Efficiencies! A geothermal system uses the fairly constant 52-degree temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home, so it operates at maximum efficiency because the system is not working as hard during extreme temperatures. This super high efficiency can equal energy savings of up to 70% for heating and 5% for cooling.
Unlike any other heating and cooling system, a geothermal heat pump can preheat your hot water. This means sometimes you will use little or no additional energy to heat water. A device called a "desuperheater" transfers excess heat from the pump to the water heater. In the summer, hot water is provided with no additional energy usage and in the winter, water heating costs are cut roughly in half. Your HVAC contractor can tell you if this process will work with your water heater.
Geothermal systems heat and cool your home in an even fashion. they are clean, safe, and quiet. The geothermal systems are all-electric so there are no flames, flues, or fumes. any home with a central duct system is a candidate for a geothermal system. There are a variety of ways to install an earth loop, even small loops for confined areas. The piping is underground or underwater, so there is little maintenance required. Occasional cleaning of the heat exchanger coils and changing the air filters are about all that’s necessary to keep the system in good running order.
You must submit the Appliance Rebate form and a copy of the invoice from a certified contractor. URE member services representatives will gladly assist you with these forms. After all the requirements have been met, your rebate application will be processed and an $800 rebate check will be issued to you. Maximum $1,600 two rebates. Limit 2 units per residential member.
An increasing number of heating and cooling dealers sell and install geothermal systems. We have provided a list of local geothermal HVAC contractors. A good rule of thumb is to meet with the HVAC contractors then obtain three estimates to determine your best deal. Be sure to ask for references! URE members are encouraged to read our booklet called, “Questions to ask when replacing your HVAC.”
Geothermal Requirements
The new installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system in a residential home that uses electricity from Union Rural Electric (URE) qualifies for a geothermal rebate from URE.
The system may serve either a new or existing residence. The purpose of the requirements which follow is to aid URE in inspecting and verifying the geothermal heating and cooling system’s eligibility for a rebate from URE.
a. Equipment shall be rated by ARI (air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute) test standards and certified by ARI or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or other nationally recognized testing organizations.
b. Equipment installed shall be in compliance with Energy Star® requirements for both EER and COP minimums at the time of installation. This will ensure systems will meet requirements for federal tax credits for geothermal system installation.
| Requirements Effective January 1, 2012 | EER | COP |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Loop Water-Air | 17.1 | 3.6 |
| Open Loop Water-Air | 21.1 | 4.1 |
c. The complete system, including any necessary supplemental devices, shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories or other nationally recognized testing organizations in accordance with U.L. standards.
d. The system must include properly-sized ductwork per home’s load calculation. Member/Contractor must have all local agency permits/inspections performed.
e. The system shall be wired according to the Cooperative’s requirements and in compliance with the National Electric Code and local or Ohio Electric Code requirements.
f. Open loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and shall meet applicable federal, state, or local county agency standards. Open-loop installations shall also have documented water quality and quantity tests conducted by the installer, distributor, or manufacturer evidencing the suitability and availability of water required for the application.
g. Closed loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and shall meet applicable federal, state, or local agency standards.
h. Direct Expansion loops shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations shall meet applicable federal, state, or local agency standards.
i. Ground loops should be installed by professionals who follow procedures established by the International ground Source heat Pump association (IGSHA).
a. Owner’s manual and instruction for equipment operation.
b. Installation instructions and warranties.
c. An offer for a maintenance/service contract.
d. Contractor shall also provide a sketch of the loop layout location in reference to existing buildings.
a. A completed application for reimbursement.
b. Copies of equipment and duct sizing calculations.
c. Copy of the paid receipt.
Geothermal Information
- The building must be a residential structure that uses electricity from Union Rural Electric (URE).
- Rebate is to be paid to the URE member who owns the building.
A rebate of $800 will be paid to the member on the basis of one rebate for each unit installed. Maximum $1,600 for two rebates per residential member.
Advising a consumer of the benefits to be gained from improving the thermal envelope of a structure house prior to the installation of qualified equipment is an essential part of the Geothermal Heating Program.
URE will annually review this program for continuation as applicable.
URE recommends that all geothermal systems have a soft start capacitor on their compressor systems. Failure to have this option may cause lights to flicker or other electrical issues that are beyond our control when the compressor starts up.