Geothermal Heat Pumps - How Much Could It Save You?  | | | 
April 16th, 2006, 03:28 PM
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#1 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bethalto, IL
Posts: 7,012
| Geothermal Heat Pumps - How Much Could It Save You?
There's a lot of information here, posted from sources containing a great deal more information. It's well worth the read if you're into saving money and/or helping the environment. It may be a nightmare if you're a CEO or large shareholder of a large energy provider. Quote: |
BENEFITS OF GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS
• Greatly reduced energy costs.
• Reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
• Higher installation cost is paid for in just three to five
years of energy savings.
• Quiet operation.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Suitable for warm or cold climates.
| UPDATED: Watch this video for some info on the technology and some relative perspective on home energy savings. More videos are available.
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EPA estimates that, on average, a properly sized and installed ENERGY STAR® -labeled geothermal heat pump can save consumers 30-40 percent on heating and cooling bills. Results will vary based on resident behavior, climate, and other factors such as abnormally hot or cold seasons. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of
geothermal heat pumps are 55 to 60 percent lower than those from standard air-source heat pumps. In most areas of the United States, GHPs had the lowest CO2 emissions and the lowest overall environmental impact of any space conditioning technology evaluated by EPA in its study.
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As energy costs rise, so will this savings. Technology has also improved since these numbers, and cost savings with new units has improved in the last few years. Alone this is a significant savings for the mere change of one portion of your home or business energy usage. When combined with energy conservation measures such as additional insulation, caulking, and super-efficient windows, a seemingly costly investment pays off immensely, and it gets better each year after installation as energy costs continue to rise.
Quote: "We've installed 70 or 80 Geoexchange systems, but the EarthLinked® direct exchange system is the most efficient we've seen," Brent Timothy said.
"The best thing about direct exchange compared to Geoexchange is that it's about 20 to 25% more efficient. And it's virtually maintenance-free," added Bruce.
One of the reasons for the EarthLinked® system's efficiency is the use of copper tubing in the earth loop system. While other geothermal systems rely on plastic piping to transfer water and antifreeze through a large intermediate loop, EarthLinked® circulates a refrigerant through highly conductive copper earth loops, enabling a direct transfer of thermal energy from the earth. By placing the
evaporator/condenser tubes in direct contact with the heat source in the earth, EarthLinked® is the simplest and most reliable system for heating and cooling.
Contact Information:
Brent or Bruce Timothy, Pink's (435) 722-2623.
Joe Parsons, ECR Technologies (863) 701-0096, ext. 23. www.ecrtech.com
Information provided by ECR Technologies, Inc. Lakeland, FL. |
A great deal of case studies and similar information can be found at GeoExchange.org. A guide to energy efficient heating and cooling is also a great read for more information.
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The United States Energy Bill Offers Incentives for Geoexchange
On Monday, August 8, President Bush signed the bipartisan Energy Policy Act of 2005 at a signing ceremony held at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque. This new multi billion-dollar National Energy Plan is the first signed into law in more than a decade and comes to us at a time when new energy-related policy is more critical than ever. Among the many features of this 1,724-page law, Congress has provided new incentives for geoexchange.
Sec. 1333: Credit for certain non-business energy property
One of the highlights of the new bill addresses homeowners, who are granted up to $300 in tax credits for the cost of new Geoexchange systems. To be eligible, the standards that must be met are 14.1 EER & 3.3 COP for closed loop, 16.2 EER and 3.6 COP for open loop and 15 EER and 3.5 COP for DX. However, the system must include a desuperheater or integrated water heating to meet the credit's criteria.
Sec. 1332: Credit for construction of new energy efficient homes
Provisions also offer credit for construction of new energy efficient homes, up to $2,000, for homes that cut energy use for heating and cooling only (no hot water) by 50 percent compared to the national model code - the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code Supplement (assuming an SEER-13 air conditioner). Producers of manufactured homes can also qualify for a tax credit of $1,000 for homes that save 30 percent.
Sec. 1331: Energy efficient commercial buildings deduction
Another highlight of the new Energy Policy Act addresses commercial facilities by awarding energy efficient commercial buildings deductions of up to $1.80 per square foot for buildings that achieve a 50% reduction in annual energy cost to the user, with partial credits offered at $0.60/sf. This reduction amount is compared to a base building defined by the industry standard ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2001.
The amount of the deduction is the lesser of: 1) $1.80/sf or 2) the costs incurred or paid for the energy-efficient property. In addition, the property must 1) be otherwise depreciable property, 2) located in the United States, 3) paid to be constructed by the taxpayer seeking the deduction.
Sec. 206: Renewable Energy Security
It is also important to note that the section covering renewable energy security offers a 25 percent rebate, up to $3,000, for renewable energy systems. Although this section’s language now includes geothermal heat pumps as an eligible system, this rebate has not been funded yet and until such appropriations are made, no financial incentives are available through this section. Please keep checking back on this web page for updates, as we will post any news once it comes available.
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It's not much, and some would say it's not better than nothing due to the complication in proving compliance for much of which is meager restitution. But the big restitution comes with the energy savings from the change in systems. Getting these additional bonuses is nice, so long as you don't have to spend more to prove your compliance than what you would receive in return.
Quote:
Tips for Hiring and HVAC Conractor:
1. Study up - Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.
2. Consider certified professionals - Look for a contractor who employs technicians certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence) , the leading industry-supported testing and certification program.
3. Call references - Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.
4. Find special offers - A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you'll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Begin your search at www.energystar.gov.
5. Look for ENERGY STAR - ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.
6. Expect a home evaluation - The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn't always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.
7. Get written, itemized estimates - When comparing contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.
8. Get it in ink - Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
9. Pass it on - Tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.
10. Get the ENERGY STAR Guide - For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating (708 KB) or 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937). |
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Just because there is nothing wrong with saying what you are thinking does not mean there is nothing wrong with what you are thinking. - Jon Silveus
Last edited by SiliconJon : April 16th, 2006 at 04:00 PM.
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April 16th, 2006, 04:00 PM
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#2 (permalink)
| | that aint a lightsaber
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CJ,MO:REBEL Base
Posts: 7,059
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thats amazing. I can see it being a problem for existing structures, but stuff like this should be requried/huge incentives for new buildings. Wow, run one of these with solar panels and you could completely take yourself off the grid.
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Who is John Galt? | |
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April 16th, 2006, 04:01 PM
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#3 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bethalto, IL
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I have yet to find a single new-home builder in this area that uses ANY leading energy technologies in their new home designs...but there are still more to look into.
I also updated the video to a much better, but longer, video. | |
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April 16th, 2006, 04:09 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
Posts: 273
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Did you read the part where it said North Dakota had signed an agreement to use the technology where it was cost effective? According to the information, it's always cost effective. I suspect it isn't.
A friend of mine lived in a place without electricity. He put in solar panels at great expense. Ten years later, electricity arrived. He resisted switching at first, and keep in mind his initial investment was already in place, but the ongoing cost for his system was greater than his cost to buy electricity if he maintained the same level of usage.
I'm all for altnerative energy but read the fine print and investigate before you invest. | |
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April 16th, 2006, 05:16 PM
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#5 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bethalto, IL
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What's cost effective can vary per analyst/model. But more importantly in that verbage is the ability to use newer more cost-effective technologies as they become viable, as well as allowing leeway should corruption or market sways drastically change economic feasability of energy options.
Comparing geothermal to solar panels is not an apple-to-apple comparison.
Last edited by SiliconJon : April 16th, 2006 at 09:28 PM.
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April 16th, 2006, 05:58 PM
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#6 (permalink)
| | Pump you sucker! Pump!
Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Sacto, Colliefornia
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I understand you can put the coils in a well, if you have one.
Regarding solar, adding a wind turbine is a good way to go also so you can get power during cloudy weather when the sun is hidden, but wind is present.
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Obama has taken America from purported bully to notorious chump in less than a year.
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April 17th, 2006, 08:19 PM
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#7 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
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I won't buy a house with anything less than what was used as a demonstration technology in that video. That's some serious efficiency. The saddest part is how few people can see how much such effeciency saves the homeowner over such a relatively short period of time. Too many blank minds staring at models, seeing only one function, failing to incorporate the vast amount of other variables that account for the detail in life. The installation cost in a new home is so low I feel it pathetic that home builders overlook such improvements as nothing more than a cost increase in production, blinded by a linear equation that doesn't even work (at least in all the market data I have seen thus far).
Last edited by SiliconJon : April 20th, 2006 at 10:16 PM.
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April 18th, 2006, 06:44 PM
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#8 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bethalto, IL
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In [ THIS] case study report, the Park Chase apartments in Oklahoma analyzed options for improving environmental conditions and costs. Quote:
In addition to the proposed water-to-air GeoExchange system, almost every possible type of more traditional HVAC systems was also evaluated including:
• Individual air conditioners and gas-fired furnaces;
• Individual air conditioners and gas hydronic systems;
• Individual air conditioners and electric furnaces;
• Water-to-water, ground-source heat pumps;
• Air-cooled heat pumps with gas back-up;
• Air-cooled heat pumps with electric back-up; and
• New central chiller and boiler, and new air handlers.
Although the proposed ground-source system could meet the objective of lowered utility costs, it represented increased first costs compared to some of the other systems under consideration. The team concluded that to fully meet project objectives, thermal improvements would have to be made on all apartments including:
• Remove approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of glass; residential systems in Tulsa since 1978.
• Install new double-pane windows;
• Add storms on remaining single-pane windows;
• Install metal, insulated doors;
• Install R-30 attic insulation on top-floor apartments;
• Apply of caulking and weather-stripping; and
• Require all apartments to pass blower door tests.
These improvements would serve not only to increase tenant comfort, they would decrease theoretical system load resulting in lower first costs. According to Bryan Henderson, Multifamily Representative of PSO, “The goal at Park Chase was to reduce the proposed size of equipment by ˝ ton per system through the implementation of thermal improvements.”
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That's an investment of $253,650 ($133,650 cash) into this project by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). Why? Well, it's not goodwill, rest assured. In exchange for the investment with the initial installation cost PSO gets to get a slice of the money that would have been part of their operational cost savings. Even with this middle-man cut coming straight off the operational cost savings, the utility bills dropped my around 50%:Quote:
Bills for individual apartments in the renovated Park Chase Apartments average $25-33 per month on utilities, a 50% savings over the old system, which ran $62/month. HUD saved $47,000 the first year on the complex's utilities. Even more impressive, these savings were achieved without much of the R-30 attic insulation in place! Park Chase is projected to save
even more now that the thermal improvements are complete.
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Yes, the $700 per unit thermal improvements play a significant role in that reduction as well.
Last edited by SiliconJon : April 18th, 2006 at 06:48 PM.
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April 20th, 2006, 10:16 PM
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#9 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bethalto, IL
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Oh, yeah, and that was thirteen years ago. The technology effeciency and cost difference has improved since. If I can sell one person on the idea, I'll be happy...I would love to land a job with a company that deals with this sort of technology. That would be dreamy. | |
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March 1st, 2007, 11:28 PM
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#10 (permalink)
| | 983571056^983571056
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For those who live in Illinois and are starting to see the 50% electric rate hike on top of the already expensive propane and natural gas prices, this option has moved from a good investment to an essential tool in affordable living.
[ Here are some case studies] to start your reading. | |
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