Geo-thermo

[Dusty MI]

On a pump and dump geo system, how do you calculate the amount of water you need to pump ?

Dusty
 

[David G]

You need to know how many BTU's are needed on the water.

I think the calculation is:

BTU = (Temp in - Temp Out) * GPM * 500
 

[john *.?-!.* cub owner]

Hydro-temp.com has quite a bit of information on their site. One of the notes I found was that pump and dump uses about 1gpm per ton of cooling/heating. Per example, my house is 1200 sq ft. and is heavily insulated, and uses a 2 ton system, so I would need a well, or what ever source, capable of providing 2 gallons of water per minute.
 

[DH in Carolina]

Miami heap pumps call for 2.4 gpm per ton on evaporator side in heating or cooling, with a 10 degrees temp differance on condenser side.
 

[Fergienewbee]

I passed on that system. I just could not justify dumping that much water. If you have a pond, that might be different. My BIL did his own system and dumped water down an abandoned well.

Larry
 

[Dusty MI]

I have a pond that needs the water. Just don't know if my 5" well and pump can produce enough. I will need about 50,000 btu. Ground water here is 55*.

Dusty
 

[George Marsh]

fergienewbee,
I'm with you on spending too much money on pump and dump or geo's for that matter.

Look at the total expence, look at the life expectancy, then calculate how much it's going to save you. The bottom line: Is it really worth it?

Some say windmills have a life expectancy of 20 years and it takes 50 years to pay them off.

If it weren't for tax and electric breaks, is it really worth it? Not to mention, there is always something that is going to need repaired.

I'm not so sure when you factor in the cost of the well, how much it cost to pump water, is it really worth it? Would like to see real data, not just use what the guy selling you the unit says it will save.

How many people have a geo heat pump that lasted 20 years and didn't have a service call? How much did it cost and how much did it save?
 

[W_B]