Thread: anyone using GEOTHERMAL ENERGY ?

i know alot of people here build for business and/or pleasure...anyone had experience using or making their own geothermal energy to heat or cool ?

We have a client who is doing a geothermal project on his existing residence. I believe he said it was going to run about $20k overall but said they don't plan on moving, so it should more than pay for itself. Rough math says 10 year break-even.

I don't really know anything technical about it though.

We have done more flood work from these breaking. They do work. But please put the large tank in the garage and not the small takes in the attic.. You will hate life if you do.

Originally Posted by ZaneO

We have a client who is doing a geothermal project on his existing residence. I believe he said it was going to run about $20k overall but said they don't plan on moving, so it should more than pay for itself. Rough math says 10 year break-even.

I don't really know anything technical about it though.

I have no real experience with this. I have been trying to do some research on it too because my parents dont plan on moving and were thinking of doing it. From our calculations, it is a 10-15 yr break even point. If you plan on staying, I would say it is worth it.

read here:
Home Geothermal Energy -* Geothermal Heating and Cooling - Popular Mechanics

and here:
Heat Pumps

Federal Government is also offering 30% uncapped tax credits on geothermal systems right now.

In my area is heavily used. From my point of view is more expensive, more complex (more pumps, piping, facilities) and return on investment are at least 15 years.
Sorry, I dont speak english correctly. I live in Spain.

Originally Posted by AGA

In my area is heavily used. From my point of view is more expensive, more complex (more pumps, piping, facilities) and return on investment are at least 15 years.
Sorry, I dont speak english correctly. I live in Spain.

I've seen a few examples of it coming in around 10 years for break even.

My wife and I are just about to break ground on a house in western PA and are including geo in our plans. In our case, total cost is around $30k for the geo unit and ductwork. My way of looking at it, though, the comparable nat gas system was to be $10k, we will get $9k back via the energy tax credit for geo (30%), so our net difference is $11k. Spread our monthly energy savings out over the $11k extra up front, and our break even is 6-7 years, best I can tell from my calcs. We're putting cellulose insulation in too, to further the energy efficiency. Yes, it costs more up front too, but it's allowing us to use a smaller geo unit...net effect up front is about even. The energy savings in the monthly bills are where the savings is at, obviously.

Are you planning to install it too?