Replies

1. 
   Aaron_ | Jan 19, 1999 03:49am | #1

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   George, What little I know about geothermal heating tells me that you have two choices from where to extract the heat, either in "ground loops" or well drillings...depends on the terrain your lot has. Trenching 6 feet down in paths a couple hundred feet long is cheaper than drilling holes (6" or 8" diam.) 100' or 200' deep(several holes and filling them with bentonite(the thermal contact material that transfers the heat to your tubes). Any good excavator worth his salt could plan and dig the trenches, you could rent a backhoe or tracked excavator yourself. Well drilling costs anywhere btwn.$7 -$8 /linear foot. As far as the house end of the heat system goes, hot air is not your only option, the heat can be transferred to hot water systems, ideally hydronic radiant floor tubing systems because of their relatively low temp. requirements (140 degrees or less). Hope this helps, further info on geothermal heat/cooling systems can be obtained through your local electric service provider, with possible rebates available for using this system(remember- it takes electricity to operate the circulating pumps and compressors. Good luck.

2. 
   George2_ | Jan 19, 1999 03:49am | #2

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   I am currently building a 3000 sq. ft home in North western New Jersey.
   I was planing on Geothermal heat for all year round use. My builders, contractor was hot on the Idea just a few months ago. Suddenly he appears to be pushing me More toward gas fired base board with a high efficiency Cooling system. He did Mention his ground loop layer might be leaving him. I think this may be a factor.
   His reason’s for the change of heart are that Geothermal is more of a dry heat and not as comfortable as Hot water? Also the house could be drafty, and the cost saving’s are not as great As advertised. Is this true?