Hi everyone. We are building a new home in the next year, and we want to be more green by installing a ground source heat pump, rainwater harvest system and solar panels on the roof.
Even though we've had loads (and loads) of info about this from the companies that sell the products, what we would like is the opinions of real people (who don't work on commission) about these green alternatives.
Do they work well? Do they provide as much heat or water as planned? Are you happy/dissapointed that you installed these green options? Any problems during the installation or since?
To hear from people who currently use any of these systems would be great.
The house we are building is 4 bedrooms, and based in Wales, UK
Thanks.
2007-01-21 22:41:09 · 6 answers · asked by harri_dav 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
What you are building is wonderful. I have a heat pump and it works all right, but still uses more electricity than I had hoped. I've added a hydronic heat system, (radiant floor heat) which I think is much more efficient. Basically it's a hot water system that supplies hot water under the floor of the room you are heating and not to any room you don't want to heat. That way you can control any and all room temperatures individually. Much better than heating a room that you seldom use.
It heats the floor, the walls, the funiture, etc. instead of just the air and just makes everything feel cozy. Since everything you come into contact with is warm, you can turn down the thermostat and still feel comfortable. Also you don't have the air blowing and don't have air filters to change and dust particles blowing around. This system is great for alergies. However, you will have to install separate air conditioning.
2007-01-21 22:53:21 · answer #1 · answered by capnemo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on where you live. In Florida they are probably not the best choice. A conventional heat pump would be best. If Maine or other northern locations, using the ground as you heat sink is very practical in that the heat pump can be used all winter. The ground based systems are a bit more complicated but in general they have been around a while and if properly designed and installed will work just fine. If I lived in a northern location and the only energy source was electricity, I would use a ground based system.
2016-05-24 16:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work for a company that deals with Renewable Energy Sources (only in office). I am not on commission! I have been told that there are various different types of these pumps, some that are on the market are rubbish and don't extract enough heat from the ground to heat your water. I would be very careful when choosing these systems as unfortunate there there are many cowboys out there have you tried looking on www.est.org.uk they tend to give honest advice. Be careful of what type of solar panels you choose too, evacuated tube systems are supposed to be better.
2007-01-21 22:55:17 · answer #3 · answered by Rebecca C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First Solar, as I have a photovoltaic solar system. By brand name the inverters are Sunny Boy and the panels are Siemens. The system is four years old, and in Martinez California. It is rated at 6 kW, and produces about 4.5 kW. You could expect this lower output due to efficiencies and other factors.
I generate about 20 kilowatt hours per day on the average. From Yahoo weather you can get an idea of what ours is like, and compare it to yours.
I explored ground source heat pumps, and would have installed one, except for our local laws. They require permits for wells I was going vertical rather than horizontal. I would have needed seven, and the permit fees ruled it out.
I would be glad to chat if you come back to me.
2007-01-22 03:33:06 · answer #4 · answered by Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As happens, I work in a large college. When they put up this new building(3 storey) they put in a ground source, 29 pipes, 300ft deep, and a heat pump system. This works in winter as the 'basis' (about 13 deg) of a heating system, but, in summer, as a cool source for aircon. Just a thought.....
2007-01-24 21:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by johncob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried contacting the Centre for Alternative technology (CAT) in Wales - they have tried and tested most heating systems, and can offer you the green verdict on many of them.
As you are building in Wales, you may also be able to pop along and have a look at green building systems in action.
Good luck with your build.
2007-01-21 22:58:00 · answer #6 · answered by Roxy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋