Q. Can I utilize my existing well?
A. If your existing well is 300 feet or more you may be able to utilize the well depending on the heating capacity necessary of the home. If the existing well requires deepening, there are risks of changing the well water quality, therefore drilling a new well for the geothermal system may be the better choice.
Q. Do I need a back up heat source?
A. A back up system is not necessary and many homes with a geothermal system do not have a back up system, however there is an option to install an electric strip that will provide heat from the unit in the event the submersible well pump in a standing column application fails.
Q. What part of the job does Skillings & Sons, Inc. perform?
A. Skillings & Sons, Inc. installs the ground heat exchanger. We drill the bore holes for a closed loop application or drill a bedrock well for a standing column well application.
Q. What is the turnaround time to having a system installed?
A. The turnaround time for the installation of the ground heat exchange system is usually two weeks. The heat pump exchange system also takes approximately two weeks. The heat pump system has to be ordered and usually takes 4-6 weeks. Ask your HVAC contractor for details.
Q. How is a system sized?
A. The HVAC contractor will perform an evaluation (Manual J) to determine the heat load requirements of the home. Once the system is sized the HVAC contractor will provide the information to Skillings & Sons, Inc. for the drilling portion (earth connection) of the job. Typically a 1-ton heat pump will create enough Btu's for 500 square feet; therefore a 2,000 square foot home would require a 4-ton heat pump exchange system.
Q. What is a BTU(British Thermal Unit)?
A. When referring to heating and cooling systems a Btu (Btu/hour) describes the energy-producing or energy-transferring capability of equipment like heat pumps, furnaces, refrigerators and air conditioners.
Q. What type incentives are offered?
A. On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the 2009 Stimulus Bill, which includes a tax credit of 30% on new geothermal heat pump systems. There is no longer a cap on the tax credit. Go to www.geoexchange.org for more information.
Some utilities offer incentives and rebates. Click on the link that pertains to your state and learn more about federal and state tax incentives and rebates.
Tax Form MA.pdf
Summary of Incentives MA.pdf
Summary of Incentives NH.pdf
Q. How much does a system cost?
A. The cost for a Geothermal Exchange system is determined by the heating requirements (also referred to as the heating load) of a building. The heating requirements are unique to each application and require an evaluation by a qualified HVAC contractor. One average the cost to install a Geothermal Exchange system is approximately 30%-40% higher than a conventional system; however these systems save money, both in operating costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be recouped in as little as three years.
