Last summer, with the marked increase in oil prices and experiencing the significant impacts of climate change I decided to investigate geothermal heating/cooling. Geothermal heating involves drilling down to where the earth temperature is a constant 55-57 degrees. Pipes in the drill holes circulated water which absorbs the earth’s temperature which then goes to a heat pump in the basement. The now heated water is transfer to a distribution system. For me it was to an air handler in my attic which utilize my central air conditioner vents. I was warned that the drilling would be extremely loud, but being done in December with all the windows closed I found it to be more like a large delivery truck idling in my driveway. So, warning my neighbors and giving them ear plugs was probably unnecessary. The drilling did create a huge sludge field, that the drillers removed but left me collecting many, many rocks, and now attempting to recreate my lawn; and no, I am not known for my patience or having a green thumb.
Like all big projects expect delays. My system which was originally promised for October became functional in mid-January, but not fully completed until May. Hence, with a rather mild winter I feel limited in fully evaluating the system. It is certainly cost saving for I no longer buy oil or service contracts for my furnace and central air conditioner units. Yes, it will take numerous years to fully recoup my costs and it took a bit to get use to the change in heating, for steel baseboard heating units retain heat after the furnace turns off, but this is not true with blown hot air. Also switching from a water heater connected to the furnace to an electric one requires extra time in getting hot water to my shower. Yes, some adaptations are required, but they are easily being made. In my opinion, going geothermal was totally worth it.
Yes, it will take numerous years to fully recoup my costs. But, as we heard at Bob Fishman’s excellent presentation on June 4th there are rebates from EnergizeCT (which was easy to apply for on the internet, and now waiting to receive), tax credits as well as various financing options. This was, and for anyone considering geothermal will be, a big project. Different contractors, who must be recognized by EnergizeCT to receive the rebate, offered different options and required different actions from me. As with all home projects of this size read the contract carefully and get all questions answered. For example, I was not told, and did not think to ask that my home’s electrical service needed to be increased from the usual 110 amps to 200 amps and this was not specified in the contract so who would pay? After having teams of drillers, installers, electricians, home inspections, and some pulling out of my hair, I am so pleased that I made the switch for it is the most cost-effective heating/cooling system and currently the best for greening the environment.
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