Gshp And Solar Heating

Q: I'd like to get some opinions about ground source heat pumps as a backup for a solar based radiant floor heating system. The house I am building already has a solar heating system installed, but I am wondering how efficient ground source heat pumps really are? The claims of their efficiency are usually compared with electric heating, so I'm not sure I trust what I've been reading. I'm quite skeptical due to the fact that an electric compressor is required in these systems. Does anyone have any hard, unbiased facts? The house I am building will be VERY energy efficient, so I think this might be overkill for a 1,500 square foot house located in SE MN. They are also quite pricey from what I've read.

A: My opinion of GSHP's is quite high. Dept of Energy research has described them as the most efficient form of space conditioning that exists. I don't think solar heat was considered when that statement was coined, however. Actually the equipment itself is quite reasonably priced, but the cost of installing the collection loop is usually the budget killer. Were I in your position I might forget the collection loop and try using a small GSHP to raise the quality (temperature) of the solar-collected heat on marginal days. Don't be afraid of an electrical compressor. It are closed systems including oil. Many refrigerators run for 25 years or more without any compressor-problem. Be a little sceptical however, towards the energy-output that is promissed to you. For instance 4 times the elictrical input. It is solely depending upon the temperature of your heatsource (bottom) and heatsink (floorheatingsystem). The compressor design has a lot to do with it, actually. Replacing your 20 year old functioning refrigerator with a new model of similar size will reduce your electric bill precisely because of advances in compressor design. As for the heat source and sink, the main advantage of ground source heat pumps is that a properly installed one has a near-constant 50 F (10C) or so source, and the sink for most human habitation is likely to be 68-75 F (20-23 C), other than for people that like a remarkably hot house, and are already paying more than most of us for their heating bill, and will no matter what system they use. I see you have been taking your grumpy pills again. Congrats. BTW exactly who are you reporting to? Does canceling a users account mean his e-mail or his whole ISP account? Since this is a NG you obviously can't cancel the NG as that would remove it from service. If you cancel his NG account by blocking it are you not practicing some form of censorship? I believe this thread was started with a can I use my GSHP with solar heated water instead of ground heated water so I'm not sure this is in fact off post.

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