The Houchin Family Alpaca Farm
Heyworth, IL
Project Description
The Houchin Family (and their alpacas) were looking for a way to lower their monthly utility bills and reduce their overall energy usage. Since they live on a working alpaca farm, they have a high energy load, resulting from the heated buckets in the winter, the fans in the summer, and the lighting for their barns. In 2009, the home was converted to be 100% electric through the installation of their geothermal heat pump. In the spring of 2019, they decided to add on a solar array. By adding solar, they will be able to make over 80% of their annual energy usage. See their family farm at www.HouchinFamilyAlpacas.com
Installation Details
The Houchin Family wanted to produce the energy needed to heat, cool, and meet their home and farming needs through sustainable technology. Since they have taken the proper steps and started consciously looking for ways to reduce their energy load (installing a geothermal heat pump and switching to LED lightbulbs), they have lowered their utility bills even more. Their hope is to reach net zero with the addition of the solar array. The Houchin Family said that installing solar was a natural progression that only made sense. The geothermal reduces utility costs, while the solar array produces the energy needed to operate the geothermal system and other electric appliances on a net zero basis.
Savings
Annual Utility Bills for Farm and Home – $3,000
Projected Annual Utility Bills with Geothermal + Solar – $750
Energy Reduction with Geothermal, Solar, and LED Lights – 90% energy reduction
Partners Involved
Bratcher Heating and A/C
Related Spotlights
Learn How Solar Can Be The Perfect Partner With Geothermal For Ultimate Comfort And Efficiency