Invermay Goes Geothermal

Overview
For a rural Victorian property in Invermay with extensive heating needs, the transition from ageing fossil-fuel boilers to an innovative Stiebel Eltron solution marked a dramatic improvement in performance, environmental impact and cost-efficiency for the homeowners. Previously reliant on a combination of gas and oil boilers for hydronic home, and pool heating, the system was outdated, unreliable and prohibitively expensive to run. With high operational costs and frequent breakdowns, it was clear that a smarter, future-proof solution was needed.

The Stiebel Eltron Solution
At the heart of the retrofit is the Stiebel Eltron WPE-I 59 ground source geothermal heat pump, engineered to deliver 70kW of consistent, renewable heating – even in the harshest Victorian winters. The single, high-capacity unit provides whole home and pool heating with whisper quiet efficiency.

Supporting the installation is a Stiebel Eltron 1000L SBP buffer tank and circulation pumps, all controlled as one with Stiebel Eltron’s intelligent heat pump management system. Giving the homeowner full command over their home’s heating zones and pool to deliver the best combination of comfort and energy efficiency.

Installed by geothermal specialists, SóGeo, this project exemplifies the seamless integration of premium German-engineered technology in residential settings.

Key benefits

High-Efficiency Heating:
The space-saving, vertical ground collectors combined with the high-performance heat pump delivers an efficiency and coefficient of performance far superior to conventional systems, reducing energy consumption while increasing output.

Fossil Fuel-Free Operation:
The complete removal of oil and gas boilers means zero onsite emissions and a significant cut in the carbon footprint of the property.

Near-Silent Comfort:
The WPE-I 59 operates quietly, providing powerful heating without disruptive noise – ideal for the tranquil rural setting.

Future-Ready System:
Designed with longevity and flexibility in mind, the system is the expandable and future-proof backbone of the property that superbly positions it for decades of low-impact, high-performance operation.

Indoor Air Quality
To complement the geothermal upgrade and move towards a more energy-efficient home, an energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) was installed within the indoor pool area. Aiding the energy efficiency of the property by exceptionally maintaining the indoor air quality in the area and minimizing heat loss during ventilation.

Outcome
The transformation has been both immediate and substantial, with the homeowners now enjoying year-round comfort, vastly reduced energy bills and the peace of mind that comes with a low-maintenance, all-electric system. Freed from the recurring costs and unreliability of the former boiler setup, they’ve future-proofed their home with one of the most efficient and sustainable heating solutions available today.

This project is a showcase of Stiebel Eltron’s leadership in renewable energy technology – proving that even the most demanding of residential needs can be met with smart, scalable geothermal solutions.