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Currently, no TX Tax districts are factoring geothermal systems into their home property values. That is, a $20,000 install will not increase your home taxable value , but it sure means a lot to a new buyer if you are selling it.. The ten year P and L warranties are transferable. |
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A geothermal system does cost more up front to install. You will need some type of ground contact system ...earth loops, pond, or water well to supply earth temperature. Even if you pay out of pocket you should see the payback within 4-5 yrs, and the ground loop system is a one time install. 50 –100 yr life span. |
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These systems are totally indoors, not exposed to weather or harsh temperatures. The life span is 20 yrs or more. Service is minimal, less than a conventional AC, and the best part….the factory provides a 10 yr parts and labor warranty on the unit. That’s right, the factory will pay a certified Water Furnace dealer for any repairs in the first ten years.! |
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Frequently Asked Questions Geothermal HVAC systems |
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It does save that much. It has been popular, and becoming the norm in northern States, because it offers 4x the savings in heat that it does in cooling. Still, with the last few years of technology, the cooling side is now double the efficiency of the best “conventional” units, and provides free hot water as well. |
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Does geothermal really save that much in utilities? If so, why is it not done everywhere? |
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Is it hard to maintain? How much will it cost me to service? Who will service it? |
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How much more does it cost to install? I need savings now! |
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Will it raise my property values? What good is it if my taxes go up? |
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Your existing duct system, if in good condition, is re-usable. The equipment itself is comparable in price to a 16+ seer conventional system. The additional cost is mostly for the ground loop system. Costs can vary on this. A sit visit would determine the best method to use. |
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How much does the system cost? Can I use my old ducts? |
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I need to know...how much...really? |
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OK, here are some fair numbers. Water Furnace Envision 2 speed 4ton unit $7200. Ductwork and installation indoors. $2500, 4 ton ground loop system, (4-250’ bores with u tubes, connected back to system) $8000. Misc parts, (thermostat, pump, flush box. Etc) $1500
There you are; A complete 4 ton 30+ seer system installed for about $19,500. Oh don’t forget….30% federal tax rebate. $6500 ...Now the cost is about $13,000.. And you save $1200/yr in electric bills or more?....Yes!
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Will “ Geo Energy” cool and heat my house as well as before? I don’t want to give up comfort just to save power. |
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You will not lose heating or cooling capacity. In fact, with the Envision unit we recommend, you will have two stages of cooling, providing superior humidity control inside your house. Heating will be temperate and steady, but not the hot dry heat of a gas furnace. Your air quality control will exceed what you have already. |
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What are the tax incentives for residential geothermal in Texas? |
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Federal Tax as of 2009 rules now credit 30% of your installation cost of your system in a new home or a retrofit. In 2008 installations were limited to a cap of $2000. Click here for tax brochure. There are currently no State or local incentives in place. |
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Can my pool be used to heat and cool my house? |
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Yes it can. In winter, heat is removed from your pool, and heats your home. In spring, your AC comes on and helps heat your pool earlier in the season than usual. In summer, heat from your home is carried to the pool, where earth contact and evaporation carry most of the waste heat away. Pool will be a little warmer than usual, but a small fountain or aerator can cool it down to normal temps. In fall, the pool will stay warmer longer in the season. All this is free energy, and qualifies for the 30% tax credit. You will not be able to load all your heating and cooling needs on your pool, but it can supplement your ground loop system and save on the initial cost as well. |
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I don’t have a lot of land so I can’t install geothermal in my house...right? |
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There are very few homes that just can’t get geo installed either new or retrofit. It only takes an area about 50’x50’ (front yard) to handle 4 tons of geo heat/cool load, or and area 10’x80’ (along a drive) for the same. The bores should be 20’ apart, but can be in a square pattern, zig-zag, or scattered around wherever possible. You’d be surprised how little space the loop field will actually consume. In a new home, you can even install the loop fiel under the house foundation, under the driveway or under the garage. Once installed, it’s never opened up again. |
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Which is better for me open loop with a water well, or closed loop with all the ground piping to install? |
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The cost is the deciding factor. Open loop, where you pump ground water , use it to heat or cool, and then dispose of it only works under certain situations. First, the water quality has to be tested to be sure it will not contaminate or corrode the unit’s coils over time. Second, you need a good water source to provide 1.5 gallons/ton of water during system operation. Then the water has to be disposed of, to a pond, ditch, or even into another well. Unless you are installing or have a well anyway, for domestic water or irrigation, it would not probably be worth installing for geo alone. But if you have a good capacity well, and a small pond for disposal, such as on a small ranch, you’re well within the grasp of open well geothermal. Otherwise, you will have to install some type of closed loop system, which is probably typical of 90% of geo installations. |
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What chemicals do you put in a closed loop? Does it have antifreeze, and will it be hazardous? |
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Thanks to our warm ground conditions in South Texas we have no need for antifreeze and other additives in our loop water. The antifreeze utilized by geo systems is not hazardous, and has been in use in Northern states for decades. |
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What about permits and deed restrictions? Are these a problem? |
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The geothermal wells require minor permitting, and drilling reports delivered to the State of Texas within 30 days. These are handled by the drilling contractor, who must be a licensed water well driller. The ac/heat mechanical permits, if any, are the same as for conventional work. Deed restrictions generally are not involved, because no visible sign of the geo system remains after completion. Still need permission from the Homeowner’s Association first, or they will throw a fit when big drilling equipment rolls onto the site! |
