I had looked at Geothermal HVAC a couple of months ago but the break even point for my area would be around 14 years. Then last week the economic recovery act was sign by President Obama and now there is a 30% tax credit ( $12K-15k limit I think). The tax credit now makes it look like a viable option.

Everyone claims it's the best thing since the invention of fire, but none of those people seem to have a Geothermal system.

Anyone here have experience with these systems?

Rick, we have a geothermal system and like it very much. We are currently heating our house that is 700 sq. feet larger than our previous house for at least a $100 to $120 less a month. The new house is also very well insulated and that of course plays a big role with the heating/cooling costs. My only caution with Geothermal is that it is a very sophisticated system and initially we had to have the tech out to calibrate or balance the zones, particularly when we had a sudden cold snap, but this service was not charged to us. I have had other people tell me that they are cold with their their Geothermal Systems. We have have found it to be very comfortable. I have also heard complaints that it is noisy. Initially we thought it was a good bit louder than forced air, but like anything new, you frequently get used to it and don't even notice after a while. Rick, if you have specific questions about Geothermal, please post and I'll try to answer them.
Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. At this point I have 3 different GEO contractors writing proposals. One has already told me that it may not make economic sense to go with Geothermal because the house is relatively small, electric rates are above average and the area where I'm building sits on top of flat shale which is a poor heat conductor. He says those three problems together will likely put the break even point 15-20 years out compared to a conventional natural gas system. I'll wait until the other two contractors put in their proposals before we decide.

Most of what I have learned is positive. The few complaints I have heard seems to be more with the installation not the system.

Good Luck with the other two proposals. We didn't have the option of natural gas, so overall Geothermal was an easy choice for us to make. I also wanted to compliment you on your NSB house design. Your floor plan looks great! We built one of Sarah's designs and when I look at your plan, I see similarities. Very nice. Thanks for sharing your project.