Q&A: I’ve been told I need 10-11 tons of heat pumps to heat/cool my house but only 4T in geothermal. Is this right?
Question by D Squared: I’ve been told I need 10-11 tons of heat pumps to heat/cool my house but only 4T in geothermal. Is this right?
I live in the Appalachian Mtns. & do not have the temp. extremes. Natural gas is not available, electricity is reasonably priced. My under const. home is 5500 sq. ft on 2 floors 1 of which is a walkout basement that is 1/2 exposed & frame.
I have 9′ ceilings & some vaulted ceilings. I have been told by 3 heat pump companies that I need a 5 ton down & at least a 5 up but two 3 ton units would be better.
I received a quote from a geothermal co. using one 4 ton unit.
One of the heat pump men said that he thinks geo requires twice the tonnage as air source.
The geo man checked R- ratings in the walls & fenestration values from the windows when he made his calculations, the heat pump guys mainly used sq. footage allowing for a well insulated house.
No one else in this area knows about geothermal.
Thanks for your input.
Best answer:
Answer by Sarah T
Get a second opinion from a professional in your area. There has to be more than one guy around.
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