What is, the most efficient way to air condition a 2800 sqft house offgrid in Florida?

Question

I am about to begin construction on a house and I am going well out of my way to make sure the entire house will be as energy efficient and independent as possible. All appliacnes will be able to run off of solar electric system EXCEPT air conditioning and no matter how much i search, this issue is a problem. The only alternative solution I might have found is a natural gas air conditioner. BUT I only have propane available from a 1000gallon tank (planned, I guess I could go bigger). I know that almost anything natural gas can be converted to propane, but would rather not void any warantee's and I don't know if those systems are economical. Please help with any information you can provide? Low power evaportaive a/c's they have out West don't work in Florida, too much humidity.

Answer 1

You need to look up information on heat pumps systems. What you do is run a grid of hoses in the backyard undergound about 5 feet if possible. That low the ground is about 50 to 60 degrees year round.

The idea is to pump the heat into the ground. It reduces the airconditioning requirements by 50 to 70 percent.

Its expensive, but will pay back the cost. You can also do this with a well, or lake. Be aware that most states have environmental rules and fees with doing this specific item with a well and sometimes with a lake. Your backyard won't have environment rules.

Answer 2

Refrigeration is energy intensive.

There are good propane powered refrigeration systems available.

I suggest you do it like our grandparents did. Move slow. Sweat a little. Air conditioning is a very recent phenomena and folks have lived in the American SE and similar places for hundreds of years.

Answer 3

you could do what i heard once .a man had a natural occurring cold water spring in his basement he pumped this cold water through a heat exchanger(similar to a car radiator)that was mounted in his duct work the warmer water then drained back into the ground the last part i am not sure how he put it back in maybe through a well.

i talked to my friend the water was taken from a spring and on the other side of the basement the water filtered down in to the ground naturaly. he also told me it was very energy efficant because it only took a small pump and a blower.

Answer 4

If you live on a tidal zone you could make a big initial investment and set up a tidal power system. Either hydroelectric, or floats. There's alot of momentum involved in the tides, just waiting to be harnessed.

Answer 5

we've major air besides the undeniable fact that it extremely works to boot as Bush being the President for the previous 7 years. No offense meant, stereotypically speaking. yet we bough an easily air conditioner for our abode. Sweeeet. :)

Answer 6

Put wheels under it and move it to Alaska.