There are a bunch of ways you can use Geo with a radiant system and provide cooling. Indirect , by-pass, valve combo's etc.

Is there really that much to a Geo DIY system? What can a guy save with a small 3 ton horizontal system install. or what is an estimated cost for this kind of system.

John Clem, when talking to my home owners they said the price for their geo thermal was round $35,000.00 cdn. I have asked about a boiler and have been told it should cost about $5,000.00 to $7,000.00. Thats a big difference $30,000.00 buys a lot of heat over the years. With either system the cost for the radiant pipes stays the same, both ways need them, so it is the question of the extra $$$$$.
Paul Stevens

Are you going to recoup 30,000 diff for geo compared to the boiler in a new tightly constructed house i dont believe you will

That is what I told them and also the main reason that I started this thread. To build a 2000 to 3000 sq. foot home with ICF, is Geo Thermal worth it?!?
Paul Stevens

I still really think the $30000 up charge for Geo Thermal is quite strong. There are so many different types of systems and a wide range of costs to go with them. I had to shop around to find the setup I wanted to use.At first I thought Geo is Geo but that is totally not true.

That being said..... 30k buys alot of fuel. It would take forever to recoup an investment like that. I really like Geo Thermal, but at that premium it'd be a hard sell for me.

Paul, What part of Canada are you in? I am just starting to work with new clients that want to build as green as possible while still being financially responsible. The home will likely be sub 3000 Sq. Ft. Some options that we are discussing/Investigating are...

Full ICF
Spray foam if not ICF
Solar
Wind Generation
Geo Vs. Boiler
Etc.

I priced GEo for another client recently and the Upgrade price was close to $38,000. I'm no expert on Geo, however I am interested in learning more, but the additional cost was just not worth it for my clients. We decided to upgrade windows, insulation, and go with a top notch natural gas forced air furnace with dampers to have 3 zones throughout the home. We also use a high efficient boiler for DHW and we also heat some of the floors with the boiler.

MDiver, I am located in Barrie, Ontario. you can contact me through e-mail at [email protected] or call me at 705-333-1091, always happy to talk ICF!!
Paul Stevens

Each situation is individual by itself. The best recommendation there is, is that you have an analysis done specific to your situations. If a boiler works out to be a better option, then go with a boiler. More often than not, though, the geothermal will out-do the boiler--even with ICF construction.

Couple of other points... the split system from EarthLinked most definitely qualifies for the tax credits. $30,000.00 extra for geothermal does seem really high. Usually it is in the $10,000-$15,000 range.