Newby Question about Desuperheaters

[timby]

Since I don't do HVAC work for a living I though that I would turned to the more learned folks on this site to ask a question....

I see Desuperheaters used on Geothermal HVAC systems. Why couldn't one be installed (option) for regular HVAC systems? I would think it would help remove the heat better and use some of that heat to preheat/heat DHW (especially down in the south).

Just a thought ....

[hvaclover]

I have yet to see a de-super heater on a split system unless they just arent showing them in the component break down.

[timby]

I have yet to see a de-super heater on a split system unless they just aren't showing them in the component break down.

IS there any reason they couldn't be installed on a standard HVAC system?

Would the cost be to prohibitive as Geo's seem to be a high end solution?

I wondered why these weren't an option other than they haven't been used in the past....

[beenthere]

There used on some systems, and they do help save money on your domestic hot water needs.

They are not cheap to install. So payback takes some time.

[timby]

There used on some systems, and they do help save money on your domestic hot water needs.

They are not cheap to install. So payback takes some time.

Been

I've made this query to some of the local HVAC folks and I got a dear in the headlights look. So I thought that they were only available for the Geo systems.

I may do some more inquiring and see if they cost too much to be feasible.

I hate to waste all those Heat BTUs as it's already too warm outside as it is ....

[beenthere]

Its not common thing. Atleast not around here.
So the contractors you have been talking to may never of heard of one, let alone seen one.

[mchild]

Do they only work when the heat pump is in cooing mode? What impact would installing one have on the heat pump manufacturer warranty?

[beenthere]

They work in heat or cooling. Atleast the ones I worked on did. Haven't worked on one in awhile now.
They have a limit switch that shuts them off, if the discharge temp gets too low.

Should always call, and verify with the manufacturer before installing one.

I've never been asked by any manufacturer if the system had a desuperheater on it. When I returned a part for warranty.

[ISOTHERMAL]

I have only seen one in mylife time mounted on a conventioal Heat Pump.
It was mounted outside and had frozen and busted, I could not believe someone would mount it outside in our climate.