Anybody know about geothermal heating? (refrigerator, transfer, maintenance)

[lisa g]

My thought is that geothermal here w/the aquifer would not work. We're sitting on top of some really cold water, it just doesn't make sense but then I'm no scientist.

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by lisa g

My thought is that geothermal here w/the aquifer would not work. We're sitting on top of some really cold water, it just doesn't make sense but then I'm no scientist.

Really good point Lisa! As geothermal can be a very cost effective way to heat and cool your home, it really all depends if your property does have access to a productive and dependable geothermal source.

Also one must take into consideration how much electricity your compressor will use to augment your geothermal source. A lot of times you burn more electricity and actually add up more total energy costs $$$$. If you really want to try to save $$ with regards to how you heat your home and cool it there are other and less expensive ways that may work better. As I stated earlier so far there is no silver bullet, and there will not be one until we master the fusion energy process.

By the way, our country was on path to becoming totally energy independent and developing fusion energy during the Reagan Administration when the Supercollider was to have been built in Texas. However, this system was Killed during the Clinton administration for the excuse it was running too expensive. Actually the cost was no more than the money we spend in Iraq in 3 weeks. There is speculation that Clinton killed the project because he was being heavily lobbied by the People Liberation Army of China and OPEC to kill the project. OPEC gave lots of $$$ to the Clinton's to keep us energy dependent upon OPEC rather than make the ultimate energy break through by the development of fusion power. Clinton folded under their influence and pressure and now look where we are! China will soon find how to harness the so called God Particle and we will still be making these inefficient solar panels! Very sad, how we are no longer the great country who is developing cutting edge energy technology. Unless something changes we as a nation will soon be second fiddle technologically to China and other countries as well.

If you really want a good read on what happened in Texas regarding the planned Supercollider you may want to read Herman Wouk's "A Hole in Texas". Great read and gives you insight about the politics of the time!

[lisa g]

REPS REPS REPS!!!!!
This is the only way I can communicate my appreciation for your post, Comet because I can't rep you any more.
If I could, you would get bonus points!!!
Excellent post.
And thanks for the book recommendation

[Dwatted Wabbit]

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

Really good point Lisa! As geothermal can be a very cost effective way to heat and cool your home, it really all depends if your property does have access to a productive and dependable geothermal source.

Also one must take into consideration how much electricity your compressor will use to augment your geothermal source. A lot of times you burn more electricity and actually add up more total energy costs $$$$. If you really want to try to save $$ with regards to how you heat your home and cool it there are other and less expensive ways that may work better. As I stated earlier so far there is no silver bullet, and there will not be one until we master the fusion energy process.

By the way, our country was on path to becoming totally energy independent and developing fusion energy during the Reagan Administration when the Supercollider was to have been built in Texas. However, this system was Killed during the Clinton administration for the excuse it was running too expensive. Actually the cost was no more than the money we spend in Iraq in 3 weeks. There is speculation that Clinton killed the project because he was being heavily lobbied by the People Liberation Army of China and OPEC to kill the project. OPEC gave lots of $$$ to the Clinton's to keep us energy dependent upon OPEC rather than make the ultimate energy break through by the development of fusion power. Clinton folded under their influence and pressure and now look where we are! China will soon find how to harness the so called God Particle and we will still be making these inefficient solar panels! Very sad, how we are no longer the great country who is developing cutting edge energy technology. Unless something changes we as a nation will soon be second fiddle technologically to China and other countries as well.

If you really want a good read on what happened in Texas regarding the planned Supercollider you may want to read Herman Wouk's "A Hole in Texas". Great read and gives you insight about the politics of the time!

Actually Ark. Sen. Dale Bumpers had a lot to do with killing the Superconducting Supercollider. For the investment : rewards ratio, it was probably destined to be a cheap project.
He was jealous because the SS was in Texas. Perhaps he was point man for Clinton, I don't recall all the details. A cousin of mine was involved in the project.

An uncle did a lot of work with energy way back when. Geothermal was one of the potential systems that had promise. Those involved drilling down several hundred feet and pumping air or fluid through pipes to capture the stable temperature down there. Go deep enough and it gets pretty warm.

Myself, I'd build underground or earth-sheltered. You have a stable temp and excellent temperature and sound insulation, relatively invulnerable to most natural disasters given proper construction.

The worst shortage this country has today and for the forseeable future is smart, ethical leadership.

[Laconia NH]

I installed a geo system 2 years ago and it is greatest investment I have ever made. Heating last winter costed me about $1,200.00 for the winter. That is not a typo. I condition about 7,500 sf at 72 degress 24/7. It is the most efficient system on the market today bar none. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Why anyone would heat/cool with anything else is beyond me. One note of caution, the system must be designed and installed properly for it to work properly. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Moderator cut: no personal advertising

[north woods geothermal]

Originally Posted by NJ2NH

As we've been continuing our housing hunt along the Seacoast area, we've run across some new homes being built in Dover that advertise geothermal heating. Does anybody know anything how that works and if it really is possible to have no fuel bill? Given this winter, that honestly sounds too good to be true--but if it is possible....wow. I learned so much from the septic systems thread, that I'm hoping someone will know as much about this. Thanks!

Geothermal is very simple. Water from the ground is warmer than air temp, is brought into the house to the heat pump where it is compressed and then warms either water or air to heat your home. In the summer, the ground is cooler than the air and it works in reverse to cool your home. You really have no fuel bills , It is expensive to retrofit, but is a 'no brainer' for new homes. www.northwoodsgeothermal.com

[north woods geothermal]

there are lots of sites that explain geothermal heating and yes, there is NO FUEL burned! Expensive but worth it!

[BF66389]

North Woods- correct me if I'm wrong but it's essentially the same thing as a heat pump except that by using water from the earth the heat pump is always operating in maximum efficiency due to the water's consistent temperature (which is why the "heat pump" unit of the geothermal heat pump can be so much smaller/less energy consuming).

Unfortunately my retrofit quote was "at least 25k" since it required two new wells, new ducts, etc...

[BF66389]

Speaking of heat pumps...anyone know anything about the new "low temperature" heat pumps which can remain somewhat efficient into temperatures below zero.

[north woods geothermal]

air source heat pumps operate very effeciently also except that the temp range is 90-95 with air source heat pumps and 95-103 with geo because of warmer entering water temperatures. the geo heat pump has to work a lot less harder, it's indoors away from outside elements also.

i have heard of a few air source heat pumps that can heat below zero but for our weather in northern nh i can't see doing a system that is going to struggle during colder weather.