Options:

• Geothermal Heating
  • - Too expense for a small home vs. the cost savings
• Heat Pumps
  • + Heating and cooling in one
  • + Very efficient
  • + Good air quality
  • + Can also be used to heat water
  • - Might not be able to provide enough heat on coldest day, may need a backup

Conclusion: For ventilation use either HRV or ERV, choice will depend on humidity levels during the winter.

Cost: $12,000 = $5,000 for heat pumps + $4,000 for HRV + $3,000 for ductwork

References:

• Geothermal heating
• How heat pumps work
• Ventilation air exchangers
• Choosing between HRV and ERV
• Heat pump cost
• Ductwork cost