Re: Alternative heat sources........
Yes, Roscoe...radiant PLUS forced air PLUS zoned areas....that's gonna be much more expensive to install than what I've got. $22K is probably very realistic.<br /><br />Bummer it's not working to her expectations...<br /><br />D Grass, your described an "open loop" and it is indeed a true geothermal system and my understanding is that they're equally efficient as a closed loop. They were very popular in the late 70's and 80's when this technology started, and are still sold today. Also very popular for lakefront homes IF it's still permitted...DNR sometimes has issues with that. As you said, they use a LOT of water...about as much as running a garden hose about 20 hours a day, but work just as efficiently as a closed loop.<br /><br />If open loop is permitted in his area, I'd expect this is the cheapest and easiest solution for Bondo and his river. He can pump the water from the river thru his heat exchanger, then pump the water back out to the river. Creates zero polution to the water, just changes the water temp a little bit. Though I'm sure a permit/approval is still required.<br /><br />The biggest negative is that open loops need more maintenance because you have intake screens/filters and periodic cleaning of the plumbing portion. Whereas a closed loop being completely sealed and full of antifireeze will never get dirty.<br /><br />Here's a description I found of all the different "loop" options:<br /><br />"Closed loops, made of durable, high-density polyethylene pipe, are buried in the earth or submerged in a lake or pond. They transfer heat by circulating a solution of water and environmentally safe antifreeze through the system.<br /><br />Open loops use groundwater pumped from a well as a heat source. <br /><br />The decision of which loop configuration to use depends on the terrain, the cost of trenching or drilling, the availability of quality groundwater and the availability of land. Your WaterFurnace dealer will help you make the most efficient and economical choice. <br /><br />There are four basic types of geothermal energy sources: <br /><br />Horizontal Loops <br />These are often considered when adequate land surface is available. Pipes are placed in trenches that range in length from 100 to 400 feet. <br /><br />Vertical Loops <br />These are the ideal choice when available land surface is limited. Drilling equipment is used to bore small-diameter holes from 75 to 300 feet deep.<br /><br />Pond (Lake) Loops <br />These are very economical to install when a body of water is available, because excavation costs are virtually eliminated. Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the pond or lake.<br /><br />Open Loops <br />These use groundwater as a direct energy source. In ideal conditions, an open-loop application can be the most economical type of geothermal system.<br /><br />For efficiency upgrades where large geothermal systems are not viable, existing boiler/tower jobs are frequently retrofitted. Hybrid systems incorporate a geothermal loop coupled with down-sized conventional heat rejection or additional equipment (a boiler or tower)."
