from Bob in Waukesha, WI:
#454
Can you tell me what I would save by going to a geothermal heat system? Current system is about 20 years old. I believe it was about 86% efficient when installed. It does use use a chimney. What dollars are available (rebate, assistance) What would be pay back? What about solar panels? Back of house faces south with roof area about 20 X 70 5/12 slope.
Savings can be significant. Read on for details.
The money savings for a ground source heat pump (geothermal) can be significant. Energy modeling for a Wisconsin home shows over a $500 savings (70%). In most installations solar hot water can provide about half ($108) of the water heating requirements for a home. A solar electric system can provide about 10 to 20 percent ($120 to $240) of the electrical usage.
To maximize the heat pump or solar system, your first step should be to reduce your overall energy usage by ensuring that your home is well insulated and sealed. Focus on Energy can help with a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (R) consultation. The consultant will determine the overall efficiency of the home by looking at the building shell and appliances as well as the heating and cooling equipment. They will show you were your energy losses are and offer suggestions and Cash-Back Rewards to fix the losses. If you are replacing appliances, make sure that you are replacing them with energy-efficient models. Buying only ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting, installing a high efficiency hot water heater and furnace with an electronically commutated motor (ECM) and ensuring your central air conditioner is at least a SEER 15 will all go a long way in making your home as energy efficient as possible.
Next look at your homes potential for solar with a site assessment. During the site assessment a certified site assessor will visit your home to determine if it is a good location for a solar electric, solar water heating or wind electric system. The certified site assessor can provide in-depth information about your specific location.
Focus on Energy offers Cash-Back Rewards for efficient heating and cooling equipment as well as solar electric and solar hot water systems. In addition, there are federal tax credits for both ground source heat pumps (geothermal) and solar systems. I would suggest visiting the Tax Incentives Assistant Project Web site to learn more. This Web site has information that consumers and businesses need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies.
Please visit focusonenergy.com/incentives for the latest incentives and requirements, as Focus offers are subject to change.
Published Friday, September 11, 2009