[jessew47]

I am building a new home, 2600 sq ft main level. I had originally planned to put in a geothermal system and the people who were going to put that in said that since I have access to natual gas then a high efficiency furnace and a 2 stage ac unit would be better. I was kind of wanting some opinions on this as to which would be better, more cost effective, etc.

[hvac1000]

I am building a new home, 2600 sq ft main level. I had originally planned to put in a geothermal system and the people who were going to put that in said that since i have access to natual gas then a high effeciency furnace and a 2 stage ac unit would be better. I was kind of wanting some opinions on this as to which would be better, more cost effective, ect.

Actually you will have to do the calculations since you have all there information.

Cost of geothermal and A/C installed.
Cost of high eff furnace and A/C installed.

Over time the geo system will probably cost less since you will have a smaller utiliy bill. BUT geo can cost more to maintain. (IE repairs)

You will have to calculate a projected chart for over a 10 year time to get a better idea. Your utility company can help with current costs but the rest will be a guess. Programs are available to do calculations from hard numbers but the numbers can be hard to come by for future cost of gas and electric

Here is a Excel program the has ground source heat pump cal.

[T-Top]

Its hard to beat the EER on a geothermal but your comparing it with SEER equipment. If you live in the south, your air to air system starts to work harder and use more energy when you reach 90 degrees and above, your geothermal system is seeing it being 68 degrees a nice spring day. If you live in the north the geothermal system is seeing the out side temp of around 68 degrees in the winter. The added plus is that its helping make hot water for your water tank.(more in the summer than in the winter.)