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.

More Operating Cost Background information:

Ground-source is the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating, cooling, and water heating system available. It is quiet and fumeless. It does not require rooftop or pad mounted outdoor condensers and needs very little maintenance when compared to fossil fuel technology.

A ground-source heating and cooling system can be installed in new construction or retrofitted to an existing installation. It can be configured for forced air or radiant floor heat, or a combination of both.

Heating bills are instantly reduced by over 60% when a ground-source heat pump system replaces an old oil or gas furnace.

In hot weather the ground-source heat pump system delivers central air conditioning, without any additional equipment purchase.

The difference in the cost between the fossil fuel heating/central air and ground-source is completely paid off within the first three to five years.

An average household in our area burns over 1000 gallons of heating oil per season, 20% of which is wasted on poor burning efficiency while constantly adding indoor and outdoor pollution.
In contrast, a ground-source system moves low-grade heat that exists year round accumulated in the ground or water everywhere. In the coldest winter the low-grade heat just below the frost line is constant, free, and abundant. A heat pump’s refrigerant cycle increases it’s temperature to a warm and comfortable 130F interior level. The ground-source heat pump system uses only 1kWh of electrical energy to bring 4 kWh of high-grade heat into the heating space. The coeficient of performance is 3 -7 compared to 80% efficiency of fossil fuel burners.

And finally, the electricity that runs the ground-source system can be purchased directly from wind producers. That completely eliminates the need for fossil fuel heating and in the same time stimulates the growth of new domestic renewable energy sources.

Residential incentive programs available from Central Hudson Energy Group ($800 per installation) and home improvement loan interest buydown program by NYSERDA ( up to $20,000 borrowed with interest rate reduction by 4%) make ground-source installations even more economically attractive.

The trend of acceptance of ground source technology is growing in the Hudson Valley. Besides dozens of heat pump systems installed annually in residential locations, there is an even stronger growth trend in the number of larger commercial installations. In the last two years ground source systems were installed at Bard College dorms, Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts (Architect Frank Gehry), Vassar College dorms, Dutches Community college, Sullivan Community college, Rosendale Recreational Center, Mohonk Visitor’s Center.

The list of interested institutions and homeowners deciding to use ground source heating and cooling technology continues to grow. The trend proves that ground source technology is finally coming to the mainstream as the most economical, efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly technology available today.

Please call us (845) 658-7116 or e-mail us charles@altren.net if you have a specific project in mind. We will be happy to talk with you.

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