Geothermal

[username]

We will be installing a geothermal system in our new house. I don't know much about these systems except it will be cheaper than the propane furnace we had in our last house. The furnace that the builder is installing is made by Trane and will be a loop system. Does anyone have any advice on this system?

[rabadger]

How could it be cheaper than a propane furnace and A/C? Do you mean the operating costs?

Whats the payback?

[username]

The install cost for us is about $4000 more than installing a traditional system. The savings is with the operating cost with heating, cooling, and hot water. I've heard that the savings is up to 60% compared to a traditional system. The electric cooperative also gives you a $600 rebate when the system is installed and a couple other monthly rebates throughout the year. From what I've read, a typical homeowner can save $600 - $1200 each year. I've talked to others with the system and the savings appears to be accurate.

One negative to the system is that the heat coming out of the register isn't at about 130 degrees but more like 90 - 100 degrees so you don't get that really hot air at the register. Of course, one positive is that you don't have the propane tank sitting in your yard.

Any additioanl info. on this system would be appreciated. The builder is recommending a Trane system but I haven't been able to find much info. on it.

[rabadger]

If you can get a geothermal system installed for only 4000.00 more, go for it. The new construction forums I have been visiting the difference is more like 14,000.00.

What is the price for a conventional propane system for your home? How big is the home?

Make sure the air distribution is sized and insulated correctly.

[Sparks]

$4000 doesn't sound like much to me either. I have heard that some of these geo systems costs around 30 G installed. Ive also heard that the energy savings is real and documented. These have been installed in schools, hotels, hospitals etc. and the energy savings has been proven time and again. I don't have experience with these but if the only difference was 4 grand I think I would go for it. As far as Trane systems are concerned, there one of the best out there, I wouldn't hesitate to go with top quality equipment for something like this.

[VALENT]

I' m thinking the 4000 difference is just the exchanger and such but not the portion that captures the geothermal energy from the ground or water or whatever specific in this case.

[rabadger]

You could be right. The price just sounds to good unless the propane unit price was infalated sky high.

[username]

The house is 2300 sf. I was told by the builder $14,000 for geothermal compared to $9000-$10000 for the propane system.

[VALENT]

What type of capture system does this geothermal system use? As far as the worry about the propane tank sitting in the yard, they can be buried-more expensive, however.

[rgramjet]

My dad installed a Cantherm Loop system more than 20 years ago. It utilizes a 1500 foot loop buried under the ground. I believe the fluid is propylene glycol.

Id say it works wonderfully for AC. The heat however doesnt really feel very warm.

Good luck!

[Sparks]

Heat pumps in general do not produce excessively warm heat, unless supplementals kick in.