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I’m on the verge of buying a house (in the midwest) within a month and would like to cut back on utilities, so I’m trying to determine which would provide the most savings. I know a typical horizontal axis windmill would be more efficient, but unfortunately it’s out of the question (due to safety & space issues) in a residential area. Due to financial limits, I can’t get both (at least not yet). I will be using a gas stove since electric ones are such power hogs (in case that makes a difference).
Geothermal is always going to be better in the long run. Once you get pipe down a certain depth (usually 4-6 ft) the earth’s temperature is pretty consistent at 55 deg F. Wind energy is great! and generally a better bang for your buck IF you always have wind. The problem is that unless you live in Wyoming it’s not going to be consistent enough and the cost to build it is too much.
There are gov’t subsidies for both also. But a closed-loop geothermal system will be the cheapest.
But if you want to get really fancy you could do an open system: use water to heat the house and use the hot water in the shower, etc. This is much more expensive up front though. It would change your heating system completely and your water system.
Energy efficiency is always a better investment than alternative energy.
Get a good quote for a geothermal system and compare the two. I would probably say the geothermal system will be best int he long run, but that’s on a new home being built, not sure on an existing home which already have an HVAC system installed.
References :
Geothermal is always going to be better in the long run. Once you get pipe down a certain depth (usually 4-6 ft) the earth’s temperature is pretty consistent at 55 deg F. Wind energy is great! and generally a better bang for your buck IF you always have wind. The problem is that unless you live in Wyoming it’s not going to be consistent enough and the cost to build it is too much.
There are gov’t subsidies for both also. But a closed-loop geothermal system will be the cheapest.
But if you want to get really fancy you could do an open system: use water to heat the house and use the hot water in the shower, etc. This is much more expensive up front though. It would change your heating system completely and your water system.
References :
Engineering School