Any experiences with All American Heating and Air in Raleigh? (2015, credit)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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I'm considering them as one of my primary contenders to install a geothermal system here at home. I realize many people don't have geo, but does anyone have experience with this company as a general HVAC contractor? Let's hear it!
Seriously, I've never used them. Tell me about geothermal systems while we wait. I'm curious.
It's basically a heat pump, but instead of using outside air, it uses the earth's temperature about 300-400 feet below ground level because that area stays at a constant 55-60 degrees here.
So the big cost is putting in deep pipes (3 of them) and then using a heat exchanger to send the water way down, either absorb heat from the earth or cool off (depending on whether you need heating or cooling) and then bring the water back up.
The installation costs are about double that of a good SEER 16 HVAC, but the efficiency is 2-3 times as good, there is no outside unit to worry about, it's virtually maintenance free, and after tax credits its cheaper than a conventional system. The big drawback is the initial cost and the deep wells that have to be dug which usually means landscaping work afterward.
Right now we have builder grade SEER 10 HVAC which are 12 years old and won't make it much longer so this is my plan to move forward with high efficiency replacements that will last longer and be even more efficient than a standard unit. It uses substantially less power, which is good for my solar.
That's very interesting. How much space do the wells require?
Not much - I have to put mine in my tiny front grass area that lies within my circular driveway since my garage project won't allow the machines to reach my back yard.
I think they have to be 20 feet apart from each other and go down 300-400 (mine may go to 450) feet straight down.
Be sure to post pics when you have it done. I like seeing your projects!
My husband has asked to see the pics from your solar panel thread.
Definitely. I'm still investigating whether I can max out the tax credits or if I have to wait until 2014 or 2015 but I will definitely be doing it. It's just a matter of when.
Definitely. I'm still investigating whether I can max out the tax credits or if I have to wait until 2014 or 2015 but I will definitely be doing it. It's just a matter of when.
I edited my last post. How do you put pipes out front and keep the connections discreet?
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