Case Studies
Case Study: Net-Zero Home in Texas
Size of Residence: 1,877 sq. ft. living space
House Construction: open cell spray foam insulation; low-E double glazed, argon filled, vinyl windows; sealed attic; insulated slab perimeter; 6kW solar PV
HVAC System: 2-ton Waterless Geothermal with (3) 100’ diagonal earth loops and an Auxiliary Cooling Module
Water Heating: same Waterless Geothermal system with desuperheater module
Energy Cost Savings: at 14ȼ per kWh, the Waterless system cost averages $1.88 per day, or 1ȼ per square foot per day, but PV energy sales to the utility exceed that amount
“Because of the Waterless Geothermal system and 6kW solar PV system, we went over 12 months without an electric bill during the hottest summer ever recorded in Texas,” says homeowner Dale Walker.
“It uses very little electricity to operate, is very good at dehumidification in the summer and never dries out the air in the winter like a natural gas heating system. The home is always comfortable.”
This home attained Net-Zero Energy for 12 months when Dallas area exceeded 100°F for 70 consecutive days.
Real-Time Energy Usage Data
Some homeowners are so excited about their Waterless Geothermal systems and the money they’re saving on monthly heating/cooling bills that they’ve published real-time energy usage data. Here are some examples:
Kentucky: Jim Oswald installed a 4-ton Waterless Geothermal system in his new 2,600 square foot home. The total electric cost for the home averages $74.55 monthly. The highest monthly winter heating bill is $125, and the summer cooling bill is only $75. Jim says, “I have been quite happy with the Waterless Geothermal unit and believe very much in the value of the product.” See Results.
Vermont: A Waterless Geothermal heating/cooling and DHW system is in its 19th year of operation in Vermont. The actual energy usages and operating characteristics are displayed in real-time.