23 Mar 2020

Massachusetts Homeowners Earn Cash Back with Geothermal

Massachusetts Homeowners Can Earn Alternative Energy Credits with a Geothermal System

Massachusetts has a little-known program that offers cash back to homeowners who install geothermal heating systems. All geothermal systems installed in Massachusetts are eligible to earn Alternative Energy Credits (AECs) through the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER). If the heating capacity of the geothermal system is less than 132,000 Btuh, then the number of AECs earned is simply calculated based on the size of the home. The minimum number of AECs that can be earned is 230. For every square foot over 1,500 and additional 0.158 AECs per square foot is earned.

As a homeowner, you should follow these steps to earn AECS:

  1. Find a geothermal installer who is familiar with the MA DOER Alternative Energy Credits program and other Massachusetts incentives. The documentation required for the program is significant and would be difficult for most homeowners to navigate.
  2. Have your chosen geothermal installer complete the design and installation.
  3. Once the geothermal system is operational, have the geothermal installer complete the MA DOER application on-line. You will need to sign a Service Agreement showing that you authorize your geothermal installer to complete the application on your behalf. The installer will provide you with the appropriate paperwork.
  4. Once the application is completed, wait 6 to 9 months for your check to show up in the mail. It is a one-time payment.

EnergySmart has completed almost 40 applications on behalf of our customers totaling over $164,000 is cash back! As of March 1, 2020, credits were worth approximately $3.75 each (values change quarterly).

If you are interested in a geothermal heating and cooling system for your home but aren’t sure about the current incentives, please call us at 617-955-0063 or complete an on-line info request form for up-to-date information.

11 Feb 2018

Massachusetts Geothermal Rebates Made Easy for Homeowners with EnergySmart

With rebates of up to $10,000, geothermal heating and cooling is within reach for more Massachusetts homeowners with the help of EnergySmart Alternatives.

EnergySmart Alternatives, LLC of Medford, Massachusetts is well versed in obtaining geothermal rebates for its customers. EnergySmart has secured over $900,000 in rebates since 2014 through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (Mass CEC) Ground-Source Heat Pump rebate program. According to a database published by the Mass CEC in July 2019, EnergySmart has secured almost double the number of rebates of their next closest competitor and has obtained 19% of all residential rebates awarded in Massachusetts.

“Due to the number of rebate applications we have successfully completed, we have been able to streamline the process making it easy for homeowners to qualify and obtain all the money that is available to them,” said Melanie Head, co-owner of EnergySmart. “Massachusetts is very pro-geothermal with its sales tax exemption, generous rebates through the Mass CEC, and no-interest loans through MassSave. Massachusetts has also kicked off a program whereby homeowners can earn and sell credits similar to a Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).”

The value of the Mass CEC rebate is $2,000 per heating ton. The value of the base rebate is capped at $10,000. There are also ‘adders’ that can increase that value for public and non-profit entities, affordable housing developments, or households below 80% and 120% of the state median income. These range from an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per ton heating capacity. “Our customers have seen rebates ranging from $1,400 to $17,500 with an average rebate of $8,900,” said Head. “When the rebate is combined with 0% financing for $25,000 through MassSave, geothermal becomes feasible for many more homeowners who previously thought it was financially out of their reach.”

Before installation begins, qualified homeowners must have their chosen geothermal installer complete the Mass CEC rebate paperwork on their behalf. Homeowners are responsible for scheduling a free MassSave Home Energy Assessment and providing a copy of a recent electric bill to qualify for the program.

Rebate checks are mailed typically three to four weeks after the geothermal system installation is completed and the final paperwork has been submitted by the installer. Checks can be written directly to the homeowner or to the installer. Qualified homeowners can take advantage of the rebate until the program budget runs out. As of March 23, 2020, there is $468,194 left in the Mass CEC ground source heat pump rebate program.

To learn more about how to apply for the available rebates click here.

29 Sep 2017

Geothermal Installation Showcased by MassCEC

The Rodgers Residence in Medfield, MA.

Recently, one of our installations was showcased by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center as a geothermal success story.

Before Geothermal Installation:

The 3700 square foot home had an oil boiler, two hydro-air units, and two air conditioning condensers. Despite having the air conditioning evaluated by several HVAC companies, it never worked properly. Between 1997 and 2016, the average oil usage at the home was 1,500 gallons per year for heating and hot water.

Geothermal System Installation Details:

Geothermal systems in basement.

In October 2016, we hired Geothermal Drilling of New England to drill two closed loop geothermal boreholes in the backyard. We installed two Water Furnace 7 Series geothermal heat pumps in the basement. This equipment has variable speed compressor and variable speed fan technology. Heating efficiencies range from 360% to 510%.

The new geothermal systems are equipped with Symphony real-time monitoring to track electricity use and other operating parameters. Room temperature can be controlled from anywhere by a smartphone. High grade pleated air filters were installed for improved air quality.

After Geothermal Installation:

Between November 2016 and October 2017, the total operating cost for heating and cooling has been $790. Annual savings have been over 70%. The oil usage has been eliminated completely with the addition of a heat pump water heater coupled with the geothermal system.  Ongoing issues with inadequate air conditioning in the summer were addressed by correcting ductwork sizing.

Call us at 617-955-0063 so we can add your home to our list of geothermal success stories!

15 Mar 2017

How to Apply for Geothermal Rebates in Massachusetts

Since 2014, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has offered rebates for geothermal installations. As of March 23, 2020, EnergySmart has secured 102 rebates for homeowners totaling over $907,000!

Navigating the rebate requirements can be cumbersome. Here is a list of steps you should take to participate in the rebate program:

  1. Determine whether you qualify

If your electricity is provided by National Grid, Eversource, Unitil, or a Municipal Light Plant in Ashburnham, Holden, Holyoke, Russell or Templeton, then you are eligible.

  1. Call Mass Save and schedule a Home Energy Assessment

A Home Energy Assessment is required to participate in the geothermal rebate program. To schedule your Home Energy Assessment contact Mass Save.

  1. Choose a geothermal installer

A list of pre-qualified geothermal installers can be found on the MassCEC website.

You can also find out how many rebates each installer has obtained and the types of projects they have completed by downloading the Project Database.

  1. Have the geothermal installer complete the rebate paperwork on your behalf

You will be asked to provide the date of your Mass Save Home Energy Assessment and a copy of your electric bill. The installer will be able to tell you the value of your rebate once the paperwork is complete.

  1. Wait for MassCEC approval and then install the geothermal system
  2. Have the geothermal installer complete the final rebate paperwork

You will be asked to sign the final paperwork verifying that the system was installed.

  1. Wait about three to four weeks for your check to arrive

The check may be written directly to you or to the installer.

 

 

15 Mar 2017

EnergySmart Geothermal Installation Showcased on This Old House

Our Experience on This Old House:

this old houseIn October 2015, we were honored to have our geothermal installation filmed by This Old House. We designed, managed, and installed the system. Drilling, sheet metal, piping and the equipment were covered by the show. It was a lot of fun to be a spokesperson for geothermal on an internationally syndicated television show!

 

 

 

 

Geothermal Energy Solution:

This home has two geothermal systems: one for heating and cooling the main floor and basement and one for heating and cooling the second floor. The home has wifi enabled thermostats that can control the heat and air conditioning from a smart phone. We equipped the geothermal system with a monitoring device that tracks electrical usage and other geothermal operating parameters in real-time. This 4,000 sq. ft. home has used less than $1,200 for heating and cooling for a whole year.

To watch and learn about this geothermal system, please visit the This Old House video link.

04 Mar 2016

Geothermal 101

Geothermal heating and cooling is possible through the use of heat pump technology. Heat pumps move heat from one location to another. Examples of heat pumps include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Air conditioning condensers
  • Portable and window air conditioners
  • Freezers
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Heat pump or hybrid water heaters
  • Pool heaters

Heat pumps are not a new technology. Although relatively unknown, geothermal heat pumps have been used for building heating and cooling since the 1940s. In fact, one of the nation’s most documented geothermal system is located in Winchester, Massachusetts.

Our YouTube channel is chock-full of information about geothermal heating and cooling in New England. Our Geothermal 101 video is a great place to start!

04 Mar 2016

What are the Benefits of Switching to Geothermal?

Geothermal Systems Pay for Themselves

  • A rapid return on investment (ROI) can be expected.
  • When financed, positive cash flow can be realized immediately. Operating costs plus the loan payments can be less than what you were paying for oil, gas, or propane.
  • No more oil, gas, or propane bills for heating.
  • In areas without natural gas service, installing a geothermal system can be cheaper than bringing gas service to the house.

Geothermal Systems Improve Indoor Air Quality

  • No carbon monoxide risk because there is no combustion.
  • Fossil fuels are eliminated for heating. Gas and oil vapors are gone.
  • Superior dehumidification during air conditioning season.
  • Humidification can be added for dry winter months.
  • High-grade and hospital-grade filtration systems available for those with pets, allergies, or health issues.
  • Energy recovery ventilators can be integrated to conserve energy while providing fresh air.

IMG_5122Geothermal Systems are Good for the Environment

  • No more burning of fossil fuels for heating.
  • Reduce your home’s carbon footprint by 30% to 50%.
  • Eliminate the risk of an oil spill on your property.
  • Minimize your contribution to the urban heat island effect by dissipating heat deep below the ground surface in the summer.
  • Reduce vehicular traffic as a result of less oil deliveries to your neighborhood.
  • Can be integrated with other renewable technologies like solar PV panels or solar hot water collectors.

Geothermal Can Improve Your Lifestyle

  • Gain financial freedom by eliminating fossil fuel price volatility from your life.
  • Be more comfortable more often by maintaining a constant temperature in your home year round. Goodbye 10 degree setbacks!
  • Pay one less bill. Heating is now on your electricity bill.
  • Service and maintain only one piece of equipment. One unit does both heating and cooling.
  • Brag to your friends about how low your heating bill is with your new state of the art geothermal system.
  • Geothermal is the only cost effective alternative to oil or propane when gas service is not available.
  • Reclaim your backyard by disconnecting and removing your noisy outdoor air conditioner.
  • Have better control over your home by using programmable thermostats and integrating with home automation.
04 Mar 2016

Geothermal in New Construction

DSC06012Construction is the ideal time to install a geothermal system for the following reasons:

  • The 30% federal tax credit can be applied to installation.
  • With the available tax credit and rebates, the installation can sometimes be cheaper than high-efficiency ‘conventional’ heating and cooling systems. If more expensive, the incremental price difference pays for itself in only a few years.
  • Landscape repair is not an issue as landscaping is usually done when construction is complete.
  • Eliminate the need to install a gas line, oil tank or propane tanks for heating. Eliminate the need to install outdoor condensers for air conditioning.

Watch this video to learn a little about a new construction project that we completed in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Please also visit our many photo albums showing installations at various residential new construction projects throughout Massachusetts.

04 Mar 2016

What Do Geothermal Pumps Look Like?

There are three main types of geothermal heat pumps:

Heat PumpsPackage Units
Package units, or water-to-air heat pumps, are not unlike traditional forced hot air furnaces. The compressor is in the bottom of the cabinet and the air handler is on top. The duct work is attached to the cabinet similar to traditional systems.

Split Units
Split units work in a similar fashion to package units except that the cabinet is split into two components: 1) the compressor and 2) the air handler. They are connected to each other with a refrigerant line that is run from the heat pump location to the location of the air handler. These types of systems are usually used when it is not possible to get duct work from the basement up to the attic.

The photo depicts a package unit on the left and a split unit on the right. Above the split unit is an energy recovery ventilator. Please visit our Facebook page to see more photos of a geothermal package unit and a split unit that were installed in the same house. Our YouTube Channel also has a video of geothermal heat pump installation with a package and a split unit.

Hydronic Units
Hydronic units, or water-to-water heat pumps, can behave as a boiler in the winter and as a chiller in the summer. Hydronic units look similar to split units and usually have one or two water storage tanks connected to them. These storage tanks, that have a volume of 85 gallons to 120 gallons are used to hold water that is pumped to air handlers that are located elsewhere in the building.  In the winter, these tanks hold hot water at a temperature usually between 110F and 125F. In the summer, they hold water at temperatures usually between 45F and 65F.

04 Mar 2016

How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?

Grass CroppedGeothermal heating and cooling takes advantage of the constant temperature of the earth. In the summer, heat is extracted from the building and is discharged into the ground. In the winter, heat is extracted from the ground and discharged into the building. The heat is concentrated through the use of a heat pump. Unlike air source heat pumps that work against highly variable air temperatures, geothermal heat pumps both heat and cool using a constant earth temperature.

In New England, the ground temperature is approximately 55 F degrees year round at depths greater than 20 to 30 feet below grade. Typically, for vertical geothermal installations, the borings are 300 to 600 feet deep. For horizontal installations, the trenches are 6 to 8 feet deep and hundreds of feet long. Even in horizontal installations, the ground temperature at this shallower depth offers enough capacity to adequately heat and cool your home year-round.

The table below demonstrates the temperature differences that an air source heat pump and a geothermal heat pump must overcome. Although both technologies are technically heat pumps, the geothermal system experiences a much smaller temperature difference (delta T) than the air source heat pump. The geothermal system, in effect, has less work to do to achieve the desired indoor air temperature than the air source system. This means that geothermal heat pumps are more efficient at the same outdoor temperature.

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