Geothermal

• Q&A: Fuel Cost Comparison

  Q: A customer asked me how to compare the cost of different heating fuels (natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity). Can you provide a chart with this information?

   
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  Fine-Tuning Forced-Hot Air

  A heating contractor details how to upgrade from a typical bare-bones heating system to one that delivers comfort and customer satisfaction.

   

• A Builder's Guide to Geothermal Heat Pumps (Subscriber content)

  Installed correctly, ground-source heat pumps can provide comfortable, efficient heating in many climates. Here’s an overview of the available options.

   

• Notebook

  Cordless battery update, lumber price predictions, “green” building defined, geothermal heat pump rebates curtailed, job-site theft, storm shelters in tornado alley, algae-resistant shingles, residential silos

   

• Resources

  Estimating basics, laminate countertop primer, roofing material spec book

   

• For What It's Worth

  Lightweight coil nailers, efficient two-fuel heat pump, hands-free fall arrest

   

• Piping Layouts for Hydronic Heat (Subscriber content)

  The design of hydronic heat distribution piping affects overall comfort levels, regardless of boiler efficiency. An engineer describes the pros and cons of four piping layouts for hot-water heat.

   

• Energy-Saving Products for Energy-Efficient Homes (Subscriber content)

  Manufacturers have introduced a host of energy products designed to work in today’s tight homes. An energy expert takes a look at what’s new and noteworthy.

   

• Ground-Source Heat Pumps (Subscriber content)

  Capturing the earth’s energy with underground heat-exchange loops can cut heating and cooling costs — if it’s done right. An hvac contractor tells what he’s learned from 15 years of installing geothermal heat pumps.

   

• Focus On Energy: New Heat Pump Makes More Hot Water (Subscriber content)

  Dual-coil heat pump saves on hot water