flow, which reduces energy consumption and increases heat transfer system reliability and useful life.
Question: Where is the compressor unit installed?Answer: Because the Direct Energy system does not require an outdoor coil and fan, the compressor unit can be located in a basement, utility room, garage or outdoors. A fully enclosed, well insulated cabinet assures quiet operation. Click to see photos and steps involved in an actual geothermal installation.
Question: Can the system be used to heat water?Answer: Yes. The Direct Energy water heating options include de superheating (providing “free” hot water in the cooling mode) and integrated “on-demand” for year-round domestic hot water. This unit can also provide hot water for radiant in-floor heating.
Question: Is the Direct Energy system ARI certified?Answer: Yes our systems are rated according to ARI (the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute).The average heating COP is 3.9, with a cooling mode EER of 17. The system is ETL safety listed and qualified under the EPA EnergyStar® program standards.