In 1977, during the oil embargo under President Jimmy Carter, architect Jim Barnes began exploring passive solar design, aiming to mitigate energy consumption in buildings. Decades of observing climate change and its impact on energy use led him to an ambitious goal: converting an existing typical single-family residence into a zero-carbon emission house.
Despite his passion, Barnes describes himself as a "starving artist." He planned meticulously to afford his dream, strategizing every step. Barnes purchased a 1950s home in the historical part of Dallas, in the neighborhood he grew up in. His journey began by connecting with Paul Westbrook, a renowned energy systems expert and LEED-certified professional at Texas Instruments. Paul, a pioneer in sustainable building design, helped Barnes conceptualize his solar-powered home plans. However, the layout of Barnes' mid-century home wasn't ideal for a complete passive solar setup.
Determined to achieve his zero-carbon goal, he turned to geothermal energy. Inspired by a home in Oklahoma City with a geothermal system, he consulted Paul Westbrook, who recommended Excel Geothermal A/C & Heat. Roy Schar, the owner of Excel Geothermal, was accommodating. He devised a plan to drill wells for the geothermal system between the concrete runners of his 1954 house, ensuring a cleaner installation. This allowed the rest of the yard to be available for landscaping. The geothermal system Excel Geothermal installed provides the home with both HVAC and hot water.
Barnes removed the home's gas lines after installing the geothermal system, achieving his zero carbon emission target. He had hoped to further supplement his energy setup with solar panels, however, he is encountering regulatory challenges with the city of Dallas.
Barnes plans to buy an electric vehicle to utilize any surplus energy produced, acknowledging that selling electricity back to the grid isn't always a dollar-for-dollar trade.
He often hears other engineers in his space complain about not seeing the entire 80% reduction in utility use, instead seeing an average of around 50%. To that, he says, "Good grief!" He noticed that most people try to nickel and dime savings with these types of installs, but the actual savings compound over time. Although he also initially hoped for 80% savings, Jim Barnes is optimistic about geothermal energy. He realized that long-term benefits come from cumulative small savings, resulting in lower electric bills and, in his case, fewer solar panels needed.
He confidently tells others that achieving a 50% reduction in utility costs is realistic. His experience shows that you no longer need to replace windows or re-insulate walls and floors to see substantial savings, and an energy audit can confirm these savings.
Barnes emphasizes the variability of groundwater temperature and site-specific factors for homeowners considering geothermal. However, he believes in the efficiency of geothermal systems and foresees their popularity rising, driven by increasing utility costs and government subsidies.
Although forecasting the exact payoff date for his investment is challenging, Barnes remains committed to his zero carbon emission lifestyle. He received substantial energy tax credits, offsetting some of the installation costs. To finance the $50,000 installation, he liquidated undervalued real estate he acquired in Oklahoma City, capitalizing on market value increases over time and geothermal tax credits.
Understanding that the average homebuyer might not recognize the value of a geothermal system, Jim Barnes acknowledges the long-term benefits. The wells, costing about $29,000 (over half the installation cost), are a permanent improvement, outliving other system components. As a former associate real estate broker, he's realistic about the immediate market value impact. Still, he remains steadfast in his belief in geothermal energy's future potential.
Through careful planning, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainability, Jim Barnes has created a model for a zero-carbon emission home. He demonstrates the significant potential of geothermal energy in reducing utility costs and combating climate change. He wants other homeowners to know that even if the threat of global warming and climate change isn't a concern, rising utility and fuel costs eventually will be. Geothermal heating and cooling offer an immediate and effective solution to this issue.