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Home > Archive > Heating and air conditioning > March 2006 > Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pump Electricity Costs
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Geothermal (Ground Source) Heat Pump Electricity Costs
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| jdarton@ebay.com 2006-03-08, 12:21 am |
| My current home is heated by propane in the winter. I am considering
switching to a geothermal heat pump because propane is so expensive.
My home has 5 ton and 2 ton furnaces. I've crunched all the numbers on
propane savings, but am having trouble figuring out how much more
electricity the heat pump will use compared to a gas furnace. I assume
that in the summer, it will use slightly less electricity than my A/C
units. I live near Salt Lake City, UT. Has anyone converted from gas
to geothermal and can provide the difference in electricity costs?
My current monthly average on electricity (based on the last 12 months)
is $67.50. My average monthly propane is $300. A GHP will reduce my
propane to about $30 per month to fuel Stove, Clothes Dryer, and Water
Heater with geothermal desuperheater.
| |
| Oscar_Lives 2006-03-08, 12:21 am |
|
<jdarton@ebay.com> wrote in message
news:1141788385.562370.289960@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> My current home is heated by propane in the winter. I am considering
> switching to a geothermal heat pump because propane is so expensive.
> My home has 5 ton and 2 ton furnaces. I've crunched all the numbers on
> propane savings, but am having trouble figuring out how much more
> electricity the heat pump will use compared to a gas furnace. I assume
> that in the summer, it will use slightly less electricity than my A/C
> units. I live near Salt Lake City, UT. Has anyone converted from gas
> to geothermal and can provide the difference in electricity costs?
>
> My current monthly average on electricity (based on the last 12 months)
> is $67.50. My average monthly propane is $300. A GHP will reduce my
> propane to about $30 per month to fuel Stove, Clothes Dryer, and Water
> Heater with geothermal desuperheater.
>
Winter is almost over. Get a digital thermostat.
| |
| Nathan W. Collier 2006-03-08, 12:21 am |
| "difference in electricity costs" is relevant, and many factors are
involved. im not real sure about your specific question. will you save
money going with ground source? absolutely, in the long run. so long as
you can afford the initial cost (our last install was a vertical loop, at
roughly $16,000!) and keep it maintained, it will provide you with very
efficient heating and cooling. the ground source market is exploding all
over montana as it saves rural customers from having propane hauled in. i
even sell (SOME OF!) my customers gauges to check loop pressures/loop temps,
show them how to use it, and show them how to check temp difference across
the coil and how to make sure the pumps are operable.
make certain that your dealer specializes in ground source! i follow up
behind many service companies who send grossly unqualified techs (for ground
source) to experiment their way through diagnosis and being totally ignorant
to ground source, often create more problems. ive only a couple years of
ground source, and still consider myself a student. i use a retired ground
source man part-time, and will be attending the next water furnace sponsored
course.
ive never met anyone who regretted going with a ground source system, and i
recommend water furnace over the others.
--
Nathan W. Collier
http://UtilityOffRoad.com
http://7SlotGrille.com
http://InlineDiesel.com
http://BighornRefrigeration.com
http://ConcealedCarryForum.com
<jdarton@ebay.com> wrote in message
news:1141788385.562370.289960@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> My current home is heated by propane in the winter. I am considering
> switching to a geothermal heat pump because propane is so expensive.
> My home has 5 ton and 2 ton furnaces. I've crunched all the numbers on
> propane savings, but am having trouble figuring out how much more
> electricity the heat pump will use compared to a gas furnace. I assume
> that in the summer, it will use slightly less electricity than my A/C
> units. I live near Salt Lake City, UT. Has anyone converted from gas
> to geothermal and can provide the difference in electricity costs?
>
> My current monthly average on electricity (based on the last 12 months)
> is $67.50. My average monthly propane is $300. A GHP will reduce my
> propane to about $30 per month to fuel Stove, Clothes Dryer, and Water
> Heater with geothermal desuperheater.
>
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-08, 12:21 pm |
|
Nathan W. Collier wrote:
> ive never met anyone who regretted going with a ground source system, and i
> recommend water furnace over the others.
I'm not real familiar with ground source, but if they're operating
temperatures are anything like heat source pumps, then many customers
are dissatisfied with the luke-warm air temps that eminate from the
registers.
IMO, they're not recommended for severe climates.
| |
| Nathan W. Collier 2006-03-08, 4:21 pm |
| "Cooltemp Industries" <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote in message
news:440EF9AB.6090305@sunlife.com...
> IMO, they're not recommended for severe climates.
what do yo consider "extreme"? ground source is _very_ common in rural
montana, where we sell most of our units and -25/-30 isnt uncommon during
the winter in many areas up here. when it gets really cold the auxiliary
strips come on to suppliment so while it might cost you more during extreme
cold, they more than make up for it through providing very efficient heating
and cooling for most of the year. you could always suppliment with propane
instead of electric for the extreme cold periods if you wanted. we recently
installed a propane residential water heater in series with the ground
source for that same reason.
--
Nathan W. Collier
http://UtilityOffRoad.com
http://7SlotGrille.com
http://InlineDiesel.com
http://BighornRefrigeration.com
http://ConcealedCarryForum.com
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-08, 5:21 pm |
|
Nathan W. Collier wrote:
> what do yo consider "extreme"? ground source is _very_ common in rural
> montana, where we sell most of our units and -25/-30 isnt uncommon during
> the winter in many areas up here. when it gets really cold the auxiliary
> strips come on to suppliment so while it might cost you more during extreme
> cold, they more than make up for it through providing very efficient heating
> and cooling for most of the year.
Isn't propane cheaper thatn hydro?
> you could always suppliment with propane
> instead of electric for the extreme cold periods if you wanted. we recently
> installed a propane residential water heater in series with the ground
> source for that same reason.
If you're going to suppliment with propane, are you doing so for
improved heating, or cost reduction?
Dollar for dollar, aren't heat pumps more expensive to operate?
I know that a lot of people have converted their heat pumps to only
operate as air conditioners because of the costs of electricity, and the
fact that natural gas is cheaper. Not sure about propane.
| |
| Geoman^^ 2006-03-08, 9:21 pm |
|
> Dollar for dollar, aren't heat pumps more expensive to operate?
> I know that a lot of people have converted their heat pumps to only
> operate as air conditioners because of the costs of electricity, and the
> fact that natural gas is cheaper. Not sure about propane.
>
It depends on the areas utility rates.
Call for the suppliers of both and ask them what the cost per therm is for
their product.
Then do the math. In our area we have 4 cents a KW with beats the pants off
ALL other energy suppliers products. BUT, this rate is gone next year for
Ohio Edison and it goes to 11.5 cents after Janu 07. With this increase it
may not be the best value.
So, it depends on your area, quality of construction, quality of installer
and amount of property and lastly the cost of installation.
BTW, those customers that are unhappy about the discharge air probably don't
have a properly installed unit and proper duct design, insulation and sizing
are most likely incorrect.
rich
| |
| Nathan W. Collier 2006-03-08, 10:21 pm |
| "Cooltemp Industries" <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote in message
news:440F446E.9000409@sunlife.com...
> If you're going to suppliment with propane, are you doing so for improved
> heating, or cost reduction?
in this case the customer had added a section to his radiant loops (new home
addition) and the ground source couldnt heat the house adequately with the
new addition. ideally we would have sold him a larger furnace, but the
expense was unnecessary since his furnace was a little oversized to begin
with. the boost from the water heater worked out well and cost a fraction
of what a larger unit would have cost him.
> Dollar for dollar, aren't heat pumps more expensive to operate?
no, but its debatable, and really depends on your load as well as the
fluctuating cost of natural gas.
> I know that a lot of people have converted their heat pumps to only
> operate as air conditioners because of the costs of electricity, and the
> fact that natural gas is cheaper. Not sure about propane.
again im talking about rural montana where the distances from towns can make
hauling propane very expensive. ground source is a very economical source
for heating and cooling except for the coldest of days. i would still
recommend ground source to anyone with enough room for the loops. a
maintained ground source system will give you an endless (duration) supply
of "free" heat the majority of the year.
--
Nathan W. Collier
http://UtilityOffRoad.com
http://7SlotGrille.com
http://InlineDiesel.com
http://BighornRefrigeration.com
http://ConcealedCarryForum.com
| |
| jdarton@ebay.com 2006-03-08, 11:21 pm |
| I don't doubt I'll save money, I'm just trying to get a feel for how
much I'll save to determine if my money is best spent on the system or
put towards mortgage principal. The gas savings is very compelling but
I'm not sure what the difference will be with the electrical bill. I
can only assume it will be higher since I am running a pump in addition
to a blower. Any ideas on how much electricity your pump consumes?
How many tons is your unit?
| |
| jdarton@ebay.com 2006-03-08, 11:21 pm |
| > I'm not real familiar with ground source, but if they're operating
> temperatures are anything like heat source pumps, then many customers
> are dissatisfied with the luke-warm air temps that eminate from the
> registers.
Ground source heat pumps are very different from air source heat pumps
and can be used in extreme climates while still producing comfortable
temps from the registers.
| |
|
|
| gerry 2006-03-09, 12:21 pm |
| [original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On Wed, 08 Mar 2006 10:35:07 -0500, Cooltemp Industries
<gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote:
>
>
>Nathan W. Collier wrote:
>
>
>I'm not real familiar with ground source, but if they're operating
>temperatures are anything like heat source pumps, then many customers
>are dissatisfied with the luke-warm air temps that eminate from the
>registers.
>IMO, they're not recommended for severe climates.
Ground source are particularly useful for severe climates where air source
are pretty useless.
You do need different ducting and higher air volume, is it the air volume
you are refereeing to?
gerry
--
Personal home page - http://gogood.com
gerry misspelled in my email address to confuse robots
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-09, 12:21 pm |
|
gerry wrote:
> Ground source are particularly useful for severe climates where air source
> are pretty useless.
>
> You do need different ducting and higher air volume, is it the air volume
> you are refereeing to?
No. The cooler temperatures blowing out of the registers.
That's why they all have emergency heat, in order to keep up on cold
days because the air temp is cooler than a natural gas furnace.
I'm talking air source heat pumps.
I'm wondering if ground source have generate the same complaints. I
would suspect they do if they require back-up heat.
I once heard a course instructor say that heat pumps should never be
installed north of Tennesee. They are for temperate climates.
I tend to agree,from the complaints I've heard.
On the other hand, if economics dictate otherwise, because of high fuel
costs, then maybe they're a viable alternative.
| |
|
| [original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On Thu, 09 Mar 2006 11:07:41 -0500, Cooltemp Industries
<gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote:
>
>
>gerry wrote:
>
>
>No. The cooler temperatures blowing out of the registers.
>That's why they all have emergency heat, in order to keep up on cold
>days because the air temp is cooler than a natural gas furnace.
>I'm talking air source heat pumps.
>I'm wondering if ground source have generate the same complaints. I
>would suspect they do if they require back-up heat.
>I once heard a course instructor say that heat pumps should never be
>installed north of Tennesee. They are for temperate climates.
>I tend to agree,from the complaints I've heard.
>On the other hand, if economics dictate otherwise, because of high fuel
>costs, then maybe they're a viable alternative.
I know of a number of upstate NY ground source installations with no
complaints. They have no backup since they are designed to handle the full
heating/cooling load. That can't be done in that climate with air source
heat pumps.
These installations are large public buildings such as schools. The larger
duct work needed isn't a problem in such a structure.
gerry
--
Personal home page - http://gogood.com
gerry misspelled in my email address to confuse robots
| |
|
| [original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On 8 Mar 2006 18:30:26 -0800, jdarton@ebay.com wrote:
>I don't doubt I'll save money, I'm just trying to get a feel for how
>much I'll save to determine if my money is best spent on the system or
>put towards mortgage principal. The gas savings is very compelling but
>I'm not sure what the difference will be with the electrical bill. I
>can only assume it will be higher since I am running a pump in addition
>to a blower. Any ideas on how much electricity your pump consumes?
>How many tons is your unit?
Be sure to factor in life time cost of ownership. Heat pumps cost a lot
more to repair/replace than furnaces.
Be very careful about the warranty on the ground loop. They can be very
expensive to replace.
Vertical loops may be lower cost to replace than horizontal loops since,
if done in a particular way, no new drilling or digging is needed in event
of failure.
gerry
--
Personal home page - http://gogood.com
gerry misspelled in my email address to confuse robots
| |
| jdarton@ebay.com 2006-03-09, 6:21 pm |
|
gerry wrote:
> Vertical loops may be lower cost to replace than horizontal loops since,
> if done in a particular way, no new drilling or digging is needed in event
> of failure.
Can you tell me waht to look for AKA the "particular way"?
| |
|
| I know I'll be doing a vertical installation because of the rock in my
area. I am debating whether to persue an open loop or closed loop
system. Here are my understandings of the two systems. Let me know if
any of these are fallacies or if there are other factors to consider:
Open Loop
*** Pros ***
Consistant heat delivery even in coldest of temps
Cheaper installation (2 holes vs 7-10)
***Cons***
Higher electricity consumption due to larger well pump
Harder on equipment due to mineral deposits from well water
Closed Loop
***Pros***
Long equipment life due to clean water/antifreeze in loop (up to 50
years?)
Less electricty thanks to siphon effect in loop
***Cons***
More expensive to install due to longer loop
Coldest days will cool the soil around the loop, making the system
inefficient
| |
| Murdentech 2006-03-10, 10:23 am |
|
"Cooltemp Industries" <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote in message
news:441052CD.1050803@sunlife.com...
>
>
(snip)
> I once heard a course instructor say that heat pumps should never be
> installed north of Tennesee. They are for temperate climates.
> I tend to agree,from the complaints I've heard.
> On the other hand, if economics dictate otherwise, because of high fuel
> costs, then maybe they're a viable alternative.
>
BS, we have thousands of heat pumps in southwest Ohio and further north.
Many homes built in the 80's are all electric since there was an embargo on
natural gas at the time.... we have high rise buildings downtown that were
built all electric.
In our climate a heat pump can provide about 60% of the seasonal heating
needs for the average home.
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-10, 12:21 pm |
|
Murdentech wrote:
> In our climate a heat pump can provide about 60% of the seasonal heating
> needs for the average home.
That's my point.
Where does the other 40% come from?
And comparitivly speaking, the costs of natural gas are cheaper than
electicity. Which is why I've always been under the impression, and been
told by customers, that when it comes to AIR SOURCE heat pumps, it makes
more sense, in colder climates, to just use it for cooling.
My question was whether or not the same holds true for ground source.
And again, over the past 20 years, I have been told time and again by
customers that on really cold days, they can't keep up, and the biggest
complaint is that the air coming out of the registers feels drafty
because of the lower temps.
| |
|
| On Fri, 10 Mar 2006 11:08:16 -0500, Cooltemp Industries
<gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote:
>
>
>Murdentech wrote:
>
>
>
>That's my point.
>Where does the other 40% come from?
>And comparitivly speaking, the costs of natural gas are cheaper than
>electicity. Which is why I've always been under the impression, and been
>told by customers, that when it comes to AIR SOURCE heat pumps, it makes
>more sense, in colder climates, to just use it for cooling.
>My question was whether or not the same holds true for ground source.
>And again, over the past 20 years, I have been told time and again by
>customers that on really cold days, they can't keep up, and the biggest
>complaint is that the air coming out of the registers feels drafty
>because of the lower temps.
Just as a "for instance............
We installed it in my brothers home couple months ago. It has been
down to about 7 degrees so far 2 nights. His electric backup heat was
turned off purposely. He had no trouble maintaining 70 degrees in his
home. The backup heat still hasnt been turned on. We just wanted to
see how well it would work as it gets even colder out.
The unit is a Climatemaster 27 SEER with 4 vertical 150ft deep closed
loops.
Im SOLD. Mine is next.
Bubba
| |
|
| That's great to hear! Was it new construction or retrofit?
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-10, 10:21 pm |
|
Bubba < wrote:
> Just as a "for instance............
> We installed it in my brothers home couple months ago. It has been
> down to about 7 degrees so far 2 nights. His electric backup heat was
> turned off purposely. He had no trouble maintaining 70 degrees in his
> home. The backup heat still hasnt been turned on. We just wanted to
> see how well it would work as it gets even colder out.
7 degrees? That sounds like my last beach party!
I'm talking 20 below zero.
| |
| Bubba 2006-03-10, 11:21 pm |
| On 10 Mar 2006 16:04:12 -0800, "Jack" <jdarton@ebay.com> wrote:
>That's great to hear! Was it new construction or retrofit?
Retro.
Bubba
| |
| Bubba 2006-03-10, 11:21 pm |
| On Fri, 10 Mar 2006 20:54:49 -0500, Cooltemp Industries
<gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote:
>
>
>Bubba < wrote:
>
>
>7 degrees? That sounds like my last beach party!
>I'm talking 20 below zero.
We've had that here. I think it was for a week or so in 78-79.
If I were you, Id move.
I keep checking Key West Fla weather. Not because I like it there or
anything. Its just that is the southern most point with water that
would warm my bones. I was actually there 30 yrs ago. Guess I outta go
back and see how diff it is.
Bubba
| |
| PrecisionMechanicaL 2006-03-11, 1:21 am |
|
"Cooltemp Industries" <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote in message
news:44122DE9.40503@sunlife.com...
>
>
> Bubba < wrote:
>
>
> 7 degrees? That sounds like my last beach party!
> I'm talking 20 below zero.
>
Some good info for you here then maybe :
http://www.geo4va.vt.edu/A1/A1.htm#A1Sec2
FWIW, I just use well water....(pump-n-dump)--comes outa the ground at ~52
degF in this area...the cooled water eventually freefall exits into a
recharge ditch to the west, near to the I-5 freeway right of way........
Anyways, back to the link--looking at it closely , it should become apparent
that usually in colder climates such as yours, ( and lacking an available
open water source ) vertical loops are generally the best way to go--esp
when taking into consideration the acreage and trench excavation depths
required for horizontal.
Not to say horizontal won't / can't work--(as it most certainly will, given
proper engineering)--just that in these cases, there's usually little room
left for error, with it usually being cost prohibitive to go "way overkill"
on the trenching, etc. )
--
SVL
| |
|
| Bubba wrote:
> Retro.
How many tons is your brother's system rated? Has he commented on the
difference in his electrical bill? While I know that the gas bill
would be a much prettier picture, I'd like to know how much it is
offset by the increase in electricity (in KWH if possible).
| |
| PrecisionMechanicaL 2006-03-11, 3:21 am |
|
"Jack" <jdarton@ebay.com> wrote in message
news:1142059279.781892.10410@j33g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Bubba wrote:
>
> How many tons is your brother's system rated? Has he commented on the
> difference in his electrical bill? While I know that the gas bill
> would be a much prettier picture, I'd like to know how much it is
> offset by the increase in electricity (in KWH if possible).
>
A properly engineered geo system will typically put out ~ 4 cop++ including
pumping /circulation costs--(which are typically included in the ratings as
per the applicable ari spec).
Now suggest go and do the fucking math.
--
SVL
| |
| Murdentech 2006-03-11, 9:21 am |
|
"Bubba >" <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com> wrote in message
news:37r312hh8khqnhjsbrlasdolkmrb7hl142@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 10 Mar 2006 11:08:16 -0500, Cooltemp Industries
> <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote:
>
>
> Just as a "for instance............
> We installed it in my brothers home couple months ago. It has been
> down to about 7 degrees so far 2 nights. His electric backup heat was
> turned off purposely. He had no trouble maintaining 70 degrees in his
> home. The backup heat still hasnt been turned on. We just wanted to
> see how well it would work as it gets even colder out.
> The unit is a Climatemaster 27 SEER with 4 vertical 150ft deep closed
> loops.
> Im SOLD. Mine is next.
> Bubba
>
Bubba, how did you size the unit... the boys at Corken say you design
Geothermal for HEAT load and not cooling... guess that's why many units are
two stage... also would love to know who you used and the cost for the
underground... shoot me a note.
Jeff
| |
|
| On 10 Mar 2006 22:41:19 -0800, "Jack" <jdarton@ebay.com> wrote:
>Bubba wrote:
>
>How many tons is your brother's system rated? Has he commented on the
>difference in his electrical bill? While I know that the gas bill
>would be a much prettier picture, I'd like to know how much it is
>offset by the increase in electricity (in KWH if possible).
4 tons
Yes, he has commented
Offset? Who knows. Many variables but he loves the lower bills.
Bubba
| |
|
| On Sat, 11 Mar 2006 12:58:27 GMT, "Murdentech" <j. murden @ insight
bb.com> wrote:
>
>"Bubba >" <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com> wrote in message
>news:37r312hh8khqnhjsbrlasdolkmrb7hl142@4ax.com...
>
>Bubba, how did you size the unit... the boys at Corken say you design
>Geothermal for HEAT load and not cooling... guess that's why many units are
>two stage... also would love to know who you used and the cost for the
>underground... shoot me a note.
>
>Jeff
>
>
>
Yep, design for the heat. At first I didnt like that idea because I
also want the control of cooling but with the 2 stg compressor, that
takes care of that. In this area, we have more heating needs so you
might as well take advantage of it. The house originally had a 3 ton
Am Std 12 SEER unit (3 or 4 yr old) that cooled the house fine. We
installed that too and did the load to make sure. It was strange
putting in a 4 ton unit where a 3 ton used to work just fine (but that
was for cooling). We did have to add some return air and a supply. It
was slightly noisy at first (air noise through registers). Then we did
some measurements and found we had to drop the air flow to match the
system and tweak it a bit. It is great now. We installed it all except
the loops. I'll get back to you about the loops. They were good guys
and the guy who owns the joint did the final purge and checking. They
seemed pretty good. They had been running a couple of their drilling
rigs 7 days a week straight for months..
Bubba
| |
| B-Hate-Me 2006-03-12, 9:21 am |
|
"Nathan W. Collier" <Nathan@NoSpam.com> wrote in message
news:_3GPf.15$4o4.868@news.uswest.net...
> "Cooltemp Industries" <gbroderick@sunlife.com> wrote in message
> news:440EF9AB.6090305@sunlife.com...
>
> what do yo consider "extreme"? ground source is _very_ common in rural
> montana, where we sell most of our units and -25/-30 isnt uncommon during
> the winter in many areas up here. when it gets really cold the auxiliary
> strips come on to suppliment so while it might cost you more during
> extreme cold, they more than make up for it through providing very
> efficient heating and cooling for most of the year. you could always
> suppliment with propane instead of electric for the extreme cold periods
> if you wanted. we recently installed a propane residential water heater
> in series with the ground source for that same reason.
The power companies in the northeast are offering 40-50% electric
savings if you use ONLY electric and remove and gas/oil fired equipment
from your home. This makes Geo extremely viable. It also makes high-end
(21 SEER) heat pumps competitive with any other fuel source.
PS- They make you install some sort of back-up...Wood or pellet stove.
| |
| B-Hate-Me 2006-03-12, 9:21 am |
|
"Bubba >" <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com> wrote in message
news:8gd412t3haumah7t5h1ubran7msl94sh7c@4ax.com...
> We've had that here. I think it was for a week or so in 78-79.
> If I were you, Id move.
> I keep checking Key West Fla weather. Not because I like it there or
> anything. Its just that is the southern most point with water that
> would warm my bones. I was actually there 30 yrs ago. Guess I outta go
> back and see how diff it is.
> Bubba
It's "different" all right!
| |
| Cooltemp Industries 2006-03-12, 11:21 am |
|
B-Hate-Me wrote:
> "Bubba >" <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com> wrote in message
>
>
> It's "different" all right!
For some reason you see a lot of guys wearing leathers....and they don't
even own a motorcycle...go figure....
| |
| gerry 2006-03-13, 12:21 pm |
| [original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On 9 Mar 2006 13:27:21 -0800, "Jack" <jdarton@ebay.com> wrote:
>I know I'll be doing a vertical installation because of the rock in my
>area. I am debating whether to persue an open loop or closed loop
>system. Here are my understandings of the two systems. Let me know if
>any of these are fallacies or if there are other factors to consider:
>
>Open Loop
>*** Pros ***
>Consistant heat delivery even in coldest of temps
>Cheaper installation (2 holes vs 7-10)
>***Cons***
>Higher electricity consumption due to larger well pump
>Harder on equipment due to mineral deposits from well water
>
>Closed Loop
>***Pros***
>Long equipment life due to clean water/antifreeze in loop (up to 50
>years?)
>Less electricty thanks to siphon effect in loop
>***Cons***
>More expensive to install due to longer loop
>Coldest days will cool the soil around the loop, making the system
>inefficient
Only someone very experienced in your area can answer those questions.
With open loop, you certainly are exposed to more risks from nature.
In my area, open loop are not even an option, prohibited as a potential
ground water pollution source.
You mention multiple holes with a vertical loop and cooling of the "soil"
with a vertical lop. Again this is a local condition issue. One deep hole
can be used and if deep enough, you are not going to change temperatures
very much any time of year. It becomes a cost of operation vs cost of
installation issue.
gerry
--
Personal home page - http://gogood.com
gerry misspelled in my email address to confuse robots
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