OT - Geothermal Units

[Dawn]

I'm thinking about replacing my woodstove with a geothermal unit.  Does anyone have any experience with them?  +'s or -'s?

Thanks!

Dawn  :)

[Super Dave]

I've got a wood pellet stove on order.  Don't know much about the geo stuff.  I think I heard something about it.

[ub2slo]

If you are talking about actual Geothermal earth energy units you can't go wrong.  Are you looking at vertical or horizontal loops?  Vertical are more energy efficient, but cost more.  Vertical loops are in a sense, like having a well dug 200'deep, maybe 2 or 3 depending on the square footage of your home.  A horizontal loop is usually put in with a backhoe and only get around 8-10' deep.  Deep is good in this case.  The earth is a constant temp so many feet down, can't remember exact temp or depth.  But if you are going to be living in your home for awhile yet, you cannot go wrong with this.  If you would like some more info, I can get you more.

[kmf600]

What the hell are you guys talking about?  Heaters?
We just keep the windows up in the winter here in Homestead. ;D  I'd like to move up north, maybe Tennessee.

[EX#996]

Thanks for the info...

We're looking at a horizontal loop.  Living in an area where the glaciers stopped, I believe it would be very difficult to put in a vertical loop  (rocks, a lot of rocks, big ones too).  The amount of land needed for the horizontal loop will not be an issue and if I remember correctly, they can install the loop with a trencher now.  

We planning on retiring in this home so we feel that this is a good investment.  Currently we burn wood.  While wood is cheap for us, the time and energy it takes...  Well, we would like to use that time for other things.  Plus, with everyone turning to wood heat, the cheap wood (we have our own little woods, but prefer to buy it) will eventually be gone.

Any additional information would be wonderful.  We are located in WI.  If you're in another state and your information would not be applicable, I understand.

Thank you!

Dawn

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Maybe you could heat the house with teenaged angst? ;D

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

What the hell are you guys talking about?  Heaters?
We just keep the windows up in the winter here in Homestead. ;D  I'd like to move up north, maybe Tennessee.

Here is a website that describes them for you. :)

http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/elibrary/elibrary685.html

[ub2slo]

That website explains it pretty well.  Also check with your local power company, whoever you pay your electrical bill to, and ask about an all electric rate.  To get an all electric rate you need rust that, to be all electric, ie, water heater, stove, ect.  Your power company may also provide some type of rebate on the purchase of a geothermal unit.  More than likely they will even send someone out to size it for you and make sure your elctric service is large enough to handle it. (I work for a power co)