Sterling, NY
Square Footage: 1,822 sq. ft.
Year Built: 2015-2016
Annual Energy Cost: $1,400
Due to construction of the new home, the homeowners were able pay attention to their energy usage and climate change concerns. The house features state of the art insulation, a ground source heat pump (geothermal energy), and a solar photovoltaic system on the roof for production of electricity. The house also has Very tight envelope with R-50 walls. Ground source heat pump (GSHP) providing hydronic in-floor heating on the first floor. GSHP and domestic hot water. Roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity. Finally, the photovoltaic panels were installed in a 12 kW roof-top array installed by Renovus in May 2016.
The homeowners are very pleased with the outcome. The geothermal system and heat pump have been maintenance free. They never run out of hot water even though the geothermal system is supplying hot water both to the hydronic heating system and to the water heater during the cold months. This leads to a significant saving in energy costs which can be some of the more expensive costs for homeowners in Central New York during the winter.
Installation and Energy Details
New Energy System: Ground source heat pump (GSHP) providing hydronic in-floor heating on the first floor. GSHP and domestic hot water. Roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) system for electricity. Electric radiator heating for loft/bedroom and vestibule – only during extreme cold. Conventional window units for air conditioning.
New Insulation or Sealing: Very tight envelope with R-50 walls.
System Specifications:
- Ground Source Heat Pump: Make/model: GeoStar Aston with three ton capacity; approximately one acre horizontal loop system composed of three lines. Driller/excavator: Ken Malone; Hannibal, New York. Installed by Anthony’s Heating & Contracting.
- Solar photovoltaic: 12 kW roof-top array installed by Renovus in May 2016
Net Zero? No. Solar PV provides approximately 53% of electricity needs.
Results
- The homeowners are very pleased with the outcome. The geothermal system and heat pump have been maintenance free.
- They never run out of hot water even though the geothermal system is supplying hot water both to the hydronic heating system and to the water heater during the cold months.
- The homeowners spend far less on energy than they used to. At their prior residence (old remodeled farm house) the cost for oil heat, propane hot water, dryer, cooking) and electricity was $4,506 per year. At their new house, the cost (based on a rolling 12 month average) is just $1,405 per year.
- During winter cold spells, the homeowners choose to use supplemental electric radiators in two locations to keep the house at an even temperature. Below 20 degrees F with a high wind chill, they find the zone furthest away from heat pump can be five degrees colder than thermostat setting.
- Might install air source heat pump to replace conventional AC units in future.
Motivation for Heat Pump Technology
- Desire to reduce consumption of fossil fuels.
- Geothermal was considered a good fit for new construction from an energy efficiency standpoint.
- Availability of state rebate and federal tax incentive.
- Desire to heat with radiant floors for comfort.
Expenses
| Cost Category | Initial Cost | Incentives | Final Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Source Heat Pump | $32,400 | NYSERDA rebate: N/A 30% federal tax credit: $9,720 25% NYS tax credit: N/A | $22,680 |
| Solar PV System | $41,030 | NYSERDA rebate: $6,000 30% federal tax credit: $10,509 25% NYS tax credit: $5,000 | $19,521 |
| Grand Total | $73,430 | $31,229 (43% of total) | $42,201 |