Niagara Falls, NY on Apr 29, 2011

I am really interested in learning all I need to know about geothermal HVAC..So that i can make an educated choice..Is

this the best system for me? If it is time forme to replace my current furnice/ac is this when I should consider geothermal as a replacement..I want to be able to do a cost study..will it pay for itself in 5,10,?? years? changes to duct work..a good book? to read..web site..?

21 Comments

Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

Hi Robin,
Geothermal hvac systems, also called ground source heat pumps, are among the most energy efficient systems available. Depending on the situation, typical energy savings are from 25% to 70%.
These units have two efficiency ratings. The unit's cooling efficiency is given as an EER (energy efficiency rating). This is the cooling effect of the unit divided by the electrical input ...»
required to the unit. The heating efficiency is given as COP (coefficient of performance). This is the heating effect of the system divided by the electrical input required by the unit. In both cases, a higher number with the rating means the unit is more efficient.
According to the U.S. EPA, these systems have the lowest life cycle cost of any hvac system. Although they usually cost more to install, they generally require less maintenance and repairs.
Learn more here.
http://www.informedbuilding.com/Geothermal/M...

on Apr 29, 2011 · Like 1
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

thank you for explainin this at a level I could understand. I am printing off you linc so I may study it again thank you

on Apr 29, 2011 · Like 0
Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

Glad to help Robin, It's a big decision.

on Apr 30, 2011 · Like 0
Linda Clearwater, MN

My daughter and her husband bought a house with this....Didn't work right, they spent thousands to get it up and running correctly,..Make sure if you do get it that it is done by an expert with references.

on Apr 30, 2011 · Like 0
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

I would only be installing as a new unit..and using a contractor that is accredited for this tyype of system.

on Apr 30, 2011 · Like 1
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Sounds like you have done your homework, Robin, but just a friendly reminder to check the contractor's references. It might even be possible to visit a home where they installed a similar system, and you can see (and feel) their work.

on Apr 30, 2011 · Like 1
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

thanks for the reminder..short term memory loss over long periods of time!!

on May 06, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

No problem. It's so easy to just skip that step and get rolling with a contractor who seems like a nice guy who offers a good price.

on May 06, 2011 · Like 0
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

We are really considering this when any ot the hvac components gives in my next area of study how will either the home orthe unit hold up in a modular home?? I am also looking into a constant hot water tank. so the process begins..then there is that folar units..witll I need them with the geothermat and the instant hot..or is this a question of going to far..I guess you can tell I hate giving my money to the utility companies..would rather pay more upfront and make out over time..

on Jun 12, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Of course you need to choose a contractor who is really up on how these systems operate and fully understand them. But you need also to consider one more thing. And that is cost. Not to operate as they are pretty cheep to run, but what will your pay back be against how long your planning to live in the home. Nowadays people are living in their homes much longer however, items such as ground source heat pumps can get pretty expensive to install and maintain. While its great to lower your ...»
energy bills any way you can, at some point you want all that hard earned cash to begin to pay you back.
Before you spend all that cash, I suggest that you have a home energy Audit performed to determine not only how much heating and cooling your home needs, but to find out what you can do that will not only make your home more comfortable, and cost less to operate, but where to place your hard earned cash first.
In addition the person who performs your audit can provide you with the latest programs for your state and region in which you live. Many of which you may not even be aware of.
Armed with this information, you will be able to determine if a Geo-thermal ground source heat pump is your better choice or not.

on Jun 12, 2011 · Like 1
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

Woodbridge thank you so much for the info..luckily I really enjoy the investigation process and my partner is an MBA , so the money part will be taken care of...Also I am the heat miser..I hate giving my money to the utilities..I do every thing I can to keep even my winter heating bills under $100. The dogs look good in their sweaters..And it has been proven you are healthieer when you sleep in a cooler room..

on Jun 19, 2011 · Like 0
Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

Robin,
Great advice thus far. Get advice from reputable experts in your area of the country as well. Good info from the "This Old House" series which is New-England based. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0%2C...

on Jun 20, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Robin, no need to be cold and save money. What some people do not realize is when they keep the house so cool that they can cause moisture buildup within the walls of the home. So becareful when turning down the thermostat and do not shut off heat on one room just because you do not use it. Cool air temps can have an effect on how the house reacts to the indoor humidity and how it effects indoor air quality.

on Jun 20, 2011 · Like 1
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

Man you guys have really upped my study time..their is a company in the area that does FREE enviromental surveys of your house..Then of course they want to obtain the job of installin anything you need..As far a shutting off one room for the furnace I keep reading not to shut off more than 20% of the area..as far as money up front versus when will it pay for its eslf..I will be hauled out of here DOA I am never moving again..and my partner is a CPA so every thing must balance or come out ...»
on our side.. I have read more things on these transver units than I knew existed..and it is much more involved than I thought ..But I am thinking more and more that this is the way to go..

on Jun 20, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Be very careful of those giving out free audits or environmental surveys. Many are trained by the very supplier who they purcase the items they sell. Ideally you should have a independant company who's only job is to provide you with the necessary information so you can make the correct choice for your own needs.
Geo-thermal system are very good. Cost a bunch, but all good equipment does. Just be sure you ...»
crunch the numbers on the payback and fully understand how the system works. And be sure whoever installs it is fairly local as if and when it breaks down and you need service, you do not want to be chasing for someone who understands how it works and can fix it properly.

on Jun 20, 2011 · Like 2
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

Thank you thank you thank you...and you knkow I hate to say it but that single womat damsil in distress thing still goes on...gee george lets take her for a ride she won't even know the difference...the only thing missing is a blond joke...I thank you I will be very sure to check and double check anyone that comes to tell me the BEST way to spend my money...

on Jun 21, 2011 · Like 0
Nichter's Home Services C... Islesboro, ME

My concern on geothermal for you is that it is usually best planned and installed for new construction when the ground is already all torn up. To fit in a lot of underground linews means a lot of digging near the house. If you ave a barren lot, no problem, but my memory of Niagra Falls is that most places are pretty crowded lots, with landscaping, fences, other underground utilities, etc. That makes the install costs pretty high unless they now have a magic insertion machine

on Jun 21, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

The mat style of laying out the pipes can be done, but in our area of NJ and I would assume most areas that do not have the room to do this most are digging wells a few hundred feet deep straight down and doing it that way.

on Jun 21, 2011 · Like 0
Humphries Homes Decatur, GA

I have installed 3 systems in houses ranging from 4000 sq ft to 8400 sq ft. You can see pictures on my projects pages. Keeping in mind that I have installed these systems in Atlanta, Georgia, I have had nothing but good input from homeowners over the last 4 years. The only thing that concerns me is the heating side in NY, I am not sure what average temperatures you are dealing with but I would focus on the heating elements provided. I can assure the cooling elements will be more than adequate. Good luck and go GEO! let me know if I can help

on Jun 21, 2011 · Like 0
Robin Niagara Falls, NY

great advise to all...still reading!

on Jun 29, 2011 · Like 0
Chuck S Chapel Hill, NC

Robin,
I thought WellHome did a great job of graphically depicting how geothermal works. See http://housefixer.info/wordpress/2011/06/09/...

on Aug 06, 2011 · Like 0

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