NSF International recently published the first in a series of American National Standards for geothermal piping systems — NSF/ANSI 358-1: Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings for Water-Based Ground-Source “Geothermal” Heat Pump Systems. This new standard, which will be referenced in the 2015 International Mechanical Code, establishes minimum physical and performance requirements for geothermal piping system components, including long-term strength and quality control requirements that are key to ensuring product performance in the field.
Additionally, the standard incorporates key requirements from standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the Canadian Standards Association and the American Water Works Association.
Geothermal heat pump systems provide heating or cooling by moving heat, rather than by creating heat such as furnaces and other conventional systems do. They have gained popularity in recent years for residential and commercial building applications because of low operating costs and environmental impact, long-term durability and ease of retrofitting.
