I don't often go in my basement, maybe once or twice a week to empty water from my dehumidifier, but I always making a point on checking the status lights on the Geothermal system. Well today the Low Water pressure light was blinking red. I checked the flow valve and there was no water pressure, the system was running on emergency heat only. (not sure if the compressor was running or not) I switched the thermostat to emergency heat upstairs. I checked the voltage on the relay to the well pump and it had power, so I shut it off. I don't know what the cause of the failure is but I suspect its a burned out pump. Now here's my question, what is the price difference between a regular pump and a variable speed pump? I searched dozens of web sites and they all say that variable speed pumps are more effienct then regular pumps that use a tank to maintain pressure, but I was unable to find any site that gave me prices. What we talking about here, a couple hundred dollar difference? Or thousands?

Thank you.

My understanding is $1,000+.
Does your well pump only service the geo TG? If so variable may not be as helpful (at least in terms of ROI or comfort).
J

Yes, the well pump is only for the Geothermal system. The rest of the house is on city water, including the sprinkler system for some odd reason.

Definately wanna move irragation to the well if possible (legal). You need better advice than I can give.
Let us know what you learn......paging Eric et al
j

Grundfos variable speed are in my experience the only way to go.. Joe is correct that the difference is typically around a thousand bucks or so but well worth it in terms of longevity and reliability.

I dissagree,
If the well pump serves the geo only, it can be easily sized to meet the reqirements of the geo system with a simple pump start relay for the most bullit proof install. If you want to use well for geo and irrigation I would caution to check water quality for minerals, namely iron before making the switch, also the local regs.
I would not give a grungfoss variable speed pump to my worst enemy. I could cry you a river about failures in all 7 generations of their product, and the piss poor support that is available from the distribution chain as well as thier regional reps, not to mention that the factory engineering support sucks as well. I will gladly except the import and distribution of Swedish super models, but they can keep thier water pumps.
If you go variable, Franklin Electric 3 wire is the only way to go.
Eric

Wow I have never heard such a harsh review of Grundfos. I totally support Franklin's single speed pumps the only other motor we install. We had the opposite experience with the early variable speed pumps and controllers. I spoke with a Franklin rep at the Jubilee this summer in Myrtle Beach SC. I think everyone should be aware that there are three different variable speed models and systems from Franklin. Eric do you install all three or do you standardize and go with only one of the Franklin offerings?

We have installed and used all three of Franklins offerings. We size based on demand (gpm) if the conditions warrant it and the budget will support it we go variable. If not we do the traditional route or the hybrid I mentioned above.
We have experiance with all the variable speed products going back to the Myers Emerald elite, and the goulds ballance flow fiasco.
People are pressuring me to look at the grundfos circulators but due to our experiance with them and their water product it will never happen. Next time you are in town buy me a beer and I will cry you the river that is Grundfos, and tell you what they do not want you to know.
Eric

Sooooo,
What was the resolution to your issue? Service or replacement?
Eric