Waterfurnace and Hydron Module (not Hydroheat or Hydrodelta) seem to have hybrids with decent sample size and track record. Frankly I would simply use a water to water system with a single stage compressor and buffer tank. This would help with the pool if desired and could cool through a hydronic air handler.
j

Joe, Thanks for the advice. I have just started working with an CGD and PE with a lot of geothermal experience. We will take your advice into consideration. Currently we plan to ask several Approved Installers that have a good track record in Connecticut to propose the systems they think are best, i.e., combined or separate units. Hydron Module also has a combination unit. (We are looking for a 10 year warrantee, at least from the manufacturer. (BTW we plan to use wide spacing on the boreholes so the ground can recover its warmth, especially if we are using the summer air conditioning to warm the pool water.)
Thanks again, Ed

Sorry, Hydron was who I meant (see edit). 10 year part and 5 year labor warranties are the minimum for Energy Star now so you won't have to look hard for that. Beware of the fine print on warranties.

Posted By thoughtful on 10 Apr 2011 04:21 PM
One of the reasons we went with them [Econar] is that, being from MN, they make a unit that heats that
also happens to cool...vs other manufacturers who design their systems to cool that also happen to heat.

Gimme a freakin' break!

Looby.... you brought a smile to me face, thanks

Looby that was the Econar schtick. Essentially everyone rates their units by cooling capacity, Econar does it by heating capacity. Just make sure you put enough loop in the ground.

Posted By joe.ami on 31 Aug 2013 11:36 PM

Looby that was the Econar schtick.

Yep, anyone could have guessed as much.

BTW, since this was the thoughtful Econar defender's first post -- and included
a third-hand report of unspecified "bad things" that "he heard" about an alleged
WF installation -- a cynical reader might suspect that the posting was a poorly
camouflaged Econar response to heads-up notice they received from engineer.

...of course, I would never suggest such a thing,

Looby

"An awkward, unscientific lie is often as ineffectual as the truth."
- Mark Twain

Posted By edresor on 30 Aug 2013 10:31 AM
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Everyone for taking the time to carefully explain your problems with this manufacturer.

Does anyone know a dual compressor system that is worth considering? (not for 100 % hot water, but possibly for a combination system for radiant heat and forced air in Connecticut, a heat dominant location and/or some help heating an outdoor pool for May through September for spoiled grand kids 91 degree pool water.

Thanks again for the warnings.

http://welserver.com/WEL0664/
Here is an example. In another install we also do the pool heat with it, running the pool as a zone, but it is not online.

It looks like Enertech (makers of Hydron Module, GeoComfort, TETCO) bought out Econair and Hydro Heat out late last year. I'd imagine that the next revisions from these brands will be based the Enertech core platform, and thus a completely different animal.

Posted By birkie on 01 Sep 2013 09:03 PM
It looks like Enertech (makers of Hydron Module, GeoComfort, TETCO) bought out Econair and Hydro Heat out late last year. I'd imagine that the next revisions from these brands will be based the Enertech core platform, and thus a completely different animal.

http://www.gaoi.org/2011/enertech-announces-swedish-investor-nibe-industrier-ab/
Questionable, since Enertech likely will be sold to NIBE, and it was NIBE which wanted the acquisition of the 3 brands, but no tech transfer at all so far.

Posted By joe.ami on 18 Jul 2010 10:09 AM
fair enough Curt;
"Folks aux. coils are a few hundred to purchase and they keep you warm if loop fails.
RUN....don't walk away...from anyone who suggests you don't want them....In heating dominated climates.
j

Joe, your last few words "... in heating dominated climates" are vital to the subject.

Here in the Dallas area, for example, you just don't see aux heating coils installed, including myself (I don't have them).

Best regards,

Bill

Thanks from a soon to be buyer for mentioning the economics (low cost) of auxiliary electric heating coils. My brother may have to pay more on top the cost of the coils for upgrading his service from 200 amps, but that may be required anyway. We were going to request a quote as an option, but will now include basic quote.

edresor,
I am amazed at how many folks believe it is a good thing if auxiliary heat never runs. This indicates a grossly oversized system (again in heating dominated climates). Running a heavier compressor all the time to avoid some auxiliary heat often costs more.
The economic balance point is determined by multiple factors including cost/kwh of electricity.

Joe, thanks. I have signed up for some of the thermostat threads that apply to old houses to figure out how to include electric axilliary but to use it only when necessary and use adaptive recovery and slower staging to do as much heating as possible with the first compressor stage.
Best, Ed

Ed we have also determined that greater droops (temperature difference) before engaging auxiliary are not always advantageous. Reverse staging is good, but in the absence of that wide droops may employ more auxiliary.