I'm not trying to be brand specific, but I've noticed a sharp decrease in DX interest here in mid MI as well as two champions of the front running manufacturer (one was the largest in the state) switching over to the "dark side" of water source.
I know we've seen some complaints here, but that is true of virtually every manufacturer water and DX.
Is this the experience elsewhere?
Joe

Hi Joe,

Dx was banned by the natural resources people here in a knee jerk reaction to something they did not understand. Maryland is said to be drafting paper and is going to follow suit, VA is still on the fence.
Eric

They should ban DX... nothing good about it..... Loops won't last nearly as long as traditional ground source. refrigeration should not be run through the ground loops imo. I'm sure I'll have some backlash for this but again it's a board and imo

I do not think anyone should ban anything without knowing why. In Delaware it was a knee jerk reaction with no real data for DX or against DX. To my sensibilities that is wrong on a whole bunch of levels.
Eric

Posted By canadageo on 22 Sep 2011 10:12 AM
They should ban DX... nothing good about it..... Loops won't last nearly as long as traditional ground source. refrigeration should not be run through the ground loops imo. I'm sure I'll have some backlash for this but again it's a board and imo

I've never been a fan of some of the arguments against DX. In MI we have systems that are functioning after 20 years.
My biggest concerns are documented in these forums, but I'll say it again:
1) The industry leaders need to get the International Code Council to recognize their product. As one of the most common US building codes it would be nice if one installing the refrigerant ground loops weren't expected to "hydrostatically" test them.
2) Resolve the issue of refrigerant alarms. These things are expensive and according to the code (ICC anyway) DX systems have enough refrigerant to require an alarm. If they can't get the code people to modify on their behalf, they'd best start buying in bulk to get the price down for their dealers. Most municipalities don't require this yet (because the inspectors aren't educated in geo generally and DX specifically) but that doesn't mean the requirement goes away.
3) Be careful how you train new dealers. The fact that expensive fusion tools and flush carts aren't required by DX installers makes it more attractive to someone breaking in to the geo business. With an eagerness to gain market share DX manufacturers still may wish they'd vetted companies better since their product is less forgiving of a bad install, application or undersizing.
Water source companies are guilty of poor vetting as well, but they are not currently in an uphill battle for street cred.

Finally if you don't take care of business such as this, don't be suprised when those that have feel their product is superior.

I like the technology and feel it has it's place, but in keeping with the original point, for some reason some big players in my area (biggest dealer, for one of the biggest distributors for the biggest US manufacturer) don't sell it anymore.

j

IMO, they need to move to propane mixes anyway and regulators have more experience with these in the ground and in the house. But I wouldn't be surprised if they end up with propane running in your yard and house being legal for burning but not for refrigeration.