PLJ, can you share with the rest of us the make/model of your system please
Wow, what a beautiful place you live in. My wife & I would love to spend some time up your way, maybe eventually buy a vacation/hunting property ... as soon as we get some free time, the boys & work keep us busy! I bookmarked your home page, hope you dont mind.
My system - I have a Water Furnace E series. When I bought it 3 years ago, there are more efficient brands on the market. But the best GT guy I could find deals with this brand, so I bought it. (a knowledgeable setup was important to me.) Important features in my opinion:
- multiple heating zones with automatic dampers. Although at 1100 sq ft that probably doesnt apply to you.
- multiple speed fan for efficiency and less air movement
- return ducts
- fractional voltage water pump
I insulated under my basement floor before pouring the concrete, and put in pex tubing for radiant heat. The basement floor is now effectively 1 big heat sink, works great. The rest of the house is forced air. FYI, the contractor that did my system was a bit anal about where the ducts and vents go, in order to minimize "felt air movement" in the house. I'm glad I listened to him - we feel no air movement at all unless we put a hand over a vent.
I put in 20% more ground loop than was required. That way if I ever have a problem in a loop, I can close it off and still have 100% of requirements met. The trenches were dug, the incremental cost to do it was just the tubing, which was cheap, so why not. Also I think that the additional loop capacity improves my efficiency a bit, but I have no data to support that.
The compressor is one of the keys to efficiency, so be sure to look closely at that.
I was initially concerned that the system would not keep the house warm when it gets really cold out down (near 0 F) so I had the contractor oversize the system a little bit, I asked for 10% larger than I need. I'm not certain as to the effect of that. I also have the "toasters" (electric resistance) built into the system. They have not kicked in yet - I actually test them once a year to make sure they are working.
If you can get your loops into the water, I think that will help a lot.
FYI, I did mean what I said about "doing the math." Please do, (including the heat study) its really rather easy. It is certainly possible that your situation will not work out with GT.
Feel free to ask more questions, I'll answer what I can.
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) I am going to build next door and will have a look at the Waterfurnace line. Actually a friend of mine installed one (a Waterfurnace) in his place about 7 years ago and he still loves it, even though by todays standard its old technology. He heats and cools, lights etc a 1800 sq/ft place for less than $100/month (his place is completely electric).
