Hi there,

My wife and I have been trying to get a geothermal heat pump system installed in northern Maine since April. So far, all we have gotten is a run around. The only installer in the area at the time took forever to come look at our place,  took over two months to come up with a price and said it would cost over $82,000 to install a system for our 130 year old home with 3800 square feet of heated space.

We then found two other installers who had just started out in the business, but neither had done any installations yet.  We asked each of them for quotes anyway and now, more than a month later, we are still waiting...

In the meantime we talked again with the experienced installer who gave us a song and dance of how the geothermal systems are now so popular that there is a two month back-order wait anyway.

It is looking now like we will have to go through yet another winter heating with oil. Last year, our house took 1900 gallons of oil and $6,000 to heat. I'm afraid that it will top $8000 this winter...

I'd much rather be paying that toward the geothermal unit!

Does anyone have any suggestions of what we can do at this late date to get a reasonably priced system in before the ground freezes?

Thank you.

Fred

Sorry to hear about your frustrations.  You can go here and do a search for installers in Maine.

Good Luck

Many things have made me shake my head lately and this is no exception.
Try manufacturer's web sites and follow up if their product is not represented well.
There is also a design firm in NY that helps DIY projects that may have some ideas....google radiantmax and look for Pete (tell him I sent you). They'll design it help you lay your hands on an Econaire and may have a local contractor referral. Also check IGSHPA (international ground source heat pump association) they have member who may not actively market (as they often subcontract well drilling or excavation) but they may be able to help you out.
Good Luck,
Joe

The service sounds horrible, but if you are planning to heat a 130 year old house's 3800 sq ft, it might take quite a system, so I couldn't say if it's completely out of line or not price wise. Did the guy give you a heat calc?
I'm thinking with the age of that house your money might better be spent first upgrading the insulation and lowering your heat loss, then tackling the geothermal with a smaller, less expensive unit.

I can't remember if I've already referred you to Mel Hensch. If you've already contacted him, then disregard this. I hope he's got better installers than that--or that it really is that busy with geothermal installations.

If you haven't contacted him, his number is: 508-328-4735

Good Luck.

Oh, and $82K seems outrageous, but that does all depend on the heat calc/heating needs of the structure. I could see that price being ok if you have no duct and need 4 separate systems.

Thanks for the links. Regarding the IGSHPA linkt, they show only three installers within 100 miles. One of those just had heart problems and is not currently installing systems. The other two are with the firm that wanted to charge $82,000+....  Thanks anyway...

I have now sent an email off to Pete at RadiantMax requesting his info as well. Tomorrow during the day I will try contacting Mel Hensch to see if he could help at all.

Thanks again for all your input!

Fred

Why don't you try Clark's advice if our's doesn't work.
J

if it will cost you 82k to get geothermal you might be better off just sticking with oil. unless your oil furnace need to be replaced. the roe is a a long time. here is an idea. why not do a mini split ashp and use the oil for backup heat?