Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should the ground heat exchanger pipe be installed?
The performance of a ground heat exchanger depends on several factors. The most influential factors are geographical location, soil temperature, moisture content, and the soil composition around the pipe. These conditions vary from area to area. In Hungary, under average soil conditions, the recommended pipe installation depth is 1.5–2.0 meters. The pipe should be installed at a minimum depth of 1.5 meters; however, if possible, aiming for a depth of 2.0 meters is recommended. This ensures more efficient operation of the heat exchanger.
Is the ground heat exchanger waterproof?
The ground heat exchanger is made of rigid plastic piping, which remains waterproof as long as it is not damaged during installation in the ground.
Does it cause a problem if water gets into the ground heat exchanger?
The geothermal insulation system is a closed system, so under normal conditions water cannot enter it. The ground heat exchanger pipe is waterproof, and the air gaps formed within the dog house are hermetically sealed. The humidity of the air inside the pipe does not cause any issues in operation. In extreme cases, if the dog house is standing in water above the upper level of the ground heat exchanger, water may enter the exchanger and block it. Once the water around the dog house has drained away, any water that has entered the heat exchanger must be pumped out.
What happens if the ground heat exchanger is not installed at a depth of 1.5 meters?
If the pipe is installed at a greater depth, it can heat more efficiently in winter and cool more effectively in summer. However, if it is installed at a shallower depth than the recommended installation depth, its efficiency will decrease.
Is it worth installing the ground heat exchanger at a greater depth?
It is possible, but we do not recommend installing the ground heat exchanger deeper than 2 meters, as the required excavation work becomes more significant while the increase in the heat exchanger’s efficiency is not proportionally high. It may result in a 1–2 °C increase in the internal temperature of the dog house in winter, or a similar decrease in summer.
If such an installation is still desired, it should be taken into account that the recommended pipe length may no longer be sufficient. In this case, a pipe of appropriate length for the desired depth must be obtained and installed.
What can be done if there is not enough sunlight and the battery capacity proves to be insufficient?
The solar-powered system is designed so that, even without sunlight, the fan can operate for 1–2 days using the batteries alone. When the sun shines again, the solar panel starts recharging the batteries while simultaneously powering the fan. If there is prolonged lack of sunlight and the batteries can no longer operate the fan, they can be replaced with fully charged batteries. Replacement must be carried out exclusively with batteries of the same type, equipped with over-discharge and overcharge protection.
How should it be cleaned?
The exterior and interior metal surfaces of the dog house, as well as the door components, should be cleaned using a solvent-free, mildly soapy, damp sponge or cloth. Be careful not to scratch the surfaces. During cleaning, avoid allowing water to flow into the interior of the house, as water entering the ground heat exchanger may cause blockage.
When designing the product, our goal was to create a dog house with unique features that is able to provide a comfortable space for dogs using only renewable geothermal energy, in a self-sustaining and fully autonomous way. During the design process, key considerations included sustainability, simplicity, and creating a durable, long-lasting construction.