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Thursday 05-07-2009 3:19pm ET
Expert Information Homeowners in virtually every region of the United States are enjoying a high level of comfort and significantly reducing their energy use today with Geothermal Heating and Cooling. This technology relies primarily on the Earth’s natural thermal energy, a renewable resource, to heat or cool a house or multi-family dwelling.
Meadowlands Construction specializes in the design/build of all types of geothermal heating and cooling systems for the Upstate New York area. Find out how Geothermal works, the different types of systems and how we might make them available to you.
 | What we do Remodeling
Need extra space? Who
doesn’t? With a professional consultation we can help identify ways to
increase the livable space in your home by installing dormers,
finishing basements, increasing storage in attics, adding closets, or
redefining walls. Sometimes all it takes is a new larger window, a new
entryway and door, or if you prefer a beautiful family room addition.
Bring us your plans and ideas. We will work with you to create
solutions to meet your changing needs.
Kitchens
Kitchens can add a great deal of value to your home. We can expand it by changing the footprint or adding height to the ceilings. Adding new and updated light fixtures or a window is also a great way to brighten up your kitchen. From simple updates to a complete remodel we want to help you make your space feel bigger and brighter. We can build that dream kitchen right down to the granite countertops and tile floors. Let us work with you to design the kitchen that meets the demands of your family.
| F.A.Q.
Q: How efficient is a GSHP?
A: The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.
Q: Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?
A: Yes. A GSHP can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on your indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.
Q: How does a GSHP system heat water for my home?
A: Using what is called a desuperheater, GSHPs turn waste heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer, when the system is in cooling mode, your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, with the heating mode, the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.
Q: How much space does a GSHP unit require?
A: Most of a GSHP installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.
Q: How long will my GSHP system last?
A: GSHPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.
Q: How noisy is the GSHP unit?
A: GSHPs are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside & outside of the home. GSHPs have no noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities, on or near the patio.
Q: How safe are GSHPs?
A: GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.
Q: What about comfort?
A: A GSHP system moves warm air (90-105(F) throughout your home or business via standard ductwork. An even comfort level is created because the warm air is moved in slightly higher volumes and saturates the building with warmth more evenly. This helps even out hot or colds spots and eliminates the cold air blasts common with fossil fuel furnaces.
Q: How effective is this underground system?
A: The buried pipe, or ground loop, is the most recent technical advancement in heat pump technology. Recently, new heat pump designs and improved buried pipe materials have been combined to make GSHP systems the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.
Q: Are GSHP systems guaranteed?
A: Nearly all GSHP system manufacturers offer a warranty for major components that is equivalent to the warranties for conventional heating and cooling systems. Manufacturers of plastic pipe used for ground loops warrant their products for 50 years.
Q: Can these systems be used for commercial, industrial, or apartment requirements?
A: Yes! Many GSHP systems are being installed using a multitude of systems hooked up to an array of buried vertical or horizontal loops. This simplifies zone control and internal load balancing.
Q: What are the advantages to an HVAC dealer?
A: GSHP systems create a huge retrofit market not subject to wild fluctuations in housing construction. There is also ample opportunity for stable growth benefiting the dealer and his employees. In addition, these systems are relatively maintenance-free, requiring only regular filter changes. This means fewer maintenance and support calls. There is no outside equipment, so wear and tear is less.
Q: How do GSHPs protect the environment?
A: GSHP systems conserve natural resources by providing climate control very efficiently-thus also lowering emissions. GSHPs also minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of GSHP systems?
A: Currently installed systems are making a huge difference in our environment! The systems are eliminating more than three million tons of carbon dioxide and is equivalent of taking 650,000 automobiles off the road. GSHP systems conserve energy and, because they move heat that already exists rather than burning something to create heat, they reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the atmosphere. They use renewable energy from the sun, and because the system doesn't rely on outside air, it keeps the air inside of buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores, and other allergens.
Q: Do soil freezing conditions create any problems?
A: Not if a system is properly designed and installed. The three to four foot depths allow the sun to melt the frozen soil during the summer. Adequate length per ton capacity prevents objectionable soil movement.
Q: Does this mean that in extremely cold climates additional heat sources are necessary?
A: All systems require an emergency back up. Heat pumps can provide all the heat necessary even in the coldest weather. An economic analysis by your contractor should dictate what portion of the heat should be provided by the heat pump and what portion by auxiliary means.
Q: Will my existing ductwork function with this system?
A: Yes, in most cases. Your dealer or installer will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.
Q: Will an underground loop affect my lawn or landscape?
A: No. Research has shown that loops have no adverse effects on grass, trees, or shrubs. Most horizontal installations require trenches about six inches wide. Temporary bare areas can be restored with grass seed or sod. Vertical loops require little space and do not damage lawns significantly.
Q: My yard contains many shade trees. Will this affect ground temperature and my ability to use it as an energy source?
A: Not at all. The system is installed deep enough that it utilizes constant ground temperature.
Q: Can a GSHP system be added to my fossil fuel furnace?
A: Yes. Called dual systems, they can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual-fuel heating system. Dual-fuel systems use the GSHP system as the main heating source, and a fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather should additional heat be needed.
Q: Will I have to add insulation to my home if I install one of these systems?
A: Ground source heat pump systems will reduce your heating and cooling costs regardless of how well your home is insulated. However, insulating and weatherizing are key factors in gaining the maximum amount of savings from any type of heating and cooling system.
| Tax Incentives:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended many consumer tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and amended in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343). Businesses, utilities, and governments are also eligible for tax credits.
A 30% tax credit is available for homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems in 2009 and later years. For systems placed in service in 2008, the $2,000 lilmit still applies So, for example, if a homeowner pays $15,000 for a geothermal heat pump system installed in 2009, a tax credit of $4,500 could apply.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web site may have more information on specific state tax information.
Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website for a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
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