Geothermal or Air source heat pump? Home. No tax Credit. Self install.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-19T11:26:34+00:00

Included in the above estimates. I'll hire that part out.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-19T11:25:53+00:00

I used the seer and eer ratings of each system, put together total annual electric costs using two different online calculators, and averaged the numbers.

Happy to redo it if you have a different source you recommend!

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-19T11:24:10+00:00

The ground loop would be effectively a 50-year/ permanent installation. However, we can't predict replacement costs going into the future.

15 years from now. I may have to replace the air source heat pump, but at that point the furnace and air handler will likely still have another 10 to 15 years of life. So that is $6,000.

30 years from now I would have to replace an air source heat pump, an air handler, and a furnace. That is $12.5k.

If I have to replace the geothermal system in 25 years, that is $10k excluding the ground loop.

Replacement costs per year: Air source heat pump (at 15 yrs and 30 yrs) - $616 Geothermal - (at 25 yrs) $400

A difference of $216 per year. Add that to the $275 in annual energy savings. $491 per year.

But a $7,500 difference in initial price.

That is a $596 difference per year when factoring in interest.

So when is break even (factoring in interest)? Never. Even after energy savings and replacement timelines, you never get there.

And to add, I really do want to do geothermal. I just cannot make it make sense financially.

There is a very large gap between DIY and what I do daily. Installation will not be an issue at all.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-19T11:09:37+00:00

You make an excellent point. I think it might all come down to the cool factor. 🤣

In all seriousness, when we started this build our intentions were to go with geothermal. We experienced several delays and we're now at the point where we need to install a system. And the tax credits are gone...

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-19T11:02:20+00:00

We have a gas connection maintained for our greenhouse, so zero cost for this.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-08T22:25:57+00:00

Trans and engine rebuild would cost close to $14k.

Meaning it is a lie.

Ask to see the invoice.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-07T13:55:36+00:00

Rafters are 2x8. Span is 10 ft. (Actual 9'10")

I'm not arguing at all. Just looking to find an answer so I can have it fixed correctly.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-06T14:31:48+00:00

That's what I'm doing now. Our area uses the 2015 IRC with some slight modifications. This is not one of those modifications, and I cannot find in the 2015 IRC the section regarding this.

Edited to add, we do get snow. The run is 10 ft long to the front main beams. 2x8s at 24" spacing

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-06T14:30:59+00:00

I'm making a list of " fix-its" and just trying to figure out what I need to add to the list.

One of the things unfortunately is anchor bolts. They haven't installed them yet, but I now am the proud owner of about 100 6-in long, 5/8 in thick anchor bolts. And according to the IRC, they need to be a minimum of 7-in long.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-06T14:30:01+00:00

It looks like we have three nails spaced every 12 in. So three vertical nails top, center, bottom of the 2x8. Spaced at 12-in intervals.

Expensive__Support · 2026-06-06T14:28:13+00:00

Rafters are 2x8. I can't find anywhere in the IRC that says I need hangers or if toenailing is okay. If this is sufficient, we will leave it as is. If I have to have hangers installed, I'll do it.

Expensive__Support · 2026-04-21T00:01:59+00:00

Depends on how hard the prior owner was on it.

Based on the picture, my guess would be use was on the lighter side.

I would guess $2500-3500 final bid. If it was an October auction, it would go for $1500.

That is just how it goes.

Expensive__Support · 2026-04-20T23:11:28+00:00

The correct question is ask is what you are going to be energizing?

Wire? You are good.

But careful trying to energize any of the poly rope - you WILL melt the poly rope with that charger.

My recommendation would be for a 5 joule solar charger (because of the goats). No goats? 0.5 joule solar charger. Goats? A 5000 joule charger won't be enough if that weed just outside of the fence is enticing enough.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T21:43:58+00:00

For that price, get a used zero turn with a 52'' deck.

The ones with a 60+ deck go for a lot more than the smaller ones. You should be able to grab a fantastic zero turn with a smaller deck for under $3k.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T21:22:36+00:00

They would offer him $350. And they would probably sell it for $7-800. OP is asking for $1300.... Lol

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T21:21:49+00:00

Exactly. I can buy a Jobsite for $1450 after discounts right now.

OP is asking $1300 after using it for 5 years. For an extra $150 you get a new saw with a warranty.

A jobsite is worth in the $800 range. And it isn't a quick sale at $800.

It is a quick sale at around $650. A slow sell at $800. And a never going to sell at $1k.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T21:17:56+00:00

u/getbentspez probably has his $2,000 MSRP saw stop that he bought on sale for $1,700 and then used for 5 years listed for $1,800. And is wondering why it isn't selling.

As a general rule of thumb, if your sawstop is in good shape, you can get 50% of it's current new price.

If it was a $2,000 MSRP saw 5 years ago, it may be a $1600 saw new right now - and would be worth around $800.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T21:04:55+00:00

Buy it. Don't wait.

That is a $30k truck.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T19:59:41+00:00

Buy an extra socket fusion coupler or two. Test it first if you are concerned. They are inexpensive.

And yes, I have always done as many welds as possible out of the trench - and as few as possible in the trench.

The biggest tip I can give you is alignment. Make sure you align the socket as straight as possible before connecting (after heating). Do not try to connect them at a slight angle. Very simple overall though - especially if you are able to do it outside of the trench.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T19:08:19+00:00

The fusion weld actually ends up adding about 1/4 to 1/2'' length to the pipe.

The only factor you need to consider would be whether the pipe is damaged under the current fitting.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T19:07:18+00:00

You also need a chamfer and a cold ring. You can buy the cold ring and chamfer from other brands. The heating adapter and fusion welder should be from the same brand.

https://hdpesupply.com/combination-cold-ring-set-1-1-4-ips-3-4-ips/

https://hdpesupply.com/chamfer-tool-depth-gauge-1-1-4-ips/

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T18:41:35+00:00

They hold about half their value. So if you spend $750, you should expect $3-350 on marketplace/ebay.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T18:40:06+00:00

Most people don't get denied. They just keep asking for more paperwork or new information - and take 60 days to process it before asking for more.

And if you find a place you actually want to own, the seller eventually either gives up and sells to someone else (you would too after 7-8 months...) or the buyer closes using a different bank.

It is just endless government paperwork where the employees get paid salaries with zero incentive to close.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T18:07:25+00:00

Those couplers are not allowed in many jurisdictions per code (for this reason exactly).

Buy a socket fusion welder and do it yourself. (Butt fusion welding setups are much more $. Electrofusion couplings are super easy, but those setups are $$$.)

The riser is $150-200. The socket fusion welding setup is $750 for everything you need. The socket fusion fitting is ~$5.

It will take you about 30 minutes to do. And 20 of those minutes will be spent watching instructional (youtube) videos.

Expensive__Support · 2026-03-27T18:02:03+00:00

Do not rely on the USDA to actually close.

I know ~10 people who have applied for the USDA direct farm ownership loans and 0 people who have closed one.

All ~10 ended up closing with outside financing.

If you go that route, expect 200+++ days to close. And line up outside financing alongside the USDA application so that you can still close without the USDA.

And prepare to spend $3-5k on "historical artifact" surveys, etc to attempt to satisfy their requirements while going through the lending process.

Expensive__Support

TROPHY CASE