Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Pond Loop Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Board,

I am interested in learning more about Geothermal heating and cooling systems and possibly converting over from a gas/electric system. Do any of you have practical or professional experience or opinions on the subject?

Thanks,

Chip

I have an opinion but not much else.

Yes, I am going to do this for my next place. The new models are great allowing you to hookup through a conventional duct system or allow radiant heating or both. The systems have approx. a 75+ year lifespan because of it mostly being non-moving parts. The only downfall is they are sized for cooling your space not heating. So you will still need a backup heater/furnace, depending where you live, though it is much smaller and considered more of a kicker furnace than anything.

The heating versus cooling sizing is something I have encountered.

I gathered from the data I've perused that the system is sized against the cooling load because if it it were based on the heating requirements it wouldn't dehumidify on the AC side properly resulting in cool, damp air.

We have electric baseboard heat with zoned thermostats and a radiant gas fireplace for supplemental heat so I think we'll be ok there.

Thanks for your input,

Chip

Chip, what is the cost?

The sizing based on cooling versus heating was told to me because the system would have to be soo much larger than what you need it for and that would create a huge inefficiency with the unit and make it cycle way too much for it too last very long and run up huge bills where you would have been better off with a conventional unit in the first place.

Dave,
I have a consortium of friends to help with the install. The hardware was quoted at 3500 to 5000 dollars with us handling the work. This is for a 3800 sq/ft ranch with existing ductwork. I know that's a big spread in price but it's pending the Heat Loss/Heat Gain analysis.We'll be responsible for running the pond loop, setting the heat pump and tying into the ductwork.Pricing provided was Mfg. Direct, FOB Ft. Wayne, IN
Chip

ceadmin,
From what I've found you pretty much have to settle for 80% on the heating side with the balance coming from lights, humans and supplemental sources. Still, a 40 or 50%reduction in gas and electric expenditure would be a welcome relief. I've been wearing a sweatshirt all day and think the pond coil might make some pretty good stucture.
Chip

5 Stars? I swear I didn't rate myself
Thanks Guys!

Well, Chip, you are responsible for helping us find our pirate names.

Aye Doc,

It's a pirates life for me.

Bloody Tom Vane

I am envious of you Chip, at least right now, until I get my system. Keep us updated when you install it. And any mistakes/good things you did along the way.

Doesn't Cecil have a water furnace (pump-fed open loop)?

Chip
Which brand are you considering and will it be open or closed loop? I considered the pond but I desired the closed loop and my water temperature in the pond is in the 90's in the summer so I felt it would not do much good as it is about the same as the air temperature. Still very interested. Keep us posted-please.

Not sure which brand yet, Geo Excel is who I was talking with. The closed loop is what I'm looking at but I'm thinking that an open loop system would be more efficient for cooling. I checked with the CFO and she says it will be Spring before we can do anything so that means I'll wait until at least next May if we go with a pond loop system since it will require a lot of time in the pond and I don't own a wetsuit.
I was wondering if anyone has a idea of how much thermal load I can expect to put into my pond, or if warming is an impact with a system of this type.
We are on a well and if Cecil has an open loop system I'd be interested in hearing his opinion.
Thanks All.

Chip