CLIENT SERVICES

DESIGN AND SITE PLAN EXAMPLES

Printable 2 page Brochure describing our services

From Angie's List:
My wife and I wanted to learn more about what type of geothermal heating system would be right for our home. We were seeking an unbiased source to contrast the recommendations made by the HVAC companies who were seeking our business. I came across Mr. Tavino’s name and contacted him via email. He was immediately responsive. Within literally one day, he was at our house, giving us sage advice. He is a professional engineer with vast knowledge of geothermal systems. Mr. Tavino’s counsel guided us in making a decision that we felt comfortable with. Mr. Tavino generously offered to continue to answer questions after his consultation, which he has done without hesitation. Considering the enormity of the investment, the small amount that we paid for his consult was money well spent. 

I believe that Mr. Tavino can provide different types of consultation, depending on your needs. We just wanted to get a rough idea of what he thought of some of the geothermal proposals based on his visual inspection and some limited measurements of our house. He reviewed numerous geothermal proposals and energy efficiency test reports.

You are urged to begin with a paid two hour on site consultation,

reviewing all aspects of ground source energy options for your building.

 

Sample Date of 2014 and 2015

List discontinued during lack of tax credit.

2 hour Consultations

(Many follow up for more design and installation.  All are satisfied)

 Town

 

2/22/14

3/17

3/24

3/29

4/7

4/19

4/21

5/14

5/20

6/3

6/12

6/30

 

 

 

 

7/8

7/11

7/12

7/23

8/8

8/15

8/28

9/9

9/15

9/21

10/24

10/25

11/15

11/15

11/21

 

 

Avon

Norwalk

Southington

Bridgewater

Kent

Morris

Woodbury

Suffield

Redding

Goshen

North Branford

Edgewater NJ

 

 

Andover

Groton

Litchfield

Montague, MA

Newtown

New Milford

Litchfield

Cheshire

Marlboro, NY

Shelbourne, MA

Berlin, MA

Orange, CT

Guilford, CT

North Salem, NY

Hartford, CT

 
1/23/15 Tolland MA
2/14 Norwalk
2/19 Norfolk
3/15 New Preston N/C to former business colleague
4/2 Canton, CT
4/11 Ridgefield, CT
4/13 Harwinton, CT
4/22 Baltic, CT
6/4 Washington, CT
6/23 Avon, CT
6/23 Suffield, CT
6/24 West Granby, CT
7/4 Newtown, CT
7/17 Somers, NY
8/15 Pawling, NY
8/15 Peekskill, NY
8/31 Yorktown, NY
9/3 Sherman, CT
9/16 Bethel, CT
9/26 Scarsdale, NY
9/26 Chappaqua, NY
10/21 Otis, MA
11/09 Milford, CT
11/11 Southbury, CT
12/18 Middletown, CT
12/23 Litchfield, CT
12/31 Kent, CT

 

  2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 consultations not being listed.  
   

 

Litchfield Geothermal is the web site run by Peter J. Tavino Jr. PE PC

(Professional Engineer, Professional Corporation) (PE PC)

A Connecticut Corporation since 1986.
 

This web site allows everyone interested in knowing about ground source heat to see pictures of all aspects of it, with complete explanation of the geo process at no charge.

The main scope of work for clients is designing their closed loop geothermal project to comply with the Federal Tax Credit requirements and often Northeast Utility rebate requirements.  Having a system approved by all these entities assures the client of efficient geothermal heat pump operation.

All conforming systems have outdoor ground exchange loops separate from indoor heat pumps and ducts.  Peter J. Tavino Jr. PE PC provides engineering service, (which is usually reserved for big commercial projects) to homeowners who need only one or two heat pumps.

Just as a Professional Engineer designs a new septic system, a PE designs the geo system. All work is to professional engineering standards.

The usual initial 2 hour on site consultation fee varies from $300 depending on your location, within Connecticut or not, and including Peter's extra time and travel expense. The homeowner is invited to ask all questions about options, insulation, cost estimates, etc.

After the paid in depth 2 hour consultation that includes cost estimates, Peter Tavino can offer a no cost bid to have the required outdoor system installed. If we install the outdoor system, the consultation fee is deducted from that cost. Indoor quotes by contractors are also available. Or bids may be solicited like in the commercial application described below.

Service includes the following:

Study the existing building floor plans and determine heating and cooling BTU per hour loads for each zone.

A heating and cooling analysis can also be performed for a nominal fee.

With owner input, select a heat pump size usually to meet the cold weather needs.

Examine site, soil and bedrock types for possible 7' deep horizontal trench, or vertically drilled boreholes.

Prepare a site plan for horizontal, or borehole depths.

If a horizontal loop is installed under ideal conditions, Peter Tavino provides field labor, heat fusion and supervision for that. If vertical bore, Peter helps inspect the grouting operation and cuttings runoff control, etc.

Residential new home or retrofit quotes include heat pump warranties and satisfaction.

For larger commercial engineering and out of state projects, (based on past client requests for Professional Engineering assistance with qualified contractor selection), as the owner's consultant, Peter helps them select  contractors. Usually a Request For Proposal (RFP) is written and sent out to contractors with no business affiliation with Litchfield Geothermal, except we usually have worked together in the past, and they come recommended.  They often thank Peter for the lead, but there is never any improper financial commission, payment, return of favor, etc.  Peter promotes problem free installations this way. Modest hourly billing applies as work progresses.

All past clients have been very satisfied with Peter Tavino's attention to their project, and offer to be contacted for reference. See some sample comments below.

I look forward to working on your ground source energy project next. 

Here's how we answered the recent Connecticut Geothermal Association company questionnaire

www.LitchfieldGeothermal.com

Peter J. Tavino Jr. PE PC
 
1.) Are you a geothermal loop designer?
     A.) CGD  Yes
     B.) Professional Engineer  Yes  CT  NY
 
2.) Geothermal vertical bore installer?
     IGSHPA Accredited?  Yes V10543-0810 (Sup)
    
3.) Geothermal horizontal loop field installer?
     IGSHPA Accredited?  Yes
 
4.) Geothermal pond/lake loop installer?
     IGSHPA  Accredited? Yes 
 
5.) Geothermal-HVAC System designer?
     A.) Engineer  Yes   CT
     B.) Contractor No
 
6.) Geothermal-HVAC system installer?
      A.) Licenses. (you may list multiple states) No
      B.) QA Contractor (Energy star 3)  No
 
7.) Geothermal-HVAC system service. No
 
8.) Does your company install systems in:
     A.) Residential applications (loops) Yes (HVAC) No
     B.) Light Commercial applications (loops) Yes (HVAC) No
     C.) Large Commercial/Schools (loops) No (design only) (HVAC) No
 
If you want to add anything else feel free.
We act as building owner's designer and consultant.
Perform ACCA J & N Heat Loss calculations.
We use inside & outside licensed subs selected by owner.
We help homeowner Do it Yourselfers.
Vertical Loop Grouting Inspection & Testing.
We install on line G.S.heat pump monitoring.
 IGSHPA Trainer   -  LEED AP
 NATE    -  Thermal Conductivity Certified Tester

 

The system is working superbly. Coldest we have had has been 30o but it was fine. Very quiet, very comfortable. No need for humidification either. I mailed your check this morning. Thanks again for a job well done. Ken

 

Celebrations Development and Contracting thanks you Peter for working with us to secure the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and CL&P rebates.  Bill

 

Yes, Peter, you can use me as a reference. 

Tyler

 

Pete,
WaterFurnace in and operating. Still needs some adjusting, VIP, and some parts added to the ducts. This to be done on Thursday. Until then, I will be detailing any additional bugs that need correcting.
Thought that you might like the pictures.
Don
 

 

Pete,... System has been working great....

Thanks,  Marc

 

Dear Peter,
I wasn't sure if you knew the testing results. I passed!!!Excited
 
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I don't think I would have passed without your dedication and encouragement. Please keep in touch. I do know how to run a backhoe and would love to toodle around while waiting for paying jobs. The Building Envelope course starts Monday. After that who knows what is next?
All best regards
Peter Tringali
 

Hi Pete;
Neil sent us the check last week.  Thank you.

Thank you, and great job you've done.

Tracy

 

Hi Pete,..........
I want to thank you for your help.

Next time you are in Hartford we can have lunch and talk shop.

Thanks Again
Bill
 

 

 

Results for Clients
 

Here is a sample Verification of Installed Performance spreadsheet, showing how much electricity a geothermal heat pump uses.

Here is a summary table of heat pumps associated with Litchfield Geothermal and how much power they draw:

VIP summary table pdf

Verification of Installed Performance Summary
Residential Geothermal Heat Pumps
Associated with Litchfield Geothermal
Readings by licensed refrigerant contractors
Nominal tons
Loop Info
Entering
Water
 Temp.
Month
Of VIP
test
Amps for 240 volts
 
COP or EER
Coax Psi
Pressure
in/out
Connecticut Town
 
 
In/out
 
Heat
pump
compressor
Circu-
lator
pump
Duct Fan
 
 
 
3
4
Horiz. 7’ Horiz. 7’
61/56
63/56.7
Oct. Sept.
11.8
15.4
0.85
1.98
1.081.8
4.3
5.0
40/36
40/34
Bethlehem
4
2 bores
50/43
Jan.
15
1.2
3
4.4
16/12
Cheshire
3
3
1 bore
1 bore
51.3/41.8
51/42.1
Nov.
Nov.
16@215v
16.2@215v
0.8
0.8
4
4.4
4.6
4.4
13/10.4
15/12.4
Essex
3
Horiz. 5’
39/35
April
9 @234v
0.9
0.3
3.4
4.7/1.5
Granby
4
2 bores
56.5/63
June
10.3
1.1
1.1
21.0
20/14
Harwinton
4
3
3
Horiz. 7’
Horiz. 7’
Horiz. 7’
52.6/45.1
59.8/50.3
58.1/47.6
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
12.5
11.5
11.7
1.6
0.7
0.7
5.6
2.5
1.6
4.1
4.6
5.0
26/22
16/12
16/12
Litchfield
3
2
Horiz. 7’
Horiz. 7’
39.7/35.3
39.7/35.2
Feb.
Feb.
9.3
6.5
2 for2
2 for2
Ex.
Ex.
3.3
4.2
22/17
22/17
Milton
6
2 bores
48/58.9
Oct.
18.2
1.7
5
17.8
24/18
Norfolk
3
2 bores
57/50
May
13.6
2.4
0.9
4.3
24/18
Norwalk
6
Horiz. 9’
50/44
Dec.
25
1.4
7
3.7
38/33
Prospect
4
2 bores
42.8/38.6
March
15.2
2.7
3.4
3.2
31/23
Ridgefield
4
3
1 bore
1 bore
34.1/29.2
37.5/32.2
Dec.
Dec.
16.3
11.2
2.5
2.5
3.4
1.3
3.3
3.6
39/32
27/21
Sherman
3
2
3
Horiz. 7’
Horiz. 7’
Horiz. 7’
59.6/67.8
60.4/66.6
58.8/66.6
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
8.2
5.1
8.0
0.6
0.6
0.6
1.6
1.4
1.5
19.8
22.0
19.2
25/19
22/17
25/19
Washington
2
2
3
3
1 bore
1 bore
1 bore
1 bore
49.1/45.0
49.5/45.5
48.9/44.0
48.3/43.4
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
4.5
4.5
6.7
6.7
0.54
0.57
0.6
0.6
-
0.35
-
-
5.4
5.0
5.2
5.2
9.5/5.5
9.0/5.0
10/5.0
11/6.0
Wash. Depot
4
4
1.5 bore
1.5 bore
45.0/39.4
47.3/43.0
Jan.
Jan.
15.3
15.5
2.0
2.0
1.2
1.9
3.8
3.6
20/16
30/23
Westport
        End 03/13

Circulation pumps use 10.85 % of what compressors use = 292.85/ 27 = 10.85%.  07/11/13

 

 

SITE PLAN ENGINEERING EXAMPLES

Here is an 18 borehole plan for 2013, part of a detailed AutoCAD drawing, and balanced without valves:

This is the 730LF smooth loop design for Peter's house as installed in 2008: See how it performs years later at www.GroundEnergySupport.com

 

 

Here are two plans for projects installed in summer, 2010.

 

 

Detail used in 2009.

In this 2008 design, in New York State, twin 1 1/2" geo pipes that are easier to uncoil are specified.

 

And another New York design avoiding the existing septic system.

 

This site in southern Bridgewater, CT has capacity for 48,000 BTU.

 

For this new house construction, one of two loops is placed between the septic system and a detention pond.

Pond is not part of property. If it were, a pond loop would have been specified pending Wetlands approval.

 

Here is Lot 1 design but not yet built in the southern USA where cooling is required.  No ledge to worry about, but groundwater is critical:

 

To be installed April 2013.

To be installed April 2013.

 

 

Images of Borehole Layout Plans

 

Contact Pete to see videos of this drilling and grouting project below.

Minimal disruption to ashpalt:

 

Typical 2 borehole plan

 

Planned to be drilled in NY April 2013

 

 

 

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