Joe, I agree with you on the prices that genome paid for his geo system. For 5 ton system for 25 grand is very reasonable. That's best price I've ever read on here. I've seen prices on here numerous times that that same exact setup(hor. closed loop), people were quoted 40 grand and up. IMO....it just seems that folks who install these systems are trying to make a killing while they can.....very very little competion.

Keep in mind that 3 other quotes we received were roughly the same at $30,000. The owner told me during the installation that his quote was roughly 20% lower than usual since he was slow. After talking this into account, $30,000 seems more typical than $25,000. He also told me that he couldn't afford to do all jobs at the price that he gave us.

It appears to me that heimdm received good pricing too.

My suggestion for everyone considering geothermal is to get lots of quotes, check references, and check the experience level of the installer.

My last shot before throwin in the towell.
Systems I sell average between 15 and 20 thousand.
Robin you neatly ignored the fact that person quoted 25k for geo was also quoted 19k for 18 seer ASHP. Even at 30k, taking away the loops the price difference would be 15% (without tax credits) easily recouped with operating cost savings.
But what is really aggravating is that you started a thread that says geo is expensive compared to air source and suggest contractors are ripping people off and then you confess that you don't know what high end airsource costs and you don't have a realistic idea of the price of geo. Otherwise put; I don't know what apples cost, I don't know what oranges cost, but why are apples so expensive?
You don't want to count the loop expense of geo or understand that it is installed (generally) by technicians with a greater level of skill and experience, it requires more sophisticated, expensive equipment to install and in my area costs very little more to install than high end air source systems. That is not true everywhere, everytime but it is often true.
Your wish for more competition is being granted by carpetbaggers capitolizing on the tax credits. If you want to find out what really expensive geo is buy a cheap one from one of these chuckle heads.
So why does it cost more?....I give, let me know if you find out.
j

Joe, you took it all wrong. I was going on what I have read here over the last 3 yrs and EVERYTHING I've read about geo was costing at LEAST 3x over air HP. The prices I've seen on 'this' thread is the most reasonable I've 'ever' read on this forum. I KNOW geo is gonna cost more because of the ground loops or wells involved. But you have to admit Joe, since there is 'very' little competition out there the prices are gonna stay very high(in most areas) until there more competition.

engineer....the prices you quoted on the slinkies.....is that installed price? Why so much dif between $10-25?

Who, me?

Wasn't me - write to Dewayne.

I am about 40 miles south of Indianapolis, IN. Geo is affordable here. With the rebates Geo costs the same as ASHP. Because of the now temperatures we get up here, ASHP become inefficient once Jan. and Feb sets in, which calls for the resistance heat--- $$$$. I had a 4 ton ASHP and when the temp dropped down our system was only rated for about 18-22k BTU, which is about 1/2 of it value during 55 degreee weather. I know arcadia offers an ASHP for lower temperatures, but that is a lot more complex technology than a pump an plastic pipe :-). Geo is just so simple, and works. In my case I own several acres of land and the area where the loop is has an underground spring or two, which makes our loop work like champ. But, a good installer is so key to Geo just like everyone says.

Sorry engineer....thought it was you that gave slinkies quote....