Fayetteville, NY
Square Footage: 2,100 sq ft
Year Built: 1825
This 1825 historic house was converted from a natural gas heating system (forced hot air and hot water) to geothermal heating and cooling (forced air and hot water) in 2018. With the goal of reducing household greenhouse gas emissions to the bare minimum, the occupant has also converted the gas stove to electric induction, and has replaced a hybrid car with an electric vehicle. In the next two years, the occupant intends to install a solar photovoltaic roof, with the intention of making the house net zero, that is, producing at least as much energy as it consumes. The expense of investing in geothermal energy has been high (owing to particularities of the house's age and design), but the occupant has no regrets, and is thrilled to be able to make a contribution toward combating climate change.
Installation and Energy Details
Prior Energy system: Natural gas forced air and hot water. No central air conditioning. Gas stoves.
Prior Insulation or Sealing: Fiberglass insulation in attics and 1” foam board in walls.
New Energy System: Vertical well ground source heat pump.
New Insulation or Sealing: Closed-cell spray foam in attics and basement crawlspaces, plus foam boards against foundation walls and under basement floor.
System Specifications:
- System designed and installed by Halco in 2018. Drilling/excavation by Moravec.
- Geostar Aston Geothermal heat pumps totaling 10 tons capacity. providing air heating and cooling and hot water: 5 ton (1st floor); 2 ton (2nd floor); 3 ton (apartment). Water to air whole house and apartment.
- Hot Water: 2 ton hot water heater providing water to water for house and apartment.
- Gas stoves replaced by electric induction stoves.
Net Zero? No. Aim is to be net zero when solar photovoltaic array is installed in 2019-2020.
Results
- "The geothermal system is working perfectly thus far. I have eliminated all fossil fuel combustion in my home and have a reliable and comfortable heating and cooling system. The most important result is that I have made a giant step in reducing my carbon footprint." - William
Motivation for Heat Pump Technology
- Concern about climate change was the primary motivation in switching from natural gas to a GSHP.
- Additional benefits, although minor, included avoidance of possible carbon monoxide pollution and addition of cooling in the home.
- Although the tax credits and rebates were helpful in reducing the overall cost, overall cost savings were not a strong objective.
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