Journal of Light Construction: Geothermal

When to Use a Heat-Pump Water Heater

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:45:44 EST

Q: A customer wants me to install one of the new heat-pump water heaters in the ground-floor utility room of a house built on a slab. I don't have any direct experience with them, but since they work by drawing heat from the surrounding air, won't any energy savings in the winter be at least partly offset by the cost of heating that indoor air to begin with? And could the outflow of cool air from the utility room cause comfort problems?

Geothermal System

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:30:42 EST

Climatemaster. The Tranquility 22 Digital series geothermal system has one of the smallest footprints in the industry, making it ideal for retrofit projects or installation in tight spaces, the company says.

Cypress Series Geothermal System

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:30:32 EST

GeoStar. The Cypress Series geothermal system provides forced-air heating and cooling and hydronic heating for radiant floors and features a desuperheater option for supplemental hot water.

High-Tech Maine Heat Pump Maker Fails, but Questions Remain

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:37:47 EST

Geothermal Sources: The Blessing and the Curse

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:03:58 EST

Free underground heat

Net Zero House for a Cold Climate

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:43:01 EST

An architect shares his plan and process for building a northern Vermont house that produces as much energy as it consumes.

The 2010 Readers' Choice Green Finalists

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:33:53 EST

Developers: First Community Housing and The John Stewart Co.

Architect: Rob Quigley Architects, FAIA

Major Funders: U.S. Bank; Enterprise Community Investment; California Department of Housing and Community Development; City of San Jose; Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

Letters

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:45:36 EST

Post-tension cables; fire damage; wrong railing test; skilled workers; radiant and geothermal; more

Ground-Source Heating & Cooling Gets Better

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:41:48 EST

Direct-exchange heat-pump technology is pushing energy efficiency through the roof, and because it requires far fewer feet of ground loop, systems can be retrofitted even on small lots.

Air Conditioning for Humid Climates

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:38:50 EST

Balancing cooling with humidity control is a tough job in the coastal South. A North Carolina hvac pro explains how the latest generation of cooling equipment meets the challenge.

Q&A: Fuel Cost Comparison

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:48:02 EST

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?

Fine-Tuning Forced-Hot Air

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:12:43 EST

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

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:40:42 EST

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

Notebook

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 04:35:00 EST

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

Wed, 23 May 2012 05:24:55 EST

Estimating basics, laminate countertop primer, roofing material spec book

For What It's Worth

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 04:42:19 EST

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

Piping Layouts for Hydronic Heat

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:33:57 EST

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

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:33:37 EST

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

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:33:31 EST

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

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:33:24 EST

Dual-coil heat pump saves on hot water