Union Springs, NY
Square Footage: 2,032
Year Built: 1910
Renovation of an unoccupied foreclosure presented the homeowners opportunities to act on their concern about the environment and resource consumption. They installed a ground source heat pump (geothermal energy) for home heating and cooling, and a hybrid air source heat pump electric water heater. A Ground source heat pump (GSHP) for air heating and cooling was installed. A Heat pump paper heater (HPWH) for domestic hot water [hybrid of electric water heater and air source heat pump (ASHP)] were also installed. There is a propane tank for gas cooktop and gas fireplace (only used occasionally). They are not net zero, but are making strides towards reducing their energy consumption.
The homeowners also had new insulation installed in the home to combat energy loss and keep energy costs manageable. Interior side of the entire first floor spray foamed, with the exception of the living room. Also spray foamed second floor laundry room and bathroom, basement rim joists down to grade, and beneath the front and back porches and the attic. When the house got new siding in 2019, the exterior of the whole house was covered with 1” foil-backed insulation board. On the whole, the homeowners are pleased with the outcome because of reduced heating and cooling expenses, reduced traffic noise from added insulation, because there is now a consistent and comfortable temperature, and because of environmental peace of mind.
Installation and Energy Details
Prior Energy system: Propane forced air furnace for the first floor; combination of electric baseboard heat for the second floor with multiple in-wall electric space heaters throughout the house.
Prior Insulation or Sealing: Blown-in cellulose in walls
New Energy System: Ground source heat pump (GSHP) for air heating and cooling. Heat pump paper heater (HPWH) for domestic hot water [hybrid of electric water heater and air source heat pump (ASHP)]. Propane tank for gas cooktop and gas fireplace (only used occasionally)
New Insulation or Sealing: Interior side of the entire first floor spray foamed, with the exception of the living room. Also spray foamed second floor laundry room and bathroom, basement rim joists down to grade, and beneath the front and back porches and the attic. When the house got new siding in 2019, the exterior of the whole house was covered with 1” foil-backed insulation board.
System Specifications:
- Ground Source Heat Pump: Geostar Magnolia Plus 4-ton pump, vertical loop (two wells 300' deep). Excavation by American Auger & Ditching Co, Inc. Installed by Renaissance HVAC in November 2017.
- Heat Pump Water Heater: AO Smith HPTU-66 hybrid electric heat pump in basement. Installed by MJ Field Construction in November 2017.
Net Zero? No.
Results
- Although the homeowners are pleased to have the new system, there have been a number of challenges along the way including: initial reliability of the electronic controls which had to be replaced twice under warranty; proprietary controls of the system which limit possibilities to interface with home automation system; and some leaks at the location where ground loop pipes enter the basement
- On the whole, the homeowners are pleased with the outcome because of reduced heating and cooling expenses, reduced traffic noise from added insulation, because there is now a consistent and comfortable temperature, and because of environmental peace of mind.
Motivation for Heat Pump Technology
- HVAC system had to be totally replaced as the house was in foreclosure and had been unoccupied for several years.
- Homeowners wanted to install an energy system that would minimize impact on the environment.
- Geothermal was considered a good fit for the HVAC replacement from the standpoint of low cost of operation and long-term savings.
- Availability of federal tax incentives was a strong motivation.
- In their old home, the homeowners had to install window air conditioners every year, which strained their backs, caused wear and tear to the window sills, sometimes stained the siding, and never cooled the entire living space. They dreaded summertime electric bills.
- The all-electric system leaves the option open to add solar photovoltaic and/or wind energy conversion system in the future.