Geothermal heating/cooling experiences

[MH1]

1. I have it and recommend it.

My case had the following points:

1) house didn't have A/C and traditional A/C would require upgrading the electric service
2) old furnace (gas) was due for replacement
3) I am involved in local environmental groups and a contractor was recommended to me by multiple people. He gave me a much better price than some of the larger outfits.
4) I took advantage of the 30% tax credit (I confirmed it is for equipment AND installation - sweet).

For me, it's a huge win. I have A/C now, and it's cheap, and it's quiet (unlike my friggin' neighbors, grr...). Heating is a little less clear a win. My bills are much lower, but I keep the house cooler, because I don't like for the "aux heat" to come on - that's regular electric heat for when the geo can't deal with it, and it's expensive to run that. I try to avoid having the aux heat come on. But my house is drafty. If I fix that, then the geo should do much better. I think the contractor sized the system on the assumption I would get an energy audit and fix all the leaks. Ha. I will get to that one of these days.

Overall, I highly recommend it, but realize it will take a few years to pay itself off. For comfort, get a system sized correctly for your house, and if you need to close drafts, don't be like me and keep putting it off.

From an environmental standpoint it is probably the best choice. Get an electric supplier that is 100% renewables and you can sleep with a clear conscience.