Part 3:  How to design and build your "Ultimate Dream Home"

Deciding on the right air-conditioning is an important decision and can prove itself as a big money saver in the long run

When choosing an Air-Conditioning for your Green Home here are some ideas:

Geothermal Air-Conditioning – sounds like something that works from the steam in the ground like the Old Faithful geyser, doesn’t it? Well, it might sound that way, but a Geothermal Heat Pump works like any other heat pump.

For many of us that have central air conditioning our system is a heat pump – in fact, if you have gas heating and “normal” air conditioning, your air conditioning system is a “cool only” heat pump. They all work the same: in the cooling season they take heat out of the house; in the heating season they put heat into the house.

What makes a geothermal heat pump different?

Let’s think about the A/C unit you have outside with a big fan making quite a bit of noise when it is running. During the summer, its job is to take heat out by blowing air at high speed over some coils. The question then becomes how efficient is it? Well, think about it – when it’s 100° outside and you blow 100° air over a coil to cool it down can that be really efficient? That is what a normal A/C system is doing.

With a Geothermal A/C unit, instead of trying to cool off  some- thing with 100° air, we use the ground itself to do the job. The  Geothermal unit pumps water some 250-ft. down into the ground using a pipe where the temperature is about 55°. Think about it – trying to cool off something with 100° vs. 55° – the answer is clear. A Geothermal Heat Pump works just like the one you’re used to – a compressor, a fan inside to distribute the air, etc. – except now it uses the ground to exchange heat while the unit you’re used to uses air. That is why a Geothermal Heat Pump is referred to as a  “ground-source heat pump” and the unit you’re used to seeing is referred to as an “air source heat pump.”

The Geothermal unit is MUCH more efficient, it heats and cools, and is a big electricity ($$$) saver. It is so efficient that it is connected to the hot water heater in the home because it produces enough extra hot water to supply your home with much of the needs it has for hot water (showers, baths, dish-washing, etc.). The pay-back for a Geothermal system is about 3-4 years. On top of that, many utility companies offer rebate programs that may the pay-back even shorter.

Meeting with the Feng Shui Consultant

Based on previous decisions you made as far as “passive solar” and the various types of air-conditioning technology available you are now ready to finish your draft of the interior design lay-out.

Based on the Feng Shui Bagua you can start thinking about where to put the bedrooms, your home office, your dining area, the kitchen as well as bathrooms and closets based on the initial advice by your Feng Shui Consultant.

Now you are prepared to talk to architects and home builders, and will help you to figure out which architect and builder to use.  The more information you have on hand the easier it is for you to make a smart decision.  If you have any questions to your sketch your Feng Shui Advisor can most likely be of help.

Please keep in mind that it is always helpful to measure the furniture you want to move into your new home.

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