Hey Everyone...I'm new to the game here. I live in Maine and have an old colonial (about 2000 sq/ft). I heat with wood stove and oil. Can't tell you how I hate using oil. And it's super expensive. I've been thinking about alternative ways to heat the house. Because it's a Colonial it is symmetrical in it's orientation...4 rooms on the first floor, 4 directly above those. It's hard to move the wood heat around in a house like this. We do have baseboard heat for the oil. My question is do I look into geothermal considering this kind of house and this kind of climate?

There is no doubt you could heat your home with less money with geo. Your project however, is more complicated than others.
Most baseboard systems are designed around 180F water temps. Most geo hydronic systems are designed at 120F or less (lower the better). So the problem here is your existing radiation may not supply all the BTU's you require at the lower operating temps.
You can augment existing radiation with high output baseboards, radiant floors, radiant wall or ceiling panels, even radiant towel warmers and coat racks etc. or you can duct home. Either way it's not gonna be inexpensive.

Your system is tougher to design than most so you definately want a geo hydronic pro.

When you solicit estimates, you should recieve operating cost models to help you decide if it is worth the expense.

Meanwhile get a good energy auditor over to your home to see if it can be tightened up. A fella our company employs performs a blower door test and an infrared photo journal of insulation soft spots. For as little as $1,500 in insulation some of our customers have enjoyed a 20% reduction in their energy bills. If you proceed with geo later this will have the added benefit of reducing the tonnage and additional radiation your require.

Good Luck,
Joe

Thanks for the quick response Joe. The energy auditor was first on my list as well. Doesn't matter what kind of heating system you have if it is all just flying out of the house. Appreciate the advise...may be back for more if the time comes.