News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that way. Parent comment

Re:Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that... by hourislate on Thursday July 08, 2021 @03:40PM (#27776719)
This cost seems high to me. Installed a horizontal loop geothermal system over an acre of land in Northern Ontario. Had the trench dug out with an excavator (approx 12 + ft deep) and the same guy lay all the pipe and back filled for about less than 10k. If you look in the classifieds you can hire an excavator/operator for about $1k a day. The guys did it all over a week. Our whole system came in under $30k. It was a few years back but I don't think it would cost 70k today.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that... by SEJeff on Thursday July 08, 2021 @03:55PM (#27776864)
Not sure if you were aware, but the cost of building materials such as wood and also hvac has went up massively. The same central heating and air units a year ago would have cost maybe 20k with a full install. We got three quotes for three different firms that do geothermal.

And as I mentioned elsewhere, if I installed a horizontal loop, I'd have to cut down a ton of beautiful 100 year old trees surrounding the home. I'd rather not do that when there are viable alternatives. The cost of higher electricity usage isn't a big deal as I've got 48 bifacial solar panels on the barn that run to the home.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that... by hourislate on Thursday July 08, 2021 @05:19PM (#27777742)
Consider closed cell spray foam and you will probably make out better with a traditional high efficiency system than you would with geothermal and regular insulation. If you went with geothermal and spray foam your heating and cooling/comfort costs would be less than someones Starbucks habit but I can understand the initial cost might not make sense for some folks.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that... by SEJeff on Thursday July 08, 2021 @05:24PM (#27777784)
I've got a looooot of solar panels, so the electricity is "effectively" free. This is good advice though, thanks!
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Why geothermal isn't ubiquitous and how it might get that... by Johnny555 on Friday July 09, 2021 @12:44AM (#27780545)
That's great if you have enough land and don't care about restoring the yard, I was quoted $30K to install on less than an acre, including restoring the landscaping.
[ Parent | on HN ]