Pompey, NY
Square Footage: 2,200
Year Built: 1994
Eager to find a solution to high energy bills, the Kimballs switched from fossil fuels to heat pumps and also made energy efficiency upgrades. The system has already paid for itself and the household saves $1,500-$2,000 per year. “The systems have exceeded our expectations in all regards," the Kimballs state. Their motivation for installing heat pump technology was fueled by a dying oil fired furnace and a desire for air conditioning. They installed an air source hot water heat pump, a four ton geothermal system with a horizontal loop field, and a ductless air source heat pump to heat and cool the office above the garage.
Mr. Kimball did all the installation himself, drawing on many years of experience as a HVAC contractor. In spite of this success, Mr. Kimball recommends having installation done by a professional company, noting it is a challenging process and important to install correctly. Although the excavation process tore up the lawn, all damage was remedied within two years. They intend to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels as well as an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) in the near future.
Installation and Energy Details
Prior Energy system: Oil-fired forced air supplemented with propane-fired fireplace insert. Some electric resistance baseboard heat. No A/C. Oil-fired domestic hot water heater.
New Energy System: Geothermal heat pump for heating and cooling. Air source hot water heat pump combined with geothermal desuperheater for all hot water. Supplementary ductless air source heat pump.
New Insulation or Sealing: Air sealing of sill plates and attic. Additional (R-30) insulation layer installed in attic.
System Specifications:
- Geothermal heat pump: Water to air whole house; make: Daikin/McQuay; four ton capacity; horizontal loop field. Installed 2014.
- Heat Pump water heater: Water heating – whole house; 40 gallon General Electric Geospring.
- Ductless air source heat pump (ASHP): Secondary conditioning for home office; Mitsubishi Mr. Slim ductless heat pump; one ton capacity. Installed 2018.
Results
- Energy bills were reduced by approximately $1,500-$2,000 per year while implementing whole house cooling.
- The systems have exceeded the expectations of the homeowners in all regards.
- The installation process was time-consuming and damage to the lawn from excavation for the loop field was extensive. However all damage was remedied in two years.
- The homeowners intend to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels as well as an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) in the near future.
Motivation for Heat Pump Technology
- The primary motivation was financial. Energy modelling indicated a 4-5 year payback for installation of the Daikin/McQuay and Mitsubishi heat pumps. Energy performance simulation indicated a less than one year payback associated with replacing oil-fired domestic hot water heater with the heat pump hot water heater.
- Additional reason for installing heat pumps: cooling of the home.
- Oil-fired furnace was at the end of its useful life.
- Climate change was not a motivating factor.
Expenses
| Cost Category | Initial Cost | Incentives | Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin Mc/Quay Ground Source Heat Pump | $15,800 (including equipment, materials and excavator rental) | Tax incentives: $8,800 | $7,000 |
| Mitsubishi Air Source Heat Pump | $2,242 (including equipment and materials) | National Grid incentive: $375 | $1,867 |
| Insulation | $600 | 30% federal tax credit: $180 | $420 |
| General Electric Heat Pump Hot Water Heater | $476 | National Grid Credit: $150 | $326 |
| Grand Total | $19,118 | $9,325 (49% of total) | $9,701 |
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