|
Fuel costs continue to rise, followed by the pollution levels created by fossil fuel consumption. The time has come to take the road less followed and build with renewable energy resources. One of the most viable systems that will enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home is the technology made available using geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal uses a series of wells or trenches to extract or expel energy into the earth. One of the great features is the lack of an exterior AC unit and no fossil fuel equipment ( backup heating may be required in some climates). For every dollar that is spent to operate the system, we harvest 3-4 dollars of energy. This puts the efficiency of this system up into the 300 to 400% range- this sure beats an 85% efficient oil boiler!
Geothermal is one of the best alternatives to today's energy crunch, however it is an investment. The cost of the exterior looping (wells or trenches) is costly and can add a big chunk to the up front cost of the system. Pay back is inevitable, but it will take a while ( remember, patience is a virtue!). The equipment is quiet and safe and adds value to your home as the technology is one of the most advanced available. A geothermal system can provide any type of heating or cooling you desire. Radiant floors, snow melting, pool heating, ducted air systems, and domestic hot water heating. The delivery part of the system does not change, only what is under the hood (in this case, in the mechanical room).
I have been working with geothermal systems for over a decade and have seen my share of disasters. Once again, it's that sweetness of low price that gets you every time! Geo or a gas furnace, the design behind the concept had better be on the mark or failure is inevitable. Most of the issues I have run into are tied to open loop geothermal designs, a concept I do not believe in or recommend. This practice makes geo affordable and keeps the initial costs low enough to lure you in. Ground water is a precious commodity and I believe it should be protected instead of neglected. There are ways to re-inject the spent water back into a second well but what happens when the water quality is poor or changes over time ( your geo system suffers a premature death)? I ONLY work my designs around closed loop systems. This concept features a series of pipe loops that extend into bored holes in the earth or through trenches near the surface. A blend of antifreeze ( non toxic) and water is circulated through these pipes, providing the geo exchange. Safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible. After all, that is what renewable energy should be about.
Will geothermal work in my home??
Yes- but is it really the best alternative given your particular application? AS a full service HVAC contractor, I have the knowledge and experience to help you make that decision. Usually it is a very simple calculation. With almost every older home- the answer is NO. Older homes usually have pretty high heat losses ( poorly insulated and drafty) . One ton of geothermal provides 12000 BTU of conditioning. A 5 ton system would enable close to 60000 (at best) BTU and feature over $21000 worth of drilling and piping OUTSIDE before the work even begins inside! Most older homes need much more than 60000 btu of energy because of the poor insulation. More BTU's needed means more wells, more equipment and larger budget. In this case, there are better options for space conditioning. I usually steer clients towards "hybrid systems" that feature air to air heat pumps and boilers or furnaces. This gives a cost effective in between design that is green and helps lessen the sticker shock! If you are building from scratch and can control the insulation... from the start- THEN geothermal is worth a look!
Consider the benefits of geothermal for your homes heating and cooling needs and reduce your dependency on fossil fuels!
|
