$3,000
75% to 99%
of space heating
100%
or more of air conditioning
$32,000
9.4%
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Working great!!!
$3,000
75% to 99%
of space heating
100%
or more of air conditioning
$32,000
9.4%
Property
- Type:
- Multi-Family Residence
- Address:
- 21 & 23 Josephine Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144
- Size:
- 2,500 sq ft
- Energy need met:
- 75% to 99% of space heating
- 100% or more of air conditioning
- Event Participation:
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host
Technology
- Type:
- Geothermal
- Installed:
- January 2004
- Size of System:
- 6 tons
- Purposes:
- For space heating
- For air-conditioning
Financial Details
- Gross Cost of System:
- $32,000
- Net Cost of System:
- $32,000
- Annual Savings:
- $3,000
- Own or Lease:
- Cash Purchase
- Additional Financial Notes:
- Electricity Use: 13kWH (partially offset by solar PVs)
Professionals & Suppliers
- Products:
- ClimateMaster
- Installers:
- Comfort air
- Builders:
- Owner performed most of renovations
What You Need to Know
Description:
Geothermal heat pumps (two 3 ton heat pumps) for the 2 family home (owner occupied with a rental). Added a 12 panel array of solar PV (3 kW system) this past summer. R-7/inch foam insulation (combination of injected and sprayed), permeable paver driveway, recycled materials throughout (batt insulation, wood floors, and drywall), geothermal pre-heat for domestic hot water, high efficiency gas water heaters, high efficiency thermal windows, dehumidistat exhaust fan control, electronic lighting dimmers. Two 3 ton Climatemaster Heat Pumps, Corbond polyurethane insulation, Ideal Concrete Block Ecostone Pavers, Newpro Windows, Rheem high efficiency gas heaters. This house has gone through a substantial renovation to convert a turn-of-the-century structure into a more energy efficient, sustainable, and durable dwelling. Over the summer of 2011, a 12-panel 3kW solar PV system was added on the roof to offset the electricity usage of the geothermal system. The 2003 renovation included: insulating the house, installing two stand-alone geothermal heat pump systems (the first residence in Somerville to use geothermal technology to heat and cool the building), installing new high efficiency gas-fired water heaters, high efficiency thermal windows, dehumidistat-controlled bathroom exhaust fan and a new driveway and walkway using permeable pavers. Other "green" aspects involved salvaging the original fir and pine floors and reusing batt insulation for sound isolating ceiling between the stacked units. We also drive a vehicle that is powered by biodiesel.
Other Benefits:
Preheat of domestic hot water
Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:
Spray Foam Closed Cell, Alternative Fuel Vehicle, Energy Star Appliances, Elevated Rain Barrels, Recycled Materials, Super Insulated Walls/ Roof
My Motivation:
After hearing about such technologies over the year at conferences, I was inspired to take the opportunity to live in a home that incorporated energy efficiency technologies.
Open House Info:
Take the Red Line to Davis; follow the Minuteman Bike Path East (toward Boston); continue until Willow St.; take a left onto Willow; take a right onto Morrison St.; take the next left onto Josephine Ave.; the house is 5 houses up on the left. Come to the rear porch door. By car, find your way to the Kidder St. end of Josephine Avenue; drive down about 2/3 of the way; the house is on the left. BE AWARE, PARKING ON JOSEPHINE REQUIRES A PERMIT. PARK ON WILLOW ST. WHERE PERMITS ARE NOT REQUIRED. Short 7-10 minute walk from the Red Line in Davis Square (down Minuteman Bike Path). Pets not allowed indoors. Come to the rear porch door.
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