I have multi-part Qs relating to heating with Geothermal. This is for my new-construction house near Livonia NY. First off, can some one please help me with a Manual J calc? People on this site have previously told me I need one done but, I can;t figure out how to do one. I have this calculator but it is quite confusing. http://www.loadcalc.net/structure.php I can give you all the details one would need. Next, We have already decided on radiant heating for the basement slab and first floor, so the system will need to make hot water, not forced air. What can one expect in monthly electricity charges for a geothermal system? I have 35 acres so we are not short on land. Is there a "best" way to run the loops? I have plenty of land for a horizontal loop of unlimited size, We are considering putting in a pond, which produces the best results? Is one cheaper to install than another?

loghomebuilder,

I work in New York state and have performed hundreds of Manual J's for Geothermal System Applications. If you PM me your contact information, I would be more than happy to walk you through the Manual J process and answer any of your questions.

I am unaware of all of the Manual J software platforms out there, but it is possible to steamline the load calculations into an equipment selection platform, which can then upload the equipment performance characteristics into a geothermal source loop selection criteria.

I am sure the many members of this forum can help you out, but it is difficult to explain how to perform these steps of calculations without having performed them countless times with success.

Regards.

PM Sent

Do you want a/c in the summer? Will it be a log home?

No one can tell you how much the electric bills will be, come on now...LoL

Yes it will be a log home. Not a kit but a real one with large logs (thermal mass).

I am hoping that I wont need AC. We don't have too hot of summers usually and the thermal mass should keep it cool enough. Assuming this won;t add substantial cost - I would like the option of installing the AC components at a later time if we decide to get AC in the future

I wasn't looking for a dollar amount but maybe a KWH range to expect.

You don't mention 'anything' about the size of the unit or even the s/f of your house or how much your kw costs per unit. I know you need to run the calcs to get the unit size.

Is this a DIY install, or will you hire an installer?
You have good installers around where you live.

You need to find out the amount of energy your house will use (manual J) and your temp settings etc, then we can match it with your weather data which will give us KWH/year and multiplied with your electric rate will give you $$$/year.

Posted By docjenser on 12 Jan 2017 06:23 AM
Is this a DIY install, or will you hire an installer?
You have good installers around where you live.

You need to find out the amount of energy your house will use (manual J) and your temp settings etc, then we can match it with your weather data which will give us KWH/year and multiplied with your electric rate will give you $$$/year.

Exactly! and we have been running building optimization models that use manual j etc that has estimated 1000s of utility bills accurately! for years now...Sounds like an installer or pro is needed here that understands that and the inputs/outputs.

I can't understand why anyone be stuck w/GT having not looked at the cost of all options.

Heres a good source of info: http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/publication/manuals.htm#4

https://pangea.stanford.edu/ERE/db/WGC/papers/WGC/2015/29058.pdf

Follow this thread if the guy cooperates post all the same info and I can run a model: http://www.igshpa.okstate.edu/publication/manuals.htm#4

https://pangea.stanford.edu/ERE/db/WGC/papers/WGC/2015/29058.pdf

Posted By docjenser on 12 Jan 2017 06:23 AM
Is this a DIY install, or will you hire an installer?
You have good installers around where you live.

You need to find out the amount of energy your house will use (manual J) and your temp settings etc, then we can match it with your weather data which will give us KWH/year and multiplied with your electric rate will give you $$$/year.

Thank you for your response. I am very glad to see you are local. I like your website too. I have struggled to find an installer in the Rochester area. I do not plan to do this myself.
I am trying to figure out my manual j but other than the confusing calculator tool I posted above, I am completely lost.

4 good installers:

Moravec Geothermal in Penn Yan
http://www.moravecgeothermal.com

VanHee
http://www.vanheegeothermal.com

ACES
http://www.aces-energy.com

and Jesse Cook.
http://geothermhvac.com

All are founding members of the NYS Geo Association and I have personally seen their installs, and have not heard customer complains about them. Only good feedback.

4 good installers:

Moravec Geothermal in Penn Yan
http://www.moravecgeothermal.com

VanHee
http://www.vanheegeothermal.com

ACES
http://www.aces-energy.com

and Jesse Cook.
http://geothermhvac.com

All are founding members of the NYS Geo Association and I have personally seen their installs, and have not heard customer complains about them. Only good feedback.