Systems

What are the best systems for an energy efficient house?

Heating system

This information was presented at the first annual Green Conference xxx in Lebanon, PA, on July 14, 2007, by a representative from Amergreen, a supplier of green heating and cooling components:

Hydronic heating is recommended, along with a bio-heating approved burner. R410A is the most environmentally-friendly refrigerant for air conditioning. You can upgrade to solar with hydronic heating.

Beckett Burners recently approved a B5 blend. This means the burner can use 5% biofuel and 95% fossil fuel. Manufacturers are working toward a B50 burner.

The representative spoke of high efficiency condensing boilers with solar panels. He regretted that 80% efficient furnaces *where 20% of the energy goes out the chimney) are still commonly being sold. In contrast, a knowledgeable buyer can get a unit with as high as 96% efficiency, where only 4% of the energy goes out the chimney.

He spoke of incorporating geothermal heating for additional savings. He said geothermal is much more efficient than HRV (heat recovery ventilation) which exchanges air at whatever temperature the outside air is.

For example, in the summer, the HRV exchanges air at - say, 90 degrees, while the geothermal unit cools the house from a steady xxx degrees.
If going for a geothermal unit, order a direct drive motor, which reduces consumption.

Question: How do you know who to believe for recommendations?

Response: Interview several distributors/contractors and ask WHY they recommend this or that. Then hear what their competitors have to say. Keep asking WHY questions until you are comfortable with your choices.

AC system

Consider a mini-split system. The small wall-based evaporator eliminates the need for ductwork. The condensing unit is outside.

Geothermal heating

Requirements differ, depending on the size of the house and the depth of the water table. It will cost more to sink a well with a low water table than with a high water table. Amergreen xxx maintains a list of distributors.

Solar heating

Local contractors often piece components together in a hybrid solar system. Avoid this, because hybrids can be expensive to repair. Go instead with a manufacturer's package for a solar system, such as the Veisseman solar package. Some packages from European companies are also good. xxx Veisseman maintains a highly regarded Rhode Island school for technicians.

Solar heating with evacuated tubes are the most efficient, with a 5-year payback. In the sun, water and glycol are heated and go to a heat pump exchange.

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Updated 3-25-09