I'd be pretty surprised if the system didn't already have a hot water generator on it. If it doesn't, you can have one hooked up to it, so there would be no need for LP or nat gas. Hell, you can even have it heat a pool if you wanted to.

 

I've never dealt with one, but from what I hear they're cheap to operate. One of the main down sides that I've heard of is the cost of installation. But that's already done so you should be good to go. Basically they cost a ton up front, but the operational costs are very low. I'd love to have a geo system, just can't afford the startup costs.

John

 

In a typical situation (stick framed building) you should be saving between 30-50% depending on what type of fuel you are comparing with. On the A/C cost 40-60%.
I only installed geo/thermal systems in our insulated concrete form homes we specialized in so that would not help you much.

But just to see the combination effect of a number of energy saving features such as geo/thermal heat, energy heel trusses, ICF structure etc., in a 3,200 SF house in SW Michigan, their annual heat and A/C costs averaged between $600-$700 a year during the last 9 years. Like I said though, that won't help you much.

However, what you might want to consider, is the type of GT system that is used.The closed loop system seems to have less maintenance issues than an open loop system because it eliminates standard "wear and tear" issues associated with a typical well.

 

I don't own one, but my father in law bought a foreclosed house with geo-thermal last year. It's either 3200 or 3400 sq ft and he's always bragging that his average monthly cost for heat/AC is $160.

 

Your best bet would be to have the system/house inspected by a HVAC company that is familiar with the GT system. They will have the correct information for you. Home inspectors are useless and rarely do they know anything about GT. System loop style is important and yes closed loops can and do wear out and become useless. Age does effect them. Lots of important equipment issues need to be addressed by a proffesional technician. I have already ran across 2 this calendar year that required thousands to operate properly on new purchased homes. Its a great selling feature but it can also be costly. Many systems aren't even installed correctly as there are alot of contractors jumping into this HVAC method. Heat pump styles, brands, warranties, A coil, T-stats & programing,loop style and condition all need to be addressed before you can begin to answer the less important question of how much it "COULD" save you in utility bills. Lots of info at HVAC dash talk dot Kom. Rehau piping systems also has slot of info on loop and equipment design and life costs. If any one of the system components is out of adjustment( even a little) it can negate the efficiency of the system. I live in Macomb County and I use Kelly and Sons HVAC on jefferson across the street from Tin Fish for my inspections. The best thing by buying this house would be not having to pay the initial start up cost of the GT. Often it takes the life of the Mortgage to see ROI. Alot of claimers out there but until you see an actual cost break down of utility bills, install, equipment required service in order to maintain warranty and optimum efficiency, for your area... you CAN'T really make a factual judgement on GT. We are having the same issues with all these "GREEN" plumbing fixtures, boilers and heaters. They might save someone money, but in the end each one ends up costing the homeowner more $$$$. Good luck, BUY SMART and that means being well informed. Mechanicals account for 50% of the house value. And can far exceed any savings or good deals if and one of them fail.