Results of information gathering trip to Home and Garden Exposition: I went to the Expo in OKC Friday and Sunday for a total of about 12 hours. Got lots of information but the area of greatest interest got potentially more confused rather than clarified.
Geothermal heat pumps CAN be a good thing but I found the motivation for utilities to "PUSH" them is not altogether altruistic. More installed geothermal (or regular but they don't "work" for everyone) tends to level the seasonal load diferences for the utility. The utility tries to size production capability to meet the summer A/C demands and then has inefficient/low demands for power in the winter. More heatpumps means more wintertime electricity sales and a more constant and eficient load for the utility. If it benefits the user that is nice too but not a requirement.
I have tried to get "good" info on lifecycle costs of geothermal versus a high efficiency boiller plus a high efficiency A/C. Hard to find anyone who wants to dispense useable truth. Lots of hype little fact.
It doesn't help that 1/2 of the dealers won't travel to my area.
I was told that geothermal costs about $3700/ton, installed. Is that consistent with anyone's experience?
I also get conflicting recommendations regarding standing seam metal roofing. Since mine will be installed over OSB decking with tarred felt overlay, how thick does the metal need to be? Roof pitch is 12:12 and full length pieces will be used. Except for the potential for cosmetic damage from hail, what is the utillity of buying heavier/more expensive metal. I thought the coatings on the metal were of prime importance (I can't help it, puns just spring up on their own.)
Patrick