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Started By
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Spinoff thread: Anyone have experience with geo-thermal heat pumps?
Posted on 4/9/14 at 7:58 pm
Posted on 4/9/14 at 7:58 pm
First time caller, long-time lurker. I am building a new house, and considering installing a geo-thermal unit. The initial cost are roughly twice the cost of a standard HVAC, but there is a 30% federal tax credit that I will get back in a rebate next year(no state tax credit here 
)
I have read many good reports about the systems, but don't have any first-hand experience at all. Any info would geatly appreciated. TIA.
) I have read many good reports about the systems, but don't have any first-hand experience at all. Any info would geatly appreciated. TIA.
7
Posted on 4/9/14 at 7:58 pm to fly2fish
you will probably get better feedback on SEC Off-topic board
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:07 pm to Walt OReilly
Thanks, I wasn't sure where to drop this, but saw the solar thread, and thought I would give it a shot here.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:14 pm to fly2fish
I'm sure the technology has improved but the one my parents had would never cool enough in the summer or heat enough in the winter. Theirs went out to their pond where the water would get pretty cold in winter and in the 90s in summer.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:17 pm to fly2fish
I have to say I love mine. It gets damn hot here and I had no problem last summer. The 30% back from uncle sam was fantastic, and im sure my electric bill would be WAY higher without it. I had a LEED certified energy auditor look at my house (during construction) and he said my ROI would be 7-8 years.
TOTALLY worth it imo
TOTALLY worth it imo
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:24 pm to fly2fish
Expensive to install and to have work performed on.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:25 pm to fly2fish
I got one and I love it. My electric bill is dirt cheap and I run the shite out of it during the summer. What you want to know?
Maint. Expense is minimal.
Maint. Expense is minimal.
This post was edited on 4/9/14 at 8:27 pm
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:30 pm to CC
I have read about the pond systems, but the one that has been proposed to me is to dig four wheels, 350 ft. deep. The water in the pipes goes down, and then back up and comes out at 71 degrees pretty consistently throughout the year (allegedly). It then goes into the unit to either heat/cool the air. It seems logical if this is all true, just not sure?
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:30 pm to tigerinthebueche
quote:
Theirs went out to their pond
Typical Geothermal does not run out to a pond....
Geeessee
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:34 pm to Drop4Loss
Mine runs off a well. Water Furnace installed by Alan Watts
Posted on 4/9/14 at 8:48 pm to fly2fish
Nice option. I would say it's a great idea if you already have a pond.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:00 pm to fly2fish
Researched it thoroughly.
I was going to do closed loop.
Botom line, IMHO:
Using the tax credit is the only way it makes fiscal sense.
Without the credit, it's a non-starter.
That said, the current efficiencies in foam insulation, coupled with high-SEER variable speed heat pumps, just about negate the advantage of geothermal for the home. Plus, geothermal adds a layer of complexity (more moving parts) that heat pumps don't have.
Lastly, look around. They aren't that popular, even with the credits.
I was going to do closed loop.
Botom line, IMHO:
Using the tax credit is the only way it makes fiscal sense.
Without the credit, it's a non-starter.
That said, the current efficiencies in foam insulation, coupled with high-SEER variable speed heat pumps, just about negate the advantage of geothermal for the home. Plus, geothermal adds a layer of complexity (more moving parts) that heat pumps don't have.
Lastly, look around. They aren't that popular, even with the credits.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:04 pm to fly2fish
quote:
I have read about the pond systems, but the one that has been proposed to me is to dig four wheels, 350 ft. deep. The water in the pipes goes down, and then back up and comes out at 71 degrees pretty consistently throughout the year (allegedly). It then goes into the unit to either heat/cool the air. It seems logical if this is all true, just not sure?
Closed loop.
That's a lot of pumps.
What's your out of pocket and how big is your house? About 2400' ?
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:12 pm to VetteGuy
I concur with the tax credit statement, I wouldn't even think about it without that. Also, if it wasn't new constuction, I'm not sure I could justify spending the extra $$. I'm just so tired of $500-$600 power bills.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:15 pm to fly2fish
Foam your house.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:16 pm to VetteGuy
out of pocket(prior to rebate) is 29K, house is 3700 sf.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:17 pm to BigEdLSU
yes, I am foaming the house as well.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:19 pm to fly2fish
If you have the money, go for it. You can probably get a 23 SEER installed for 12-15k and it'll be just as efficient fwiw.
This post was edited on 4/9/14 at 9:20 pm
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:27 pm to fly2fish
First, that dosen't sound like enough pipe to 3700' living area.
Second, if you're gonna foam and do geothermal, be careful.
Sizing of units is critical and be sure you do a load calculation by someone competent.
I spent the money on 3 high seer units, open cell foam, and hard pipe ducts.
Second, if you're gonna foam and do geothermal, be careful.
Sizing of units is critical and be sure you do a load calculation by someone competent.
I spent the money on 3 high seer units, open cell foam, and hard pipe ducts.
Posted on 4/9/14 at 9:29 pm to BigEdLSU
I have the money to do it, just trying to figure out if it is a good investment. I wish AL had the same tax credits as LA. After reading your solar thread, I would be all over that!
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