Geo Thermal System question
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JWink3953
New member
Around $10k for the wells and copper pipe if it's a closed loop.
If this is in the Fla panhandle let us know, it would be interesting to see how a cooling-centric system performs and costs. Most info on Geo involves the heating portion, haven't seen much info on how systems down south perform.
I would say that most of your cost will be related to BTU needs, number of loops, and depth.
Good luck!!
I would say that most of your cost will be related to BTU needs, number of loops, and depth.
Good luck!!
NHmitch
Platinum Member
I was working in a large correctional facility that installed this type of system to both heat and cool, and apparently the largest system in the US. They were really not happy with the overall results, and apparently the climate control has been very difficult to maintain at a comfortable level, and the cost to pay for the system that was millions of dollars, will take longer and be more expensive than buying fuel. I am not sure how this type of system would function in a residential setting, but after seeing this, I would be much more inclined to supplement with wind, or solar. The other issue, was their electric bill was very high, due to the cost of the pumps operating constantly. There were several utility companies that had nothing to gain, that studied the system, and found it to be a very expensive system to operate. The pay back for the project is 25 years. They spent 1.8 million dollars to install the system, and my taxes on 5 acres jumped $1700 in one year because of the expense.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1yBf37VswU&feature=related[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1yBf37VswU&feature=related[/ame]
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One question is are you replacing an existing system ?
If yes, then your ducting and other infrastructure is already there. The drilling/piping/grouting is about 2/3 of the cost, and the hardware is about 1/3. Drilling is the most expensive, Putting in a linear loop, or a slinky loop are lower cost, but require significantly more ground area.
I have had geothermal heat/AC for 7 years now. It is a closed loop, horizontal trench system with 2 units (zones). It has been 100% reliable, with low operating costs and great comfort year round.
paul
If yes, then your ducting and other infrastructure is already there. The drilling/piping/grouting is about 2/3 of the cost, and the hardware is about 1/3. Drilling is the most expensive, Putting in a linear loop, or a slinky loop are lower cost, but require significantly more ground area.
I have had geothermal heat/AC for 7 years now. It is a closed loop, horizontal trench system with 2 units (zones). It has been 100% reliable, with low operating costs and great comfort year round.
paul
Stimw
Elite Member
Depending on your location and property size it could be under $500. for a shallow well.
I put down the well myself and had a used pump so it cost me about $50.
Geothermal/Water to Air Heat pumps are very efficent in Florida because our ground water temp is around 65*. Perfect for heat or cooling.
I put down the well myself and had a used pump so it cost me about $50.
Geothermal/Water to Air Heat pumps are very efficent in Florida because our ground water temp is around 65*. Perfect for heat or cooling.
No this would be a new system -In Iowa - Previous owner had heating bills over $1,000. I was trying to figure out how much money would be in the "house portion" and how much money would be in the "ground portion" as I might move the house later.
NHmitch
Platinum Member
Thats good to hear, I have not heard heard from anyone how a residential system will work. That may work well for RGOOD. I know for a 37 million dollar, very large correctional facility they had issues, but that is about 50 times larger. How deep do the wells have to be, because we have a deep well for our drinking water, and it around 200 feet deep, however the ground water is very cold. I'm sure that it is a much deeper well?
The depth varies depending on the size of your house, and your location in the country - But I think 100' to 120' are normal.
I hear reports of people with $30 heating bills in the midwest.
Upfront cost can be steep but there is a 30% tax credit available.
I hear reports of people with $30 heating bills in the midwest.
Upfront cost can be steep but there is a 30% tax credit available.
The wells you would need fall into two categories: open loop and closed loop. In open loop, you pump water from the well and pass it through the geo heat exchanger. This is the cheapest type as normally you do not need very deep wells, as long as you can get a good, continuous water flow. Open loop systems generally have the highest thermal efficiency. The disadvantage is that open loop systems need yearly maintenance to clean and descale the heat exchanger. Filters are usually recommended and the water quality (solids, acidity, etc) can greatly impact performance, costs and upkeep. Also you will be paying for the electricity to run the well pump.
Closed loop systems use a special poly pipe within a well. The fluid is circulated through the pipes and the geo heat exchanger. The costs to install are quite a bit higher. You need about 150' of well per ton, and the pipe is generally grouted into the well, for thermal coupling. Thermal efficiency is somewhat lower, but there is virtually no maintenance to be done, and the cost to run the small circulator pump is low compared to a well pump.
As for the running cost comment, I have a 3000 sq-ft home with 4 adults, all electric, and my highest bill in the coldest months of winter are about $ 150.
paul
Closed loop systems use a special poly pipe within a well. The fluid is circulated through the pipes and the geo heat exchanger. The costs to install are quite a bit higher. You need about 150' of well per ton, and the pipe is generally grouted into the well, for thermal coupling. Thermal efficiency is somewhat lower, but there is virtually no maintenance to be done, and the cost to run the small circulator pump is low compared to a well pump.
As for the running cost comment, I have a 3000 sq-ft home with 4 adults, all electric, and my highest bill in the coldest months of winter are about $ 150.
paul