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Spall's solution was to design and install an automatic control system that isolates the compressor from operation during power outages and generator operation, but still allow the ECM fan motor and all other controls to operate. Spalls' team also installed an emergency backup hot water boiler and added a hot water coil to each air handling unit for emergency and supplemental heat, thus reducing the electrical demand on the generator.

Boiler Balancing Act

The boiler is a high efficiency condensing type, and is equipped with an outdoor air temperature sensor to take the boiler offline above the set point. “Since we had the boiler available and its operation for supplemental and emergency heating would have it spending the majority of its life inoperable, we decided to install a 100-gal. indirect domestic hot water heater that would maximize the hot water generation capability of the boiler to supply the seven full baths in the house, and also provide the boiler with a more useful life,” Spall says. “The venting and combustion air intake were an issue, as we needed to put that somewhere where it would be out of sight. We ended up solving the issue by building it into the masonry work as the chimney was being built.”

All of the HVAC systems in this home have 30% media filters. The custom fabricated, galvanized steel supply and return ducts are designed with high efficiency fittings, and flex duct was used for straight runs only, with no turns. All ductwork was sealed and insulated with 1.5-inch duct wrap.

All testing and balancing was done to National Comfort Institute (NCI) standards; T.E. Spall & Son has eight technicians that are NCI-certified. Combustion testing was performed and the equipment was adjusted for maximum performance and safe operation. Air balancing was also performed to NCI standards, and the geothermal system was thoroughly commissioned and balanced.

“We really believe in training our team,” Spall says. “In addition to our NCI certification, we belong to International Service Leadership (ISL). We focus on training to help keep our people ahead of the curve.

“The project employs the best industry design, installation and performance testing practices to ultimately measure the results of our design intentions, as well as utilizes the highest efficiency earth-friendly systems available today,” Spall says. “We're very proud of it.”

Craig Karkoska, head of the custom home division for the home's general contractor, C. Raymond Davis, praised T.E. Spall & Son's work on this project. “Tom was very professional and his company's work is very good. His team was good to work with during the installation, and they were very conscientious when it came to starting the systems up. They balanced and fine-tuned everything.”

“When all is said and done, I'm very impressed with how great it feels inside the house,” adds Dziedzina. “No matter what the weather is doing, there are no hot or cold spots.”

That being case even in the wide range of Northeastern Pennsylvania's four-seasons climate, one is left to wonder if this Quality Home Comfort Award represents something more … such as a triumph over nature? Actually, more of a partnership with it, thanks to the geothermal work of T.E. Spall & Son.

EQUIPMENT LIST

• WaterFurnace Envision 5-ton water-to-air geothermal unit, two-speed with ECM and desuperheater
• 2 WaterFurnace 3-ton water-to-air geothermal units, two-speed with ECM)
• WaterFurnace 3-ton geothermal split system
• Trane two-speed air handling unit
• Honeywell TZ4 three-zone control system
• WaterFurnace 2-ton geothermal split system with two-speed air handler
• Water Furnace 3½-ton water-to-water geothermal unit for radiant heating, coupled with an HSS flow center for radiant distribution
• Weil-McLain Ultra 155 high efficiency condensing boiler
• Reflectix double bubble foils poly insulation between sub-grade and slab
• Zurn PEX Thermal Track radiant panel
• Wirsbo in-slab radiant panels in basement slab
• tekmar control panels with outdoor air sensor
• tekmar slab sensor for tile floor slab floor warming
• Southwark 45 degree entry, high efficiency duct fittings
• Anemostat grilles, registers, and diffusers
• Hart & Cooley grilles, registers, and diffusers