Quote:
Originally Posted by ITD
Purely an economic decision for me, oil is about $3.00 a gallon around here, propane is about the same. More heat out of oil per gallon makes it cheaper. Cheapest energy source wins for me. If there were natural gas in the street, that is cheapest now and would be my choice.
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I have to agree.
I am
not an expert on geothermal. I do have two friends who have technical backgrounds and both built or are planning to build a home here. Both looked into geothermal. In theory it is great. But here with this climate other means of heat were chosen.
As I have stated before. Me, if I was to build a new home here I would put in some redundant heating systems. Oil would be my primary source. Whether hot air or hot water is a matter of choice. Some don't like hot air moving around as too dry but a humidifier built in can solve that. Some people promote floor radiant heat as the bestest. Me, the less plumbing pipes I have to worry about the better.
I would also put in electric heat as a back up. If the furnace quits and needs repairs then there is electric heat in every room. Some scream at me for this concept as they think that electric heat is too expensive to use. They miss my point. Electric is a back up heat source. And the cost of installation of this is not that great in the overall scheme of things.
Others swear by the Monitor type heaters as a backup. These are great. But you would need a 2nd Kerosene tank in basement. While others state that a good wood stove is a great back up.
Everything but the wood stove requires electricity to run. So a good wood stove in basement or first floor is a good idea. Some wall propane heaters do not require electricity.
But if starting from scratch take some money and put this into an automatic on generator. Then you have to choose which type of fuel to use for this generator. A good generator will keep the well pump running as well as any furnace that requires electricity.
Many have to put in a fireplace for aesthetics. Some put in a gas fireplace with no heatilator which I find amazing. But the fireplace is just for aesthetics. Use that money for a good wood stove.
Again all of this costs money. Best to ask around and obtain as many opinions as possible.