My DIY Geothermal System Was So CHEAP!!!

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  • čas přidán 2. 11. 2020
  • If you've ever thought geothermal is out of your price range, I'm here to tell you that you may be surprised at how affordable it actually is. I did my own diy geothermal system for about the same price as a typical 13 to 14 SEER HVAC system, and I get double the efficiency. If you are willing to put in some work, you too can afford this option and reap the benefits of lower utility costs ongoing. A geothermal heat pump is one of the most efficient systems out there.
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Komentáře • 3,5K

  • @Challenged1
    @Challenged1  Před rokem +79

    Thank you all for watching my video. Make sure to check out a couple of my other Geothermal videos:
    Geothermal Cost Breakdown: czcams.com/video/mjWsSmjAOeU/video.html
    Geothermal 4 year review: czcams.com/video/xc_BbbMi1cg/video.html

    • @KEW-pd1jn
      @KEW-pd1jn Před rokem

      Can a “burn barrel” for our trash be implemented into this kind of system? Really I’m just tired of forgetting to set the herby out on the Curb. But if the trash could be repurposed and utilized for heating, that would be cool

    • @KEW-pd1jn
      @KEW-pd1jn Před rokem

      Kinda like a trash compactor-furnace?

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před rokem +1

      @@KEW-pd1jn I don't think so, but who knows

    • @KEW-pd1jn
      @KEW-pd1jn Před rokem

      @@Challenged1 cool thanks.

    • @justinfowler2857
      @justinfowler2857 Před rokem

      Which is a better set up. One giant loop or multiple loops and a manifold setup? Just planning my system.

  • @osmosisomni2248
    @osmosisomni2248 Před 3 lety +568

    Wow! I'm a commercial building engineer and this is the best explanation I have seen of a residential use break down of a heat pump and geothermal systems. No youtube hype filler. Thank you for a great video!

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +26

      Thank you for the kind words!!!

    • @brianlopez8855
      @brianlopez8855 Před rokem +11

      A refreshingly clear BS free description of heat pump heating cooling.

    • @Martin_Hermann
      @Martin_Hermann Před rokem +2

      Still don't know where the heat is coming from.

    • @dariogonzalez6249
      @dariogonzalez6249 Před 11 měsíci +2

      Awesome free info. Thanks

    • @jamesroscoe7555
      @jamesroscoe7555 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@Martin_HermannYour fridge is a heat pump. If you feel the air coming out of the vent (usually bottom front) it is warm air. That air was heated by pumping heat out of your fridge (via coils and a compressor). Pumping heat out of the fridge keeps it cold.
      Residential geothermal is the same idea, but the inside of the fridge is replaced by the ground.

  • @jeremymacklem2510
    @jeremymacklem2510 Před 3 lety +2190

    I work for a Geothermal exclusive company in the NW Chicago area. We do the entire job start to finish. Vertical boring is what you do in a city...it is possible in most areas. 150ft/ton straight down. We bore 5" holes drop the pipe, grout with bentonite/graphite mix. Also we use methanol as an antifreeze and have protection to 15°F. Not possible on every city job. But many more than most people think. I am one of very few Geothermal service techs in the area as well. I cant lie. Self installed Geo systems scare me. I have seen some nightmare jobs. That being said. This is a VERY GOOD VIDEO. Informative and correct in all aspects. Great job on this sir!

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +83

      Great info, thanks!!!

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +111

      If you don't mind sharing, what would you guys charge for a typical 4 ton system with the vertical boring all in?

    • @jeremymacklem2510
      @jeremymacklem2510 Před 3 lety +149

      Your estimates were about spot on. 4 tons would cost between 40-50k depending on geological make up. That's for a full job start to finish.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +68

      @@jeremymacklem2510 Thank you.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +25

      @carguy Thank you!!!

  • @embracethesuck1041
    @embracethesuck1041 Před 2 lety +36

    "Try to do it right, so you only do it once" is an excellent motto and one that I try to adhere to.

  • @63yank
    @63yank Před 2 lety +77

    I was digging a 14 deep 3/4 acre lake /pond on my property so I simply laid my collection system in the bottom of the pond which luckily was blue clay hardpan and then covered it with 4 inches of sand backfill . My unit was a 4 ton and my home was 2300 sq ft with 10 ft ceilings and 18 ft in my large living room . My electrical bill for the year was 825 dollars total for heat and air conditioning . Excellent

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 2 lety +2

      Thank you for sharing

    • @KznnyL
      @KznnyL Před rokem +10

      Get some solar and its free forever!

    • @djea3589
      @djea3589 Před 10 měsíci

      @@KznnyL Solar what? photovoltaics? They might last 20 to 25 years. They are environmental disasters because of the rare earth metals used, there destroy our planet worse than oil or coal. The FIRST system in every house should be SOLAR HOT WATER (and solar sub-floor heating). The second system might be best as geothermal cooling. The pumps for solar hot water and for geothermal can be photovoltaic as that might make sense, but photovoltaic in general is an environmental crime.

  • @watferfoot1467
    @watferfoot1467 Před 3 lety +227

    My parents did that way in 1979. Heating pump is still working now !

    • @KarlAlfredRoemer
      @KarlAlfredRoemer Před 2 lety +5

      Did they never had any problems? What kind of expansion valve does it have?

    • @pavolprocka530
      @pavolprocka530 Před 2 lety +3

      wow! would u share the build?

    • @watferfoot1467
      @watferfoot1467 Před 2 lety +14

      @@KarlAlfredRoemer I don't know. All valves are built in the heating pump unit. Only 2 ports are used to cycle water in ground heat exchanger. The only problem occured in 2009, had to change a fuse after a lightning strike.

    • @jimthomas777
      @jimthomas777 Před 2 lety +15

      Expansion valve , can you share the build ?
      You guys are way over thinking this ,
      It's simple , I'm doing the exact same thing except I'm using a small pump ,
      It pumps water from a 22 foot deep and 4 foot diameter water Well , the water comes up around 55° degrees , goes through a simple car radiator and runs back into the well ,
      I use an everyday square box fan like you can buy a store to blow the 55° degree temperature out in the summer and it cools , but in winter and it's 32° and freezing , I'm still blowing 55° degree heat out ,
      I have a Wood Burner for heat , so I don't really use it as much as I do in the summer

    • @LevizGibson
      @LevizGibson Před 2 lety +2

      At this point it would probably be worth the money to replace the heatpump... Better efficiency among other things

  • @parkour4enthusiasts
    @parkour4enthusiasts Před 2 lety +26

    I’m in school as an HVAC Tech, and my school had us working with a geothermal setup. Ever since then I’ve been fascinated. I’m glad I found your channel, I’m looking forward to viewing more of your content

  • @amywestbrook7109
    @amywestbrook7109 Před 2 lety +40

    Great explanation of heat pump technology! I put one in my house 18 years ago and cut my electric bill by about 60 plus percent and summer time hot water for free. Used my old hot water heater as tank and a new in demand hot water heater. I am absolutely thrilled with the technology! Regards

    • @1realtruthrightnow742
      @1realtruthrightnow742 Před rokem +1

      Could you explain that a little more? You're system sounds like something I want to do

    • @djea3589
      @djea3589 Před 10 měsíci

      You need to change out that "on demand" for a solar water heater!

  • @ronjones4575
    @ronjones4575 Před 2 lety +124

    Thank you for your video on geothermal heat/air. I built my home about 15 years ago and installed two 3 ton heat pumps. I have been considering updating them to geothermal to get more efficiency and because I have a five acre pond 250 foot from my home that I could use in a closed loop system. The pond stays at a consistent depth because of some springs that feed it. I also have a backhoe to dig a trench from the house to the pond. Being retired and 76 years old I have not been as inclined to do this as I would have 15 years ago! But you have inspired me.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 2 lety +18

      I wish you luck. Sounds like a great plan to me

    • @josoffat7649
      @josoffat7649 Před rokem +6

      water loop is the best for heat transfer actually 👍

  • @MatthewN8OHU
    @MatthewN8OHU Před 2 lety +5

    An excellent rundown of what you did, good sir. I just found your channel and will most certainly be perusing the rest of your videos, especially the ones about actually building a working system, since I am currently looking at such a thing to complement the fully off-grid power system I am constructing for my own home.

  • @reddtekk
    @reddtekk Před 3 lety +18

    My father's cousin installed a well type geothermal system in her yoga center in the late 1980's. I have had dreams of building a system exactly as you describe for several years now. Since I would build this into my existing hydronic heating system, my main investments would be in a water to water geothermal unit and a some small fan-coils with condensate drains to be used for hydronic cooling on a separate loop. I have a backhoe attachment for my tractor, keeping the trenching investment down to diesel and time like in your case. Thank you for the guidance on tax incentives - I was considering looking into that aspect and you gave me some good places to start. Nice work on your build and I am happy to see that you have had such a positive result!

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks!!! I wish you luck with your system!

  • @polly_D
    @polly_D Před 2 lety +2

    I'm glad someone else has already done & proven what I've had in my mind for awhile that this is doable (I'm no expert but have a fair grasp of general science). Thanks for sharing! Hope the system's going strong.

  • @stuartowens3506
    @stuartowens3506 Před 2 lety +3

    Thanks for this breakdown. It’s by far, the most comprehensive and UNDERSTANDABLE explanation of this type of HVAC system that I could find.

  • @PhilLesh69
    @PhilLesh69 Před 2 lety +21

    They can go deep with a closed loop system, if you have limited space. Instead of drilling two wells for an open loop, you drill one hole and place the heat sink loop in the hole. It may not be as efficient as placing that loop at one specific depth, but it's still way more efficient than air to air heat exchanges.

  • @functionalvanconversion4284

    Wow, outstanding job! Thanks for explaining how a heat pump works (best I have ever heard). The amount of explanation and knowledge from you helped me understand so much. Watching this video should earn you a diploma of some kind.

  • @bryangarcia9747
    @bryangarcia9747 Před 6 měsíci +4

    I'm recommending this to my airport manager as he is thinking of developing some new hangers/building at our municipal airport. He loves DIY and this could spark some new ideas since we have a lot of land to work with. -Thank you!

  • @curiousnomadic
    @curiousnomadic Před 3 lety +12

    I didn't know you could do this! Thank you. Saving this for later watching.

  • @paulcondie2520
    @paulcondie2520 Před 3 lety +36

    Always have been curious how a geo thermal unit works. Now I know exactly! Thanks👍

  • @MarkJolley
    @MarkJolley Před 3 lety +107

    I have no intention of doing this and yet I couldn't stop watching this video. Very interesting.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +8

      Thank you for your support

    • @angryman3317
      @angryman3317 Před 3 lety +4

      100%
      But I'm a hvac tech.

    • @JamesOliverLindsey
      @JamesOliverLindsey Před 2 lety

      Same. Too small of yard for myself. Oh well super cool for people who can

    • @robinhooper7702
      @robinhooper7702 Před 6 dny

      You and me both. The 'to the point' presentation c/w the videography, had me watching with great interest.

  • @tompace6916
    @tompace6916 Před 2 lety +7

    I built 12 years ago. Three zones with 6T of cooling. Four trenches 12 feet deep with 9,000 ft of 1" HDPE tube. Great system and very efficient. 29SEER Florida H.P. now Bosch.

  • @robertgarrett7007
    @robertgarrett7007 Před 2 lety +4

    Great video! Easy to understand. You explained very clearly how this works. You sound like an engineer that’s been doing this for years. Thanks.

  • @TheDillynator
    @TheDillynator Před 3 lety +41

    Hey quick comment. In my experience, I've used 50/50 for non automotive use. As an automotive professional, I know that antifreeze/coolant also has lubricants, anti corrosion, anti organic life, on top of other additives. Diluting antifreeze may cause premature impeller and bearing wear, loss of anticorrosive properties, and affect the PH level allowing organic life to grow. Mind you this takes a really long time.
    Even though you may not need "antifreeze", I do recommend something like freezetone that offers such additives to continue protecting your system with superior conductive properties.

    • @djea3589
      @djea3589 Před 10 měsíci

      in some places it is not legal to allow anti freeze to be used in a circuit that is not independent of the well altogether. Actually that should not be legal. this would mean two exchangers mot likely.

    • @TheDillynator
      @TheDillynator Před 10 měsíci

      @@djea3589 you're absolutely right. A leak from this system would be a spill hazard.

  • @ignacioramirez7197
    @ignacioramirez7197 Před 3 lety +51

    I'll watch the other half of the video later but so far you are explaining this better than most teachers 👍🏼🍺

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +6

      Thanks for the kind words.

    • @jannikheidemann3805
      @jannikheidemann3805 Před 3 lety

      That's why most teachers don't have hundereds of thousands of people paying attention to thier class.

  • @joannabenz6615
    @joannabenz6615 Před 8 měsíci +5

    This was my first exposure to seeing how a geothermal system actually looks. I am very interested in this technology and have not bought land yet, so I really appreciate your tips about a large piece of land and building in clay soil.

  • @JOSTinGreeneville
    @JOSTinGreeneville Před 2 lety +10

    Had a geothermal unit added at my home in the 1990's. I forgot to have it checked for 20 years, called my installer and he said if I was having no problem leave it alone so I have. Love this thig, figure I save $100. per month on electric bill from my old heat pump.

  • @CaptK-py8rq
    @CaptK-py8rq Před 3 lety +6

    Thank you, clear and concise, you eliminated all the mystery involved in G/T with your explanation, appears pretty simple, just labor intense.

  • @charleswilliams2113
    @charleswilliams2113 Před 3 lety +43

    I installed 2 geothermal heat pumps when I had my house built back in 2001. Had engineers design the system for a 2.5 ton for one area of the house and 3 ton for larger area.
    Used 300’ per ton as length of tubing. So ended up with 2 loops 6-8’ deep one goes out with pipe in bottom of trench leak tested and back filled with 2’ over that pipe, top pipe is 6’ deep for a total for 2.5 ton is 1000’
    3 ton unit has 1 continuous loop of 1000’ 8-10th deep.
    System was designed without additional electric heat for a backup. In 21 years have not needed it either, even at 10pm outside.
    Very happy with this system. Did not use anything but water with make up valve and expansion tank, no glycol at all.
    Pipes are in the attic which I run 2 pumps in winter 24/7 to prevent them from freezing, summer they run with compressors.
    Did all the work myself except for the digging, hired that for $1,000.00, and I tested for leaks and back filled myself.
    Would do it again except would use antifreeze with a back flow preventer.
    House has 6’’ walls and very efficient. Heat pumps are Trane.

  • @jie80634
    @jie80634 Před 2 lety +104

    We installed a closed loop geothermal five years ago in a single 450’ well. It supplies all our heating, air conditioning, and hot water. We did not hook up the backup hvac heat strips nor the backup hot water elements. No problems, and we have only had annual preventative maintenance services. We elected to do the single well rather than the ditches all over our yard. Our power bills have been low all year and we have been well pleased with the system.

    • @SUPERCARSOFWESTCHESTER
      @SUPERCARSOFWESTCHESTER Před 2 lety +2

      Looking into Geothermal options now and received a quote from Dandelion for 44k. Are there any other options in the northeast?

    • @JohnSmith-fi2gu
      @JohnSmith-fi2gu Před rokem

      We are building a new home on land and only option is propane. Builder is recommending a heat pump but trying to find a better/cheaper way to heat and cool my home. Any tips?

    • @johnunsicker7440
      @johnunsicker7440 Před rokem

      @@JohnSmith-fi2gu Geo is the way to go. Just put a new one in January it is a Water furnace brand probably one of the top of the line you can get. Old one was 27 years old when it stopped working. Other then servicing it yearly nothing was every replace on it. Acid flushed it every 2 to 3 years. Was looking at option and talk to my electric supplier and they said spend the money on the Geo bills will be lower. the install was $17 k for 3ton unit we have a open loop system water well and then drain tile. You can do vertical wells and a closed loop system or the ground system. The hot water is not really something you will get much benefits from because of how it is done the installer said and my location as well.

    • @johnunsicker7440
      @johnunsicker7440 Před rokem

      @@SUPERCARSOFWESTCHESTER I know this is late but Water furnace

    • @johnunsicker7440
      @johnunsicker7440 Před rokem +1

      @@JohnSmith-fi2gu also there is a 26% tax credit till end of your one GEO system

  • @simonAdeWeerdt
    @simonAdeWeerdt Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you, looking at Bosch heat pumps now. I'm also a non-qualified (non-ticketed) builder planning to build a unique home and considering using underground cisterns as a switched heat source/sink for a seasonal boost in efficiency. Lots to learn. Thank you for this information.

  • @bilchen0515
    @bilchen0515 Před 3 lety +4

    Yes, I would like to do a Geothermal System for my heating & Cooling for my residence. Thank you for sharing. I was certainly inspired by the information.

  • @SkypowerwithKarl
    @SkypowerwithKarl Před 3 lety +26

    You can do something very similar on a boat in some areas. The water around the boat is typically cooler than the air in summer and warmer than the air in winter. If you can utilize this difference you are that much more efficient. Marine heat pumps have been around for years and my particular favorite is the MarineAir 16,000 btu 120 volt model. There are things you must do however. There must be an hull strainer and an in line raw water strainer before the water pump. The strainer and pump must be below the water level that’s outside of the hull. There must be a flow switch (not provided) to shut things down if there’s an obstruction. Loss of flow can be more catastrophic in winter because slow flowing water can freeze the water in the heat exchanger, rupture and flood the hull. Moisture alarms throughout a boat is always a good idea. A condensate pump to move water overboard is also required. It’s also preferable to have the heat pump unit above water level so when it cycles off some water runs backwards through the impeller pump and the two strainers help with backwashing and keeping things clear.

  • @eric55406
    @eric55406 Před rokem +6

    I think this makes sense in almost any climate but especially new builds in cold climates (along with going above code for insulation and air sealing).

  • @lightningmacqueen4097
    @lightningmacqueen4097 Před 2 lety +26

    This was one of the best, most informative videos I've ever seen on CZcams, possibly on the interwebz!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
    Thank you sooooo much, Garrett. Ima show my bf and this is the system we'll prolly use on our new house! 🏡

    • @douglasshaffner288
      @douglasshaffner288 Před 2 lety +2

      Right on! Up here in Nova Scotia I installed a geothermal system 12 years ago. 4500 feet of “slinky-style” pipe in clay soil, lots of ground water, eight foot trenches, did my own electrical, cost about 20k. Paid $3600 for oil heat one season when oil prices were at their worst, now average 1200 to 1450 per season. Only way to go, for my money.

    • @Kangenpower7
      @Kangenpower7 Před rokem

      @@douglasshaffner288, Oil heat is the WORST! And this winter they are expecting the cost to be around $7 per gallon, so if you burned 500 gallons in your worst year, expect that cost to have doubled! Hopefully you have a heat pump water heater as well?

  • @mikemallery913
    @mikemallery913 Před 3 lety +78

    We have had geo thermal now for 5 years. Best hvac system for comfort and low electric bills year round. Can freeze out the house in august and not worry about the bill.

    • @dkeith45
      @dkeith45 Před 3 lety +9

      Our property has one too, but we disconnected it a couple years after moving in. It was set up badly by the previous owner. It was done professionally, but not well. They used two deep rock wells. One to pull the water out of, and service the water needs of our property, and the other well to dump the water back into. The problem we had was the pump drawing the water out of the main well, was always breaking down, and had to be serviced several times a year. I think a ground loop is the way to go, but we never got around to having one installed.

    • @LoanwordEggcorn
      @LoanwordEggcorn Před 3 lety +7

      @@dkeith45 Ground loop is much better.

    • @mathewmiletich5986
      @mathewmiletich5986 Před 3 lety +4

      @@LoanwordEggcorn Is ground loop the same as the closed loop as mentioned in the video?

    • @LoanwordEggcorn
      @LoanwordEggcorn Před 3 lety +4

      @@mathewmiletich5986 Yes.

    • @rbnhd1976
      @rbnhd1976 Před 3 lety +1

      @@dkeith45 sounds like the glass is half full, call a pro and fix the issues with better equipment/design using the existing wells

  • @ffighter8420
    @ffighter8420 Před 3 lety +41

    Explained very well...

  • @zevi100
    @zevi100 Před 2 lety +16

    Once I saw a system that uses solar vacuum tubes in which the sun heats the water inside and the water doesn't lose temperature to the environment because of the vacuum walls. It works even in forecast days and can boil water even in snow, that was pretty clever too!

    • @JRush374
      @JRush374 Před 11 měsíci

      Sounds expensive

    • @mfb6310
      @mfb6310 Před 8 měsíci

      Sounds interesting!

  • @519VXComanche
    @519VXComanche Před 2 lety +16

    I have a geo system in a suburban neighborhood with a 0.4 acre lot. It runs a closed, 460’ deep single loop. Been running flawlessly for 5 years. Only issue I had was my neighbors thought I was insane when the 30-ton drill rig showed up at my house!

    • @mfb6310
      @mfb6310 Před 8 měsíci +2

      It'd be the talk of the town in my tiny neighborhood!! Just moving here created a stir!

    • @koreancontent1945
      @koreancontent1945 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Wow. 460ft is crazy deep. What temps are you getting in your loop? I imagine it would be a lot warmer than say 20ft deep loop

    • @seabass22
      @seabass22 Před 6 měsíci +3

      Either going to get a go loop installed or strike oil and be rich

  • @stevenmobley5882
    @stevenmobley5882 Před 3 lety +117

    Important to note that when using distilled water or reverse osmosis water (RO), you have to be careful about what fittings and piping are used and where. Polypropylene, Polyethylene and 316L SS are preferred for high purity waters. You can use PVC and CPVC, but they are more prone to failure long term. This particularly true when using glycols for freeze protection.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +12

      Excellent points!!!

    • @brnmcc01
      @brnmcc01 Před rokem +4

      Thats a joke. Very pure water is less corrosive than water with impurities in it. 316 is needed for sea water though.

    • @brnmcc01
      @brnmcc01 Před rokem +4

      @@Challenged1 No, bad points. Very pure water has a resistance of something like 18.2 Meg ohms. In order for corrosion to occur, there needs to be an anode and a cathode, and some impurities in the water for the ion exchange to occur. For example, try electrolysis on some lab grade ultra pure distilled water at a low voltage. It won't work because the water is a very good insulator. Add a little baking soda to it however, and suddenly you'll get good production of Brown's gas (2:1 hydrogen to oxygen ratio).

    • @emblems4life726
      @emblems4life726 Před rokem

      I would suggest just using filtered tap water as long it is of decent quality. The mineral content in a closed loop is fixed at the first fill, and as long as it doesn't require regular topping off, the limited mineral content is not enough to cause any problems down the road.

    • @JRush374
      @JRush374 Před 11 měsíci

      ​@@brnmcc01couldn't you use a sacrificial anode?

  • @clearskyamerica3107
    @clearskyamerica3107 Před 3 lety +6

    This is a great video and provides more "real world" explanation than any I've seen.

  • @ItsTheChad71
    @ItsTheChad71 Před 2 lety +3

    Great video! I have zero plans to go geothermal, but watched the whole vid to learn about it. Very informative!

  • @Ergmerphany
    @Ergmerphany Před rokem +1

    thanks for this great info! I appreciate you taking the time to help out others considering this great option!

  • @mikebell2750
    @mikebell2750 Před 3 lety +7

    Thanks for sharing your experience, that was great information.

  • @kennymack1427
    @kennymack1427 Před 3 lety +5

    Thanks for showing the unit and not just talking the whole time. It really helps to understand it.

  • @fiachra4266
    @fiachra4266 Před 2 lety +2

    I doubt if I'm going to install this system but thanks for a really clear explanation. Probably the best I've seen on the subject.

  • @robinhooper7702
    @robinhooper7702 Před 6 dny +1

    Subbed. I'm looking forward to learning more from your channel. Great videography as well.

  • @raymartin4125
    @raymartin4125 Před 3 lety +10

    Thanks for the video and I am changing my old unit out next year and I am researching best options.

  • @jasonm4982
    @jasonm4982 Před 3 lety +4

    Thank you, this was very helpful, I'm thinking of doing this in a small house in England with a reasonable garden

  • @toddymikey
    @toddymikey Před 2 lety +14

    You can combine closed systems with standard submerged water tanks, especially if they are made from galvanised steel, which conducts heat to the surrounding earth well.

    • @JH-tc3yu
      @JH-tc3yu Před rokem

      Not for geothermal you can't

    • @mfb6310
      @mfb6310 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Worked at a Wastewater treatment facility, learned of buried tanks that leaking, were pulled out to learn why and where, and realized they were destroyed by thousands of tiny pinhole leaks caused by microbes in the ground. Maybe location matters. Apparently there are millions of yet unknown undiscovered microbes tearing up ocean liners too.

  • @markfryer9880
    @markfryer9880 Před 2 lety +17

    As a point of reference, a book I own about Earth Covered Houses, stated that the minimum amount of earth coverage required to decouple a house from the surrounding air was one metre (or yard), so going down to two or three metres would be more than enough earth coverage for the piping system. The only other thing to consider is that the deeper that you dig your trench the wider it needs to be battered back to prevent collapse during installation.

    • @djea3589
      @djea3589 Před 10 měsíci

      That book is not very exact. Depth is dependent upon annual frost depth which in the USA in some places is over 3 feet. Certainly there are studies in different arias that give fairly exacting temperature by depth. What you are seeking is a constant temperature zone or two zones, one for cooling and one for heating.

  • @djowen23
    @djowen23 Před 3 lety +4

    Yes I always wanted one of these geothermal systems... Thanks for some new ideas and all of your information

  • @falfield
    @falfield Před 3 lety +54

    Outstanding presentation - good, practical content that didn't skate over the surface or shy away from theory; it was thoughtfullly organised and edited, and fluently presented. Thank you very much. And what a joy to hear proper un-mumbled sentences entirely free of 'like' 'insane' 'awesome' and other examples of sloppy education & thinking.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety

      You are very kind!!!

    • @AutoAgentcoza
      @AutoAgentcoza Před 2 lety +2

      You forgot starting every sentence with "So..." and then "crazy"

    • @patrickbourque6864
      @patrickbourque6864 Před rokem

      n taking the time to talk to us in a way that gives us time grasp your words to not b rushed into stress. n also not boring us with other useless syllables, ah, umm, n no background "music" or other ambiant animal, people, n traffic noises camouflaging your message is refreshing. just u n i. Cudos

  • @eljuanman999
    @eljuanman999 Před 2 lety +4

    This is fantastic! I can't wait to do this myself when I get a land of my own. I'm also studying these topics in my engineering degree so I also understand about energy efficiency in thermal systems :)

    • @PhilLesh69
      @PhilLesh69 Před 2 lety

      I sketched out building a new home that would be utility free back around 2006. By adding geothermal to heat and cool as well as to produce hot water (in addition to using 12 volt LED lighting and other efficiencies), I was able to cut the size of the solar generation requirements by almost 60%.
      If you go with geothermal, make sure you replace your hot water heater and use a superheater coil connected to the geothermal loop. That extra savings helps justify the costs and keeps any renewable energy costs down.

    • @eljuanman999
      @eljuanman999 Před 2 lety

      @@PhilLesh69 Thanks for the advice! You mean what they call a "desuperheater" that uses the waste heat from the heat pump/refrigeration cycle right?

    • @PhilLesh69
      @PhilLesh69 Před 2 lety

      @@eljuanman999 I think so. It's been so long since I researched and put together a plan for a custom home. I know there's extra equipment you can install that will replace a hot water heater. By doing that you've cut down another major energy requirement.
      The less energy you need, the lower your wind or solar installation will cost.

    • @paulbaker3144
      @paulbaker3144 Před 2 lety

      I’d like a desuperheater on the hot water system so I can use any saved solar energy to charge electric vehicles. I’m interested in anything that will heat water efficiently. Especially if a hot tub is installed.

  • @ClandestineMerkaba
    @ClandestineMerkaba Před 3 lety +1

    Very detailed, straightforward, and clear. Thank you for sharing.

  • @LVCMS
    @LVCMS Před 3 lety +53

    Going to do one on 5 acres. Northern nevada has crazy temperature swings. I think geothermal would be hugely efficient. Thanks for the video.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +3

      Good deal!!!

    • @kenhurley4441
      @kenhurley4441 Před 3 lety +1

      Is this a new house or one that is already built? If you're building the geo is just part of your system. There's other things that need to be done along with the geo system.

    • @stevelux9854
      @stevelux9854 Před 3 lety +3

      Also going to be doing one in Nevada. NW corner. And everything will be solar powered.

    • @kenhurley4441
      @kenhurley4441 Před 3 lety +2

      @@stevelux9854 what will you use for a HVAC system?

    • @stevelux9854
      @stevelux9854 Před 3 lety +3

      @@kenhurley4441 Don't know yet. Still doing research. Out there, because of the low humidity, swamp coolers are very effective at cooling.

  • @themikecranston
    @themikecranston Před 3 lety +36

    We're same boat. No natural gas, 100% electric. Trying to move our house off-grid for power and heating and cooling are the biggest obstacles. We have plenty of land and I'd love to try. We just replaced the downstairs unit and the HVAC guy talked us out of GT. My guess, even though they list it as a service, they probably don't like to do them. I like the idea of doing it myself. Another excuse to rent machinery!

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +16

      Any excuse to run machinery is a good excuse.

    • @johnwillard6749
      @johnwillard6749 Před 3 lety +2

      I wonder what power usage would be on off grid solar power system with batteries? Would it work?

    • @themikecranston
      @themikecranston Před 3 lety +1

      @@johnwillard6749 that's what we'd like it for. We installed grid-tied solar 2 years ago with the plan of going off-grid when storage becomes more affordable.

    • @johnwillard6749
      @johnwillard6749 Před 3 lety +2

      I have a house in Maine off grid with large solar system. Just would not want to have to run generator

    • @Richard-ie1if
      @Richard-ie1if Před 2 lety +1

      less headaches likely to just add a larger ground mounted solar array than go digging and dealing with all that to save a fraction of the easier route

  • @keithgriffin8563
    @keithgriffin8563 Před 2 lety +49

    Great video very informative. That being said I work for a company that treats these types of systems and there are a few things to keep in mind. Yes water is better at transferring heat but if you go below 18% glycol you will have sever bacterial growth in the system. This can rob it of efficiency while also causing maintenance issues. I wouldn't go below 30% with a glycol mix. Also if you are using a gycol mix it is extremely important that the water you mix it with is pure water whether that be distilled, DI or RO because regular water will form precipitates that can reek havoc on the system like the bacteria. I like the comment below me on using methanol although going with just water and keeping it moving would work too.

    • @mosfet500
      @mosfet500 Před rokem +3

      How about running the water lines through UVC?

  • @mfhberg
    @mfhberg Před 3 lety +24

    My aunt has a 15 year old one. It is on my list of things I want to do, but until the other things finished I'll need to put it off.

    • @800lbgrila
      @800lbgrila Před 3 lety

      Never install a radiant ceilung of slab system. Impossible to TS n repair a break.

    • @agungpriambodo1674
      @agungpriambodo1674 Před 3 lety

      @@800lbgrila I should take note of that

  • @kevinauld4367
    @kevinauld4367 Před 3 lety +13

    You can build a still an distill the water your self I'd have a preference in type of pipe sounds like you did good like it . My zone ground temp 65°F below 24" yes I'd use geo thermal .

  • @georgemcatee5395
    @georgemcatee5395 Před měsícem

    Thank you for being so informative. I am building a new ICF home on 100 acres with only electricity . Lots of land for a trench loop system. Along with a nice backhoe to dig with. I can do much of what's required with some help, just as you did. I was inspired by your details. Thanks again, Mr.George

  • @eastrockaway3358
    @eastrockaway3358 Před 2 lety +1

    Straight talk, No BS! I’m glad i watched this. Thanks for your time.

  • @gene8842
    @gene8842 Před 3 lety +4

    I have been wanting the technology to get more affordable. I have had a concept for using geothermal since i was a kid. I am getting close to actually building my dreamhouse. Thank you for this video.

  • @ivancho5854
    @ivancho5854 Před 3 lety +3

    Great video, very well explained. Your system and the logic behind it is great too. Good job. I love you can do it yourself attitude.
    But you need to redesign your manifold as yours will not have even distribution of flow to each run of pipe. They will be significantly different and it will decrease your units efficiency proportionately. You may think that it is possible to balance it with valves, but a new manifold is a much better idea as that will reduce efficiency also.
    The manifold pipe diameter has to be increased greatly. I would increase it by a factor of between 4 and 8. Your feed an return lines to the pump can remain the same. If you do this you will guarantee that each line has equal pressure.
    I hope that this helps. 👍

  • @Grady0783
    @Grady0783 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing all that helpful info, I will do one in the near future!

  • @johnblack2193
    @johnblack2193 Před rokem +1

    at some point in the future , definitely. I was aware of some of what you said, but I was not aware of not needing a heating and cooling person. Thanks I enjoyed all your Geothermal videos.

  • @sandmanxo
    @sandmanxo Před 3 lety +37

    Good information. I have a several acre rural property that when I build I would like to go geothermal but haven't looked into the costs and workload. This sounds pretty manageable and we also have an electric co-op out there so I'll have to check into that as well.

    • @saygrey
      @saygrey Před 3 lety +4

      I would go with a Fujitsu air source! Id never go in ground We are in cold Canada-30 °c Our works shop is able to be so hot its uncomfortable to work

    • @robertholderman7552
      @robertholderman7552 Před 3 lety +5

      A real Hvac tech CAN tell You Where and how to Do this Job More efficient !!! No joke … !!!!!! So be careful !!!! He misses SEVERAL MAJOR Upgrades that are on the market !!!!! Although his overall teaching is very good on the subject …!!!!

    • @BARNEY5879
      @BARNEY5879 Před 3 lety +7

      @@robertholderman7552 You should use more exclamation points in your reply!!!!!!!!!!

    • @seanrathmakedisciples1508
      @seanrathmakedisciples1508 Před 2 lety

      @@saygrey czcams.com/video/MUWjjjFgXdg/video.html

    • @seanrathmakedisciples1508
      @seanrathmakedisciples1508 Před 2 lety

      @@robertholderman7552 czcams.com/video/MUWjjjFgXdg/video.html

  • @claudiumurgan8394
    @claudiumurgan8394 Před 3 lety +33

    Garrett, thank you for the thorough presentation. What type of coil if needed for the system? Is there a part number or something similar?

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +24

      I made another video on the cost of my system which has more info on exactly what I used.

    • @bobmitchell4532
      @bobmitchell4532 Před 3 lety +3

      @@Challenged1 Link to your other video?

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +4

      @@bobmitchell4532 czcams.com/video/mjWsSmjAOeU/video.html

  • @AMindInOverdrive
    @AMindInOverdrive Před rokem

    I did this too. Dug really deep and long tracks all over the place. I can honestly say it worked great!
    My neighbor was really annoyed that I dug up his yard, but hey, 'if you want to make an omlette...'

  • @JAyThaRevo
    @JAyThaRevo Před 2 lety +8

    Very common technology here in the EU. We call it Ringgrabenkollektor. Very efficient and great for heating and cooling houses.

  • @kurtmiller1683
    @kurtmiller1683 Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you for the video, first one I’ve watched on GT. Very interesting

  • @topclass2008
    @topclass2008 Před 3 lety +8

    totally imformative and well delivered thank you

  • @MindCrime550
    @MindCrime550 Před rokem +2

    I think going deep was a smart idea. thats around the point where your're going to have a consistant temperature year round. You may want it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter but it's about 55f-60f depending on where you are and the material you're in... a heatpump with a geothermal loop sounds like an amazingly efficient thermal producer.

  • @tweedeldee8122
    @tweedeldee8122 Před rokem

    I really enjoy your way of explaining things. It adds a new level of understanding for A DYIer like me.

  • @garyburchett9060
    @garyburchett9060 Před 3 lety +8

    Lots of good information. I had a heat pump back in the 80s. It was crap for heat, and the compressor went out after 5 years. I was told that was good service at the time. Unless they have improved greatly I would never have another. Geothermal is the way to go.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks

    • @shawnd567
      @shawnd567 Před 3 lety +4

      Heat pumps have indeed improved greatly since the 80's. Roughly 30-40 years of advancements. These new units can operate down to -30° and offer 90% efficiency rating to 0° F.

    • @om617yota8
      @om617yota8 Před 3 lety +2

      They're WAY better now.

    • @stever4293
      @stever4293 Před 3 lety

      My last heat pump, a two speed Lennox, lasted 27 years. I just replaced it last year.

    • @forestboucher4810
      @forestboucher4810 Před rokem

      l just built a new house here in Maine. I have Misabishi H2 for heat pumps. they are my primary source of heat. this type works extremely well.

  • @meezerluvr
    @meezerluvr Před 3 lety +9

    A little over a decade ago, while living in PA, I had to replace our furnace and AC. I chose to go geothermal. The installer put in a vertical closed loop system with two wells to take advantage of the heat transfer properties of the water. My old furnace was propane fired and was really expensive to operate (over $600/mo in the cold season). After all the tax credits, the geothermal system ended up being $8500 more than a high end hybrid propane/heat pump system. This included installation of an 80 gallon hot water heater and 55 gallon buffer tank. I had estimated a return on investment of just over 3 years. It ends up, the gt heat pump was so efficient, I got my money back in just over 2 years. Winter heating costs dropped to less than $55/mo. Summer cooling dropped by more than $100, and I also got free hot water in the summer due to the buffer tank. And, because the system ran more frequently than my old one, it was way more comfortable. I really miss that system.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you for sharing!

    • @muratsen157
      @muratsen157 Před 3 lety

      Thank you for your effort to inform people

    • @kellykay185
      @kellykay185 Před 3 lety

      do you have any diagrams and material costs? i am really interested...thank you

    • @meezerluvr
      @meezerluvr Před 3 lety +1

      @@Challenged1 , I think Kelly's question is for you. My system was professionally installed, so I don't have a full material list. The unit was a Waterfurnace Envision. I don't remember the brand of the hot water heater, buffer tank or desuperheater. Total cost before tax credits was a little under $27,000. There was a 30% federal tax credit as well as a smaller PA tax credit at the time. I still have the project proposal and my calculations on savings prior to moving, as well as annual maintenance invoices.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety

      @@kellykay185 I have other videos that may have what you are looking for.

  • @therealfirstone
    @therealfirstone Před 3 lety +1

    This topic is completely new to me, I just happen to stumble upon your video. Great information and you explain it very well. Thanks.

  • @sabrinavandyke7894
    @sabrinavandyke7894 Před 2 lety +1

    I am putting a geothermal system in a new build. Thank you for the great video. I will keep in touch as proceed in the spring. Keep up the great work

  • @ivanf4023
    @ivanf4023 Před 3 lety +29

    I was shopping for a furnace once long ago and a normal natural gas furnace is $7000. So spending $17k on a geothermal unit is actually pretty fantastic. Especially that you don't have to spend the money on natural gas hookup or the monthly gas bill.

    • @sd8c
      @sd8c Před rokem

      So I’m most places it would be cheaper to hear with natural gas then geothermal. The cooling component is cheaper then an ac unit but for heating natural gas is cheaper even though it is more efficient but the gas is simply cheaper to heat with.

    • @jebeda
      @jebeda Před rokem +3

      @@sd8c With modern air-source heat pumps, in most places in the USA, burning one cubic meter of natural gas in a high efficiency furnace produces LESS heat than burning the same amount of gas at a power plant to produce electricity, sending that electricity to the house through the grid, and using that electricity to run the heat pump. Ground-source heat pumps do this even better.

    • @mfb6310
      @mfb6310 Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@sd8c Not that much anymore. I thought the same as you until I did a comparison just yesterday. Nat gas in April 2023 - $13.65, June - $17.29. Electric in June $18.03 kwh in my county. It's $13.53 in other counties that have their own electrical power facilities. Being made unaffordable.

    • @getinthespace7715
      @getinthespace7715 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@sd8c, until the Democrats apply a pollution tax to it or ban it. They are screwing everything up.

    • @mag7mm1
      @mag7mm1 Před 4 měsíci

      There are also programs you can get using Geo through the electrical companies, I get 50 percent off of the electrical cost to run geo year round. Plus I run solar and summer cost for air conditioning is nothing, winter in northern WI worst heat bill including water is 85 dollars for the month.
      @@mfb6310

  • @HectorPerez-tb8hn
    @HectorPerez-tb8hn Před 3 lety +36

    G.T. is the way to go and your xtra ideas are awesome !!!

  • @johndoe1909
    @johndoe1909 Před 2 lety +66

    here in sweden we do a lot of geothermal. the area required is about a few square meters as we use a borehole of about 120 meter depth (closed loop). the whole process is highly automated and a heat well is done in about a days work, start to finish. the heat pumps used have a cop value of about 5. in summer time they can dump heat from thebhouse down the well. abd thebwhole installation can be done on the parking lot.

    • @asdasdasdasdasd9795
      @asdasdasdasdasd9795 Před 2 lety +3

      How's the cost side?

    • @simonharris3709
      @simonharris3709 Před 2 lety +3

      Can you send a link to suitable websites and / or tutorials please? Thank you

    • @johndoe1909
      @johndoe1909 Před 2 lety +12

      @@asdasdasdasdasd9795 installation costs are pretty standard the heatpumps is about 7000 dollars, and the installation about as much (done by proffesionals in about 1-2 days) so in total about 14k dollars (at current conversion rate). in running cost it takes aproximately 20 kwh per 24/h period to heat a normal hose (including hot water) in the winter time. so yeah whatever your electricity cost. normal lifespan is about 25 years on the pump.

    • @johndoe1909
      @johndoe1909 Před 2 lety +4

      @@simonharris3709 as stated, i am swedish and most links and tutorials are swedish/nordic. but sure i can add some web sites if your interested.

    • @BecPlumbe
      @BecPlumbe Před 2 lety +4

      @@johndoe1909 I’d be very interested in some good links if you have some! Chrome translates sites pretty well. Or even just the correct terms to search on in Swedish. Air source heat pumps for hot water are rare here in Australia and ground source even rarer. Would be super interesting to see how Sweden arranges it.

  • @karendomnitch909
    @karendomnitch909 Před 2 lety +2

    Thank you for the video.
    I am presently planning a new build and geothermal is at the top of my list along with solar and wind.

  • @deeg4599
    @deeg4599 Před 3 lety +16

    Could you show more pictures or more video time of your actual work? That would be awesome!!

  • @klausnielsen1537
    @klausnielsen1537 Před 3 lety +54

    Here in Denmark we often install geothermal on much smaller lots. Heating mainly. But a typical lot here in the cities is about 800m2 or 1/5 acre.
    We use a different layout of the heat collectors in the ground but have very good history with that.
    I service systems that are 20+ years old and have had nothing done to them other than yearly service.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +4

      Excellent!!! Thanks for sharing

    • @mikemorris5730
      @mikemorris5730 Před 3 lety +3

      What is the difference in the heat collector laid out?

    • @CommieCat
      @CommieCat Před 3 lety +2

      @@mikemorris5730 probably a deep hole instead of a horizontal trench

    • @scottstroh2564
      @scottstroh2564 Před 3 lety +1

      @@CommieCat I'd assume you're right since she said that they install them on very small lots. They probably can't dig out into their neighbor's yard so they dig down instead

    • @paulbaker3144
      @paulbaker3144 Před 2 lety +1

      Are any of these geothermal systems in Denmark used for hydronic radiant floor heat? What brand are the systems that are 20 years old? Thanks

  • @michaelpesce9235
    @michaelpesce9235 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing, it was very informative. Thinking of putting in a system myself.

  • @CaseyAtchison
    @CaseyAtchison Před rokem +1

    Great video. I've got a 5 acre farm, 4 producing alfalfa and one doing squat with a massive 50x100 shed I want to temperature control & grow food in year round (Colorado). THIS is exactly what I've been thinking of albeit I now need to start pricing the units & how to build the manifold.
    Will watch other videos now.

  • @CadmusCurtis
    @CadmusCurtis Před 3 lety +12

    Great work, it's inspiring to hear about someone doing this type of stuff by themselves. I hope someday I have a little excavator to do all the things I want to do around my property.. good luck in the future man

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +10

      Thanks. During the build of my house, I rented a mini-excavator 4 separate times and spent thousands doing it. It finally dawned on me, I should just buy one, use it, and then when I'm done, sell it. You know how that goes though, your never done using it.

  • @justinherman9443
    @justinherman9443 Před 3 lety +9

    I had my horizontal bored 4Ton system installed for $15k before tax incentives. The heatpump was a used unit purchased locally from a private seller upgrading to a larger unit with only 5 years of use on it. They were upgrading as they added an addition and needed more tonnage and a larger unit made more sense rather than a secondary. The horizontal bores were installed with 5 lines of 250 foot in length making a round trip loop of 500ft per loop. A manifold was buried outside by basement so a smallish excavation was needed for that. The manifold is thermally welded to the pipes preventing any possibility of corrosion to clamps. The loops are 1 inch in size and the output of the manifold is 2 inches all of the lines are high density PEX. Part of the install I was in-charge of getting the necessary electric to the unit (not insignificant as there is an emergency aux resistive heater that can carry the needs of the home if there is a catastrophic failure of the heatpump.) The unit was transported from the old home to mine by me but removed from service, validated, and installed in my home by the same company. The antifreeze is a 15% solution of methanol. The lines were pressure tested before attaching to the unit for 24 hours. The unit is rated for 6.1 COP at 68 degrees and 18.8 EER at 86degrees. (full loads reduce those efficiencies a bit). Another point to add is the de-super-heater. This permits me to offset my water heating costs by dumping heat into a potable water buffer tank that pre-heats my well water allowing my main water heaters to work less hard.
    I could have higher efficiencies with a variable system rather than a 2 stage and a variable pump rather than a fixed but it made more financial sense to buy a well cared for, inspected, used unit with proper service records than it was for me to purchase a new unit with these more advanced features. At some point I might upgrade the unit but even then the costs will be far less as the lines will never need replaced and have a 100 year warranty. The expected life time from a unit like this is in the decades so a unit with only 5 years is just getting started.
    When I was evaluating this I too was in a predicament with the cost to install natural gas at $80k and propane costing around $1500 for half a year. I upgraded my whole house and removed the old propane fixtures installing an induction stove, a heat-pump water heater, and an on-demand electric water heater. I also had solar panels installed that cover all of my electrical needs for over half the year. I also have an electric car and electric mower so those numbers could be higher for a person who drives a gasoline car. As a point of reference I have a builders grade home built in 1985 in NE-OHIO (Zone 5) that is 2016 square foot.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks for sharing

    • @justinherman9443
      @justinherman9443 Před 3 lety +6

      Another point of geothermal is the benefit of no exterior noise, there is no external air handler that is making noise. One negative is the speed of heating is slower on a geo-thermal system as it outputs less BTU per unit of time vs a fossil fuels system. This means if you normally turn your heat way down when leaving the home the time it takes to re-condition the space will take longer. (honestly I don't notice this much and when I leave my home the heat drops to 55 and the AC goes up to 88). A positive is that there is no inherent need for air changes like a traditional fossil fuels system (like I had) that drew air for combustion from the home and exhausted it out the roof. This means it allows the home to leak less air during heating seasons as less air is drawn in though cracks to replenish the air lost though the flu. Air moves slower also on a geothermal unit meaning the ducts are quieter and less dust is spread around. There is also no risk for CO poisonings as there is no combustion occurring. This lowers my home insurance costs as there is less risk of fire. A ground source AC geothermal unit is also more efficient than and older central air - air sourced cooling unit. As said in the video the efficiencies don't vary due to the weather as the ground temperature remains constant. (loads will vary and that can effect efficiencies (what stage is running or the set temp inside the home).
      I was also able to sell my old central air unit and furnace for 1k offsetting that out of pocket costs. So after tax incentives and the selling of the old furnace unit my costs were only $9.5k. For that cost I have a system far more efficient, that adds value to my home, improves the air quality, and can be powered by solar. If I ignore the electrical loads and only consider the propane saved with this geothermal unit, I have a payback period of about 4 years. Obviously this ignores the increase in electrical usage from other propane conversion (offset by solar), the reduction of electrical usage in the cooling seasons, the reduction of home insurance, the improved efficiencies of the home system and air tightness, the improved health with less dust and CO/CO2 production, the noise reduction or longevity of a geothermal system vs any other system being exposed to the elements outside or dealing with flames.

    • @Challenged1
      @Challenged1  Před 3 lety +2

      @@justinherman9443 Excellent points!!!

    • @justinherman9443
      @justinherman9443 Před 3 lety +4

      I was told the rule of thumb for horizontal bores (not trench laid loops) was one 250 ft length (500 ft total) per ton of heat/cooling. They installed 5 loops to allow additional buffer. I also was told vertical wells are a bit more efficient but come at a higher cost due to the need for a well to be dug. As far as landscape goes except for the disturbed land next to my basement wall where the manifold was installed you would never know that there was any system present. This is nice if you are in a rougher neighborhood as theft of AC units happen in some neighborhoods. Previously I had a 3 ton AC unit, 4 Ton was a better fit when calculations were being preformed on the required loads of the home.

    • @patricktaylor5981
      @patricktaylor5981 Před 3 lety +1

      @@justinherman9443 thanks for the serious detail. It helps

  • @LadderBarrier
    @LadderBarrier Před 4 měsíci +1

    Great video, I had never thought about the reverse valve, brilliant idea!

  • @bobclark7211
    @bobclark7211 Před rokem

    Thanks for the clear explanation on how it works. I’ve been thinking of this.

  • @taylormills08
    @taylormills08 Před 3 lety +4

    Great Explanation of geo. Appreciate you for sharing.

  • @carlwkemp3
    @carlwkemp3 Před 3 lety +28

    Well, I wasn't thinking about geothermal in my next house, but now,... it sounds like a wise notion.

    • @rogerl8488
      @rogerl8488 Před 3 lety +2

      Carl you will not regret i had myb6 years an no trouble an love it!!!!! So cheap electric bill!!

    • @MmeHyraelle
      @MmeHyraelle Před 3 lety

      The install process seems overwhelming but 25 years later it will still be as good!

  • @risinghousecrypto930
    @risinghousecrypto930 Před rokem +1

    This is awesome. I'm in Virginia, this may work pretty well. We do have a lot of red clay, hopefully I can set up our retirement homestead and implement one of these. Using this to run a small self-sufficient farm for my retirement work and allow support the local community.

  • @immelting9834
    @immelting9834 Před 2 lety +28

    This was popular back in the 70's where I live . However, were out in the middle of nowhere Tennessee. We also do something like this , but use compost piles instead. Our compost piles are 20 feet wide by 100+ feet long and about 10 feet tall. The water gets up to 150 degrees. I have one heating my shop right now.

    • @shoyrushoyru
      @shoyrushoyru Před 2 lety +7

      thats actually really interesting! but in that case arent you only taking care of heating for cold weather? that doesnt sound like a solution for cooling in hot weather as useful as it sounds for heating

    • @OttoDidactic
      @OttoDidactic Před rokem

      Sounds like a great idea! Thanks

    • @endlessdesert3122
      @endlessdesert3122 Před rokem

      I'm a fellow Tennessean and I love the idea. I'm wanting to convert to being more self sufficient. Gardens animals and doing stuff like this. Can you give me some advice?

    • @paulbishop639
      @paulbishop639 Před 9 dny

      @@endlessdesert3122 Google: Jean Pain mound

  • @Soothsayer210
    @Soothsayer210 Před 3 lety +7

    i am in Canada and I am definitely considering putting one for the NetZero house that i planning to build in 2 years. I am already on the look out for ides. Thx. for the video.

    • @DarylRaverty
      @DarylRaverty Před 3 lety +2

      I'm in Australia, no snow, but frost to -5 degrees C. Up to 45 max summer. I just put in lots of solar PV. Then run a standard heat pump air-conditioning system. I have no power costs at all. All electric home. Geo looks good, but not cost effective for me. Canada, yes I'm sure.

  • @tullydog9047
    @tullydog9047 Před 3 lety +43

    I'm considering GT as an option for my retirement/downsizing home on the farm. Plenty of land but wells are not a good option (water well is 420') so the closed loop is a better fit. Thank you for the info. Well presented and very educational!

    • @saygrey
      @saygrey Před 3 lety

      Check out Fujitsu air source one they heat till -40 Often can put in a unit in a day or two Not digging Google it save big on install

    • @bobmitchell4532
      @bobmitchell4532 Před 3 lety

      @@saygrey Please send me a link 🔗

    • @saygrey
      @saygrey Před 3 lety

      Bob Mitchell I would call a good quality Refridgeration company and ask around if they know about this stuff I just installed one this last week again

    • @saygrey
      @saygrey Před 3 lety +2

      Bob Mitchell Im from manitoba canada We at the company i work for are going to be training to do multi plex and high rises with these fujitsu units

  • @christopherbeddoe406
    @christopherbeddoe406 Před 2 lety +3

    Very cool.
    I'd like to do a closed loop geothermal on a new ICF house build and setup closed loop in floor heat as well as loops for a heated sidewalk/patio and driveway.

  • @marklangkamp3151
    @marklangkamp3151 Před 2 lety +27

    We had GT done here in northern west Michigan of course it’s all sand they went at least 15 feet down on a closed loop works great we have filled our propane tank once in 4 years and we use most of propane in the fire place, we received two years of tax breaks and money from the electric cooperative, one of the best investment’s ever we also run on solar and have batteries.

  • @Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering

    I'd love to do this on my dream home build!

  • @Rattlerjake1
    @Rattlerjake1 Před 3 lety +12

    You're wrong about people in the city having only one option, the open loop, because there are vertical closed loop systems also.

  • @michelearcangeli8729
    @michelearcangeli8729 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I love listening to your videos. I'm thinking about doing geothermal in my house barn and garage all-in-one. But I would like to do in floor resident. Thank you for addressing soil types. With your comment about rock I probably will have to use my pond.

  • @dahoop5933
    @dahoop5933 Před 17 dny +1

    This was an informative lesson, thanks. Dry subject, but you did very well to cover lots of points, without being boring. Thank you, peace!