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! Suffice to say the distributor offered a pretty compelling case for geothermal.  You may wonder if, after 4 years of living in my home, I find I’m on track for that type of savings. 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).  1 ton central ac unitsOver the last few decades, it is the cost of equipment, not the drilling, that has skyrocketed, making geothermal cost-prohibitive to most homeowners.5 ton package ac unit The cost-savings frequently touted by geothermal manufacturers are generally unrealistic and inflated, partially due to the nuances of how efficiency ratings are calculated.  ac unit grillOne 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.

SelectCycler™ Low Cost, Whole House Ventilation System, lowest cost per HERS point for Balanced or Supply Ventilation SelectCycler™ System, Low Cost, Whole House Ventilation Solution The SelectCycler System is a cost effective, whole house mechanical ventilation solution for ASHRAE 62.2 compliance. Ideal for single and multi-family construction, it provides whole house ventilation control that’s integrated into the home’s Central HVAC system. The SelectCycler System features two modes of operation - Hybrid and Balanced. Hybrid mode achieves the lowest cost per HERS point for supply ventilation, while Balanced mode achieves the lowest cost per HERS point for balanced ventilation. The SelectCycler™ System encompasses the WhisperGreen Select™ ventilation fan or fan/light (sold separately), the System Controller, Motorized Supply Damper* and FanConnect™ Fan/Light Wall Switch. Designed to Work with WhisperGreen Select (Sold Separately) The SelectCycler System was designed exclusively to work with WhisperGreen Select fans, which incorporate Pick-A-Flow™ adjustable CFM technology for optimal use in Balanced mode.

WhisperGreen Select also features an ultra-quiet DC motor that incorporates intelligent SmartFlow® technology, so it automatically adjusts its speed to ensure optimal CFM output, even in the case of a complicated duct run. TWO OPERATIONAL MODES - SUPPLY and BALANCED VENTILATION Two operational modes help a home achieve the lowest cost per HERS point for either supply or balanced ventilation strategies. While in Hybrid (supply ventilation) mode, the supply damper is open to bring in fresh air. If normal heating and cooling cycles don’t run long enough to meet required ventilation, the controller will also power on WhisperGreen Select via the FanConnect wall switch to provide supplemental ventilation. In Balanced Mode, the controller opens the supply damper AND activates the WhisperGreen Select at the same time. If heating or cooling cycle is too short to meet ventilation needs, the controller will also activate the HVAC/AHU. Programmable Wall Mounted Controller The controller monitors the thermostat for heating/cooling calls, controls the supply damper, and can monitor and control the WhisperGreen Select™ ventilation fan via two-way communication with the FanConnect fan/light wall switch.

Upon setup, the controller uses a patented algorithm to automatically calculate the ventilation flow or time necessary to meet ASHRAE 62.2 and operate the system accordingly. The digital display panel shows system status and aids in troubleshooting. The controller also monitors daily use of WhisperGreen Select and counts that time toward hourly ventilation requirements, via the FanConnect wall switch The durable, power open/close supply damper eliminates excess forces on the damper motor gear train for longer life over spring return dampers. It is powered open by the controller as needed to meet ventilation requirements, and closed when ventilation is complete. FanConnect™ Bathroom Fan/Light Wall Switch The fan/light switch is a simple switch serving as a communicator between the main controller and WhisperGreen Select ventilation fan. It operates the fan, light (optional), and can be programmed to provide a delay timer function (When in Hybrid mode). Filter by Accessory Type