It took me a long time, but it's done. Whew.
What a great thread and resource for the DIY experimenters out there.
I found that the "Closed-Loop/Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems - Installation Guide" can be found for a bit less and ordered a copy. It is from 1988 so I hope it's not too outdated.
The section on Heating and Cooling Degree Days led me to develop this chart based on a local weather station:
My heating bill from January of 2017 shows it to be an exceptionally cold month. By back calculating the Therms it looks like the house required about 25,000 BTU/hr to maintain.
The loop is going to be the most challenging aspect I can foresee; after researching local laws it turns out that you cannot drill deeper than 30 feet without a permit from the state AND you must be a certified driller.
For a horizontal loop install we do have a decent sized backyard at about 100 feet deep and 110 feet wide. The "installation Manual" should be of great help here.
I plan to make a fusion tool fashioned after your design and spend a good deal of time practicing until my joints are 100% solid.
Thanks again for this manifesto. It excites me that such leverage exists to be harnessed by all with a little education and effort.