Geothermal heating systems

My plan is to build my final house so well insulated I can heat it by eating a couple of burritos. Actually I'm thinking solar and/or sawdust compost pile.

As Gary said insulation doesn't wear out and when thinking long term, less hassle and future expense it is the base that needs to be put in place first.

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"Do you believe in the devil? You know, a supreme evil being dedicated to the temptation, corruption, and destruction of man?" Hobbs
"I'm not sure that man needs the help." Calvin

It is so funny you should post this, DH just asked me to research this type of framing since styrofoam is so expensive! I think we will have the framer give us quotes for 2x6 construction and 2x4 double studded walls. I am so glad you have so much information on your website - THANKS!
As far as geothermal goes, I know it is something were are going to do, we are just not sure if we should do it now or later (like right before we retire). We are hoping to keep our mortgage under $100k even if we have to live in an unfinished home for awhile. If our current house sells for what the realtor feels it will sell at we should have enough for well, septic and most of the slab work. I am sure it will sell lower, but I think it will cover at least the well and septic. The land we are building on is free and clear and has a driveway, electric service (off peak too), large pole building and huge garden. The only expense will be building the structure. If we do offpeak electric heat, it will save quite a bit, especially with the good insulation, not as much as geothermal, but probably pretty close (?). The benefits of geothermal is that we can get to 30% tax credit now. We are going to have it priced out between other options and see where we stand. I was just wondering how much the systems cost, how long the last, warranty information and performance info from people who actually had the systems. I have heard some people say they have had problems with them and need more honest information from people who have the systems, not the sellers of the systems and the guberment.

As far as air exchangers go they are a MUST, be county code and my code!

We recently got estimates for retrofitting. Geothermal cost about three times the cost of a new propane furnace with an electric heat pump (to heat and cool).

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Moms don't look at things like normal people.
-----DD

Our neighbor up the road has a recovery system. She says that, if she were to do it again, she'd make sure that they planed off the top soil first, then dig the trenches, fill in the trenches with what was dug out, and replace the top soil.

Took her years to get the earth back into decent shape for gardening.

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Je ne suis pas Alice

http://homesteadingfamilies.proboards.com/

http://www.hydronmodule.com/products
These are made in South Dakota out of the best materials and components....
Some are even stainless steel..... Geothermal units have some of the same types of components (blowers, compressors, air coils) but have some very unique components as well that are not found in other heating/cooling products.

http://hydronmodule.publishpath.com/breaking-news

U.S. House & Senate Pass Legislation Expanding Tax Credits for Geothermal Heat Pump Installations.

The new legislation covers installations from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2016.
Homeowners who install geothermal systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed cost in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. (Capped at $2000 for system installed in 2008 - No cap for 2009 and beyond).
An extension of the Commercial Building Tax Deduction until 2013 that allows building owners to deduct up to $1.80 per square foot for improvements in overall performance.