fromchaptico
New Member
Hi everyone,
I have posted here before about the possibility of installing a geothermal system, and a bunch of you were kind enough to respond with information about your own experiences. My oil furnace has finally met its maker, so the to-geothermal-or-not-to-geothermal moment is finally at hand. I have had a few contractors out to the house (@3500 square feet, built in the 1920s.) I have duct work for the existing central air. It looks like I am going to need two 3 ton units. I was pretty committed in my mind to going with a geothermal system, but all of the contractors have said that the new 20 SEER variable speed air/air heat pumps offer comparable performance and energy efficiency, and of course, the air/air units would not require the mess or expense of drilling wells for the ground source system.
So, I am wondering whether any of you have experience in this area (climate!) with these 20 SEER systems, especially in a larger or older home. I don't have quotes yet, but this is going to be an expensive project no matter which choice I make. I am really worried about choosing something that either doesn't heat the house well or that results in $800 electric bills in the winter. Since I have been heating with oil, I just don't know what to expect. (A new oil system is an option also.)
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you!
I have posted here before about the possibility of installing a geothermal system, and a bunch of you were kind enough to respond with information about your own experiences. My oil furnace has finally met its maker, so the to-geothermal-or-not-to-geothermal moment is finally at hand. I have had a few contractors out to the house (@3500 square feet, built in the 1920s.) I have duct work for the existing central air. It looks like I am going to need two 3 ton units. I was pretty committed in my mind to going with a geothermal system, but all of the contractors have said that the new 20 SEER variable speed air/air heat pumps offer comparable performance and energy efficiency, and of course, the air/air units would not require the mess or expense of drilling wells for the ground source system.
So, I am wondering whether any of you have experience in this area (climate!) with these 20 SEER systems, especially in a larger or older home. I don't have quotes yet, but this is going to be an expensive project no matter which choice I make. I am really worried about choosing something that either doesn't heat the house well or that results in $800 electric bills in the winter. Since I have been heating with oil, I just don't know what to expect. (A new oil system is an option also.)
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you!
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