Martha's Vineyard Home & Design : Nelson Mechanical Design (NMD)
Nelson Mechanical Design (NMD)
Geo-Balls: Geothermal Installation in WT
Nelson Mechanical Design, Inc. has spent years of research and training to fine-tune their designs and installations so they can offer their customers the best mechanical system for their construction dollar. This business model holds true, especially in this recently completed project in West Tisbury.
Geo-Balls: Geothermal Installation in WT
David and Libby Fielder planned their dream home for years. David Kelliher, of Chelsea Farms Construction, chief architect and builder, translated their dreams into reality. The Fielders were closely involved in all aspects of the project. When they started thinking about their mechanical systems, they looked for low maintenance, low operating costs and low environmental impact. They were very interested in a geothermal system, but were not certain that such a system would be cost effective and a good fit for their new home. “We saw an article in the local newspaper on one of Nelson Mechanical Design’s recent geothermal installations and realized they could probably answer our questions,” says David Fielder, describing how he started the relationship with NMD.
NMD sat down with David and Libby Fielder several times to fine tune an exact design that would meet their construction budget, and their goals. They explored traditional, geothermal, and air-to-air heat pump options. In the end, the geothermal system was the best fit for the Fielders. “The federal tax credit of 30 percent really made the project possible. It brought the cost of the geothermal project close to the cost of a traditional system,” says Libby.
The installation began with the geothermal field, a horizontal piping arrangement six feet below finished grade. NMD decided, at this point, to use a prefabricated “geo-ball slinky”. A slinky is a piping pattern they would normally make in the field. Instead, these “geo-balls” were shipped pre-made in a slinky pattern. This allowed NMD to roll them out right into the trench, saving time, and, in turn, saving the customer money.
Once the house was built, NMD installed the geothermal heat pumps, ductwork, geothermal field piping and pumps, and control system for the complete geothermal water to air heating and cooling system. The residence has four zones, two steam humidification systems, and advanced Honeywell “web ready” touch screen controls. These controls display outdoor and indoor temperature and humidity, giving the Fielders absolute control and comfort. The Fielders report that “the installation was of very good quality and went very quickly. We were very happy with the installation team’s performance and professionalism and are delighted with the way this high-tech system works so seamlessly with our low-tech Finnish masonry heater” say the Fielders.
This installation is a great example of how the average homeowner can afford, through tax credits and NMD’s expertise, a very advanced system that provides both “green” technologies and customer comfort.
photos courtesy of Nelson Mechanical Design
