on Apr 06, 2013 My home is heated and cooled with a geothermal heat pump – also known as a ground source heat pump.  I was sold on the idea of geothermal heating and cooling for the same reasons that I suspect most homeowners are: The promise of lower energy costs The attractive renewable energy tax credits, which make it easier to come to terms with the rather exorbitant cost The belief that this is truly a more environmentally responsible choice since geothermal heat pumps do not rely on combustible fuel The “cool factor” associated with owning a geothermal system (This was not a major driver for me, but I do get a warm glow when people are impressed that I have a highly regarded technology in my home.) I now question (and with good reason) the validity of the first and most significant incentive for purchasing a geothermal heat pump:  Lower energy costs. Energy Performance Not What I’d Hoped The fact is, the utility costs in my all-electric, Energy Star, LEED-certified, geothermal heated and cooled home is not drastically better than my neighbor’s homes with far less expensive heating and cooling systems. 

Now, the reasons for that are probably quite complex and have to do with numerous application and lifestyle matters that can make or break the efficiency of any type of heating and cooling system. But none of those matters came up in that first, fateful meeting with the geothermal distributor.  No – that conversation was filled a lot of confusing yet highly persuasive information about why I should choose geothermal, including an estimate that projected a lifetime savings to me of nearly $40K!variable ac dc power supply unit Suffice to say the distributor offered a pretty compelling case for geothermal.  furnace ac unit costYou may wonder if, after 4 years of living in my home, I find I’m on track for that type of savings.window ac unit removal

I’d be lying if I said I thought I was. The truth is, I suspect there was much in that conversation that would be terribly, terribly misleading to the average homeowner.  A building scientist might have called the distributor out on a lot of those details.  But neither I, nor most homeowners, go into these decisions with that level of expertise. I open about this not because I am disappointed or disillusioned with geothermal technology.   Rather, I am disappointed and disillusioned with how the industry conducts itself, and I am concerned with the fallout to well-meaning homeowners.  Many homeowners will never see the true the advantages of geothermal energy because of misapplications. Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy Reside in the Industry, Not the Technology I got a hard dose of reality after the first cooling season in my home.  My system needed to be replaced because the original system was oversized—grossly oversized.  I went to a lot of trouble to confirm this fact and basically had to go through a six-month arm wrestling match to make those who were responsible bear the expense of the replacement. 

I eventually won – but not before I got this depressing peek at the dark side of the geothermal/residential HVAC industry. Were my experiences unusual?  , which confirmed much of what I already suspected.  Here’s is the gist: The high cost of geothermal systems is not necessarily attributable to the cost associated with installing the ground loop (that is digging or drilling the holes or trenches that make it possible to transfer heat to and from the earth for the purpose of heating and cooling your home).  Over the last few decades, it is the cost of equipment, not the drilling, that has skyrocketed, making geothermal cost-prohibitive to most homeowners. The cost-savings frequently touted by geothermal manufacturers are generally unrealistic and inflated, partially due to the nuances of how efficiency ratings are calculated.  One expert compared these ratings to scoring the fuel efficiency of car based on the car’s performance while coasting down a hill.  Sure, the savings estimates are based on mathematical data, but data that isn’t necessarily relevant to real life.

Manufacturers are more interested in selling more and bigger equipment than they are in the energy performance of your home.  This inherent conflict of interest undercuts the homeowner’s chances of getting the best bang for their buck when installing a geothermal system.  There are many factors that impact the efficiency of a geothermal system but the manufacturer and/or the installer is typically concerned with just two things:  (1) selling the equipment and (2) avoiding callbacks.  Neither of these have much (if anything) to do with actual energy performance. Here’s the funny part.  I am still a fan of geothermal technology, as are many of the experts intent on “calling out” the industry for its…. shall we say….imperfections. The best homeowners can do is be aware.  If you are considering geothermal you owe it to yourself to get the “big picture” before you dig into your pockets with your fingers crossed. Copeland® Two-Stage Ultratech scroll compressor

Heavy-Gauge, galvanized steel enclosure cabinet High-Efficiency two-speed ECM condensor fan motor #48  of 67 brands of central air conditioners Read more about American Standard central air conditioners Silver 14 Silver SI Have a large home, 5 units. After five years the coils began to leak inHave already replaced four of the five, just after theHave also replaced three of the compressors. I bought this brand because I was told at the time it was the best. Well, I wish I had never heard of American Standard. I recommend if anyone is considering American Standard, run, don't walk, to another brandThe air handler burned up 2 weeks after installation, now the condensing unit is tripping the breaker. Don't have any idea what series of unit I have. However, it was installed in 1968 and I just called to have it looked at. I have lived in my house since 1986 so it's been 30 years and no issues until now. Thursday what is wrong and hopefully it's not a big problem or else it's

going to be a hot summer. I have an American Standard 3 ton split system central AC, installed in 1992. It's called the 5000 and was the highest efficiency unit available at that time, about 13 SEER. Do you believe it has never needed service!. It is running perfectly with no mechanical issues. Trane /American Standard is the best unit you can buy. It is used almost daily from May through September in a northern climate. "Do not buy American Standard" 2 years light use on a coil when it got holes in it. cover labor or Freon. So, a very expensive repair that should not have been needed at all. I purchased this unit (air and furnace) nine years ago, paid for a gold plan that costs nearly $300.00 a year from Neighbors in Ames, Iowa, and now I'm told that I need a new air conditioner. I am very, very unhappy and would never purchase this brand again. As a former American Standard HVAC Dealer I can concur with most reviews

of dissatisfaction about American Standard and Trane products. reputable Dealer in the state of Kansas we began having trouble with this brand shortly after Ingersoll Rand bought the American Standard Company which also manufactures Trane. Changes were made to their products utilizing cheap manufactured parts (Not! Made in the USA). experienced an unusual amount of warranty work that we fully honored to keep our customers satisfied. This created a burden on our business's bottom line which eventually caused us to stop selling the American Standard- Trane line of products. We also experienced horrible customer service with not only the manufacturer but our distributor as well, from which we had purchased equipment amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars overI am not sharing this information just out of frustration or to sell another product line. I just hope to aid you in what will be aSo this is what I recommend: Ask your friends

and neighbors about their experiences with local dealerships, if you are new to an area go online and read customer Dealer reviews. product line is somewhat important but almost all manufacturers carryAn honest Dealer, experienced installation and knowledgeable regular maintenance are your best bet to ensure an HVAC system that will serve you well for many years to come. I pray that this "Garbage - avoid American Standard" I had this unit installed 45 days ago and it still is not working. Installer has been out here 5 times trying one thing after another. Tomorrow's appointment is to change out the Thermal Expansion Valve. Another "guess" in my opinion. I also purchased a Gold 2 stage unit and it also isAmerican Standard AC units are garbage. My 22-year-old Carrier units worked better. What a mistake I made. We bought our American Standard Platinum unit 2 years ago. done about every 5 to 6 months. We have spent thousands to repair this