I assume natural gas is not available. That would be my first choice.

The Carrier/Bryant Greenspeed heat pumps have received great reviews so far. You won't go wrong with these assuming they are properly sized and installed. I recommend you get the 10 year labor warranty. For house this size you should have a unit for each floor.

I can't advise you on geothermal, however you need to do a lot of homework before making this decision. If you don't have the time then go with heat pumps.

Your current quote will cost you an extra $53,000! Be aware the 30% tax credit only applies the cost of the HVAC equipment. You can't apply it to the duct work or anything not directly related to the geothermal system. The tax credit is not refundable. For example if you got a $15,000 tax credit, but your tax bill was $12,000, then you would only get $12,000.

You have to figure out how long it will take to recover the extra cost of the geothermal. If you house is well insulated and you like to keep indoor temperatures moderate, then you may never see a pay back.

Thank you Mike. We don't have access to NG, otherwise the decision would be so much easier! So, I can't claim the entire costs of HVAC system (geothermal, ducts to go with them, thermostat, etc) for 30% credit? Basically, only 30% credit to GSHPs? Would you go solar with the heat pumps?

Thank you Mike. We don't have access to NG, otherwise the decision would be so much easier! So, I can't claim the entire costs of HVAC system (geothermal, ducts to go with them, thermostat, etc) for 30% credit? Basically, only 30% credit to GSHPs? Would you go solar with the heat pumps?

Check the IRS rules carefully. I don't want to give you the wrong information. You may be able carry forward an unused tax credit amount. Don't rely on your HVAC contractor for tax information.

In my area of NJ there are homes which have installed electrical solar panels, but I know no one who has installed geothermal. Solar is more attractive if you can sell the excess electricity to the utility company. You can do this after the house is built and you have time to do your research.

The builderâÂÂs incentive plus the tax credits make geothermal very attractive, however the builder in reality is probably only giving you back your own money somehow.

Both choices, Greenspeed and geothermal are excellent and top tier, as such they are priced accordingly, so letâÂÂs get that out of the way as thereâÂÂs always someone out there that wants to jump down my throat over the cost when geothermal is proposed.

The installer is inaccurate regarding vertical boreholes. The fact is any properly designed and installed ground or pond heat exchanger is as efficient or effective as any other. If you have the land area you would do well to price the various horizontal ground heat exchangers that are possible including âÂÂSlinkyâ laid flat in trenches dug with a backhoe or installed vertically with a chain trencher or âÂÂWitch DitchâÂÂ.

There are many options for layout and how this system will be plumbed that will affect efficiency; know the benefits and implications for each method.

âÂÂDrillâ for detailed explanations and answers!

SR