vtjohnhurt t1_iw2xtp1 wrote
I installed geothermal heat (and air conditioning) in a new house back before the newer air source heat pumps were available. We also installed some solar panels so we had zero annual fuel bills. Solar panels generated excess to our needs power for most of the year. We would draw down that net-metering credit during the heating season. We used the AC for very few days. House was very well insulated.
I'm no expert, but I'd guess that the newer air source heat pumps are almost certainly more cost-effective than geothermal for a home (if you have a place to put the outside unit). A huge upfront cost+disruption for ground source heat pump is the installation of the 'ground loop' and you don't have that for air source heat pump. Geothermal might make sense on a large commercial building.
https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/ will answer your questions objectively. They're not trying to sell you anything.
InformationHorder t1_iw3m2d1 wrote
The air driven heat pumps don't heat efficiently once you get below freezing. Geothermal doesn't have that problem but you do have to have a well insulated house in order for geo to keep it warm once it gets cold. Geo runs nearly continuously but runs more slowly so it's a very gradual system.
vtjohnhurt t1_iw3qy28 wrote
>The air driven heat pumps don't heat efficiently once you get below freezing.
Your information is out-of-date. The current generation of heat pumps do not have this problem.
>As long as your house is properly air-sealed and insulated, an air-source heat pump can perform well beyond temperatures of -13 degrees Fahrenheit! If you live in extreme cold, you may need to use supplemental heat, or what’s called a dual-fuel system (or consider switching to a ground-source heat pump).
https://sealed.com/resources/winter-heat-pump/
https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/ will provide in depth consultation of installation of air source heat pumps in existing homes.
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