http://www.hvaccalc.com/main.asp

A room-by-room heat
gain/loss calculation should certainly be done for new construction. I would
even go a step further and have the calculation done by a professional that can
completely design and provide plans for the distribution system, be it force air
or water – onto your drawings. This
is the stage where a duct system is designed and sized, along with zoning and
controls. Get this right and you will be building in comfort and efficiency.
The money properly spent at this stage will save money on energy and on overall
heat pump, furnace, fan coil or boiler size.

Hire a professional that is
accredited, completely ‘up’ on their game, that incorporates all ‘best practices’, that is
continually improving their skills
and education. Find someone that can present many or at least several
alternatives and ‘run the numbers’ with you.

Look at geothermal and
hybrid systems incorporating different energy efficient technologies that can
create a synergistic effect for
energy efficiency and comfort. Think water; the latest technologies incorporate-zoned
hydronics for both heating and cooling. Water distribution is the most energy efficient. It’s not necessarily an either/or for distribution and generation;
it may be ‘all of the above’.

It’s very hard and very expensive to correct mistakes
later on if you get it wrong!

Do all of your homework!

IMPO

SR

"Hire a professional that is
accredited"

Other than state contractor licenses (which don't guarantee ethical behavior), are there independent organizations that credential HVAC contractors? I don't consider membership in organizations obtained by paying a membership fee as an accreditation.

Josey, in many parts of the US, especially where winters are mild or natural gas service is available, ground source (aka "geothermal") heat pump installations are often the most expensive alternative (when installation and operating costs are considered together).

Thanks, I'll wait for a more detailed plan and hire a pro.

good idea. then you own the load calc to shop it
to different hvac companies.
you could also have duct sizing & design done.

best of luck.