I'm having a 3.5 Ton Earthlinked system installed for my 2000 square foot SIP house I'm in the process of building. My Geo Installer wants $5,000 more for a DSH and associated bits. I live in Upstate, NY and told my contractor I'm not interested in using or having AC in the summer I live in the middle of the country in a house that has a "Cool" metal roof and at this point don't see any need for the additional expense for something I would never use. Since I won't be using AC, I'm thinking that $5,000 would be better spent on a nice tankless unit for my domestic hot water needs and other upgrades around the house.

I'm thinking that all your money would be better spent with a different contractor if 5k is for DSH. Are you sure it wasn't for on demand domestic hot water?
Joe

I'm with Joe, there is no way that a desuperheater is worth $5000.

I third the motion.

Without a cooling mode, I don't see how it can be a desuperheater the Earthlinked dealer is quoting.  The price also indicates it is not a desuperheater but, rather, the Domestic Water Module that can provide 100% of the home's hot water.  A licensed plumber has to install the unit since it's connected to the potable water system of the home which would be the same for a tankless unit.

If you have natural gas, a tankless unit will probably heat enough water for the whole house at or below the price of the DWM the Earthlinked dealer quoted.  Electric tankless units, however, are not a good value because they cannot keep up with the hot water demands of a typical home and the installation costs are much higher because of the larger electric panel they require.  Consumer Reports doesn't even rate an electric tankless unit for this very reason.

The House passed a geothermal tax credit of $4,000 to $6,700 back in May and the bill is awaiting Senate action at this time.  It is likely the Senate will allow the geothermal tax credits to go to the President for signature because it is included in a package of concessions in return for allowing the sun to set on the offshore oil drilling ban.  In the 2005 Energy bill, geothermal  qualified for the $300 tax credit.  However, to qualify, the geothermal installation required a desuperheater.  This may be the case with the new bill and if so, a desuperheater would, in effect, be free if you install one if this feature is included in the new law.  But a desuperheater requires a cooling mode in order to provide "free" hot water in the summer.  I think it is worth asking if the DWM being quoted satisfies the definition of a desuperheater for tax code purposes.  Without a cooling mode, it may not but I would certainly check into it. 

Don't recall my Earthlinked 101, but DSH's work during heating season on other units. Glassman do we presume your question is adequately answered by your lack of response?
J

Dale makes a good point. On an Earthlinked System, the desuperheater only works in cooling mode.

Kind of makes you wonder about these guys who show up ask one question and then are never heard from again.

Glad we could help:-)