Hi, I received quotes on a ClimateMaster Tranquility 30 Geothermal unit for $18,746.20 before the 30% tax rebate. I also was quoted $1,500 more if I wanted to install a new Trane 95 AFUE gas furnace as backup instead of heat strips. Should I go with the heat strips or the NG furnace? I live in Lancaster, PA. I have a 3,000 sq ft home. I currently have an 11 yr old NG furnace and a 21 yr old AC unit. I could also get a new Carrier Infinity 21 unit for AC with a Carrier NG furnace for $10,100, but it comes with a $1,100 Carrier rebate for a total of $9,000. Should I go with the Geothermal unit? How long would it take to recoup the extra cost? I currently average between $220-$230/mo. total for electricity & NG. Thank you for any help you can give me! Shawn
Shawn, All you need to do is forecast what will happen to natural gas and electricity prices over the next 30 years. My vote would be for geo, but I am partial. I would also stick with the elec. heat strips. JMHO
Have you taken into account all the costs of the Geo system? Your $18k number seems amazing after what I've been coming up with in my area. I just received a quote today for a 4 ton Tranquility 30 with 4-zone Honeywell zoning, new supply and returns, Honeywell humidifier, and the associated drilling for a vertical closed loop and it came in at $38,000 before any rebates or tax incentives. Once you get private messaging privileges on here (I think you need 3 posts) would you mind sending me the name of your installer? I'm not that far from Lancaster.
There are lot's of considerations. your contractor should be able to map out savings for you- info required is heat load, cooling load, set points, number of occupants in the home, utility costs etc...... I just recommended split systems to someone who will save 200Kgal/yr in pumping (open loop) save money on purchase price and save on electrical infrastructure. As an added bonus it won't take a tow-behind generator to keep the house warm if power fails. It even cost less to run than a system designed for 100% of the load. Factors that determine split vs pkg geo are fuels available and their costs. good luck, j
