Ontario Bosch ta049 barly heats without Auxiliary

Discussion in 'Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by 12Acres, Mar 21, 2015.

  1. 12Acres

    12Acres New Member

    I live in a 2400 sf century house that has been renovated including roof, siding, windows and is fairly well insulated and sealed. We had the geothermal system installed in 2012, the unit is a Bosch ta049. We have a closed ground loop horizontal. We found that the auxiliary was coming on a lot during the coldest days (Dec.-Feb.) with hydro bills in the $800 range for each of those months where usually we average $300. I had the system inspected and they told me that it was fine although the temp of fluid coming in was 31F and 36F going back out. ( the tech acknowledged that was i bit small of a difference) The temp at the plenum was 79F.
    I had the tech disconnect the aux. ( he disconnected it at the low voltage lead). ( My sister and another friend have very similar systems with the aux disconnected and their homes are warm ) With my thermostat set to 65F I went to bed. I got up at 6am and the house temp had dropped to 60F. It will get up to about 65F during the day but not any more than that.
    I have had the worst experience with customer service imaginable and am looking for second opinion from anyone who knows this system. Unfortunately, I don't trust the people who sold/installed it.
     
  2. Bergy

    Bergy Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    In the heating mode, Entering Water Temp (EWT) is higher than Leaving Water Temp (LWT) because you are extracting heat from the water.
    Generally speaking, a 5* Temp diff is about normal. Air temp rise should be about 20*~25*. You need the service tech to perform a Heat of Extraction (HE) for the unit. That number should be within 10% of factory specs.If they don't know what that is... FIRE them and hire a company that knows Geothermal.

    Bergy
     
  3. 12Acres

    12Acres New Member

    Thanks Bergy, I didn't expect a reply so fast, much appreciated.
    I will be calling another geothermal place on Monday to get the second opinion and will definitely tell them I want the "Heat of Extraction" tested. What is your thoughts on having the aux. disabled? Am I putting my system at risk in any way?
    Thanks again.
    12acres
     
  4. AMI Contracting

    AMI Contracting A nice Van Morrison song Industry Professional Forum Leader

    You are not harming the system by having aux off, but it is cold in your house. Where in Ontario?
     
  5. Bergy

    Bergy Member Industry Professional Forum Leader

    No harm is done. However, Most Geo systems are designed to include some Aux Heat. How much is a question for your contractor.

    Bergy
     
  6. 12Acres

    12Acres New Member

    We are just north of Cobourg (one hour east of Toronto)
    My contractor charges $99 for the inspection so I expect to pay the same for a second opinion. I will not use the company who sold it to me as I have had too many issues with them.
     
  7. AMI Contracting

    AMI Contracting A nice Van Morrison song Industry Professional Forum Leader

    I just asked as I'm close(ish) to Windsor.
     

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