Having to add a permanent heating and cooling system to the Dome will be quite a trick. I had hoped to use radiant heating, maybe hooked to a geothermal system, but the cost will be way to much. I left space in the floor as I built because I didn't realize that I should have put the tubes in the cement base as I poured the original floor. Now I have sections of six inch rises and 4 inch rises. I was going to put 2 inches of insulation down and tubing and then pour cement on top. So much for trying to fix my mistakes.
Reading about the world resource problems getting much worse, I find myself in a quandary as to how best to accomplish a cost effective system. Prices of electric, fuel oil and propane will go up quickly.
A wood furnace wood be the most economical and environmentally friendly to run. Hooking this to a radiant floor heating system would keep most of the heat from rising as much. Radiant seems to create a heat cloud at about 5-6 feet above the floor. This would be great for the rooms with 32 foot ceilings. A wood oil furnace hooked to a forced air system would be a lot cheaper
Then, however, I would sill have to add duct work and a cooling system in addition.
What I wonder is who would want to feed a wood furnace, that could afford to buy a relatively expensive Dome? They potential buyers would have to be someone who just wants a dome an can afford it. Also the dome backs up to a 25,000 sq. miles wild life reserve making it most desirable. Third it sits on 55 acres of wooded land half way up a beautiful mountain. Lots of privacy and great views.
Here is a perfect example of a problem that faces our new world reality.
The furnace could be wood/oil. Maybe that would be more inviting, but now I start to run up a lot more money since I have to add a separate air condition system also. This gives everyone a choice as to how they feel about toting in logs each day; and also gives them a way to leave the dome without fear of it freezing.
I just had a vendor come out and suggest a heat pump system. One machine and a set of duct work. This may be the cheapest but it would use all electric power.
I always thought people who would want to buy this Dome would have enough money that they wouldn't care about the price of the heat or heating system. But this runs against the grain of putting in a system that would be best for the environment.
I seem to have a problem that contradicts itself.
What do you think about this problem? Everyone could look at the Dome at this site http://domemountain.spaces.live.com. I sure could use suggestions from everyone who reads this!!
Ian
Your help is appreciated.