Any suggestions or preferences? --69.243.xxx.xx

This is a LOCAL question, so you need to ask it of locals. Get 3 HVAC guys to tell you what they think. Look around and see who has converted from gas to a HP, ask em how they like it. --141.129.x.xx

I would go with gas for my home. Elec will cost more to run in the future as president TelePrompTer wants to do away with coal fired plants. A good co2 detector. Can be purchased for less than $40. Plus this is not a rental, and you will take care of the unit, and not abuse it like a tenant would --173.74.xx.xx

Air sourced heat pumps are not as efficient as a ground sourced heat pump as the extreme temperatures in the summer and winter degrade the performance. A ground sourced heat pump is very expensive to install but very economical to operate all year round. Generally ground sourced heat pumps are not used where natural gas is available as it always cheaper to install a high efficiency gas furnace or boiler. Now is the time to look at upgrading insulation and windows which will significantly lower the overall energy consumption along with less and tear on the heating equipment. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Geothermal. I have a totally electric home, 2,200 sq. ft. and my highest electric bill was under $150. --205.188.xxx.x

I'd check closely on difference between gas and electric rates . Here Electric is at least 33% higher than than Gas. --70.248.xxx.xxx

Agree with Rich (IN). I have geothermal and love it for heat and a/c. Can almost hang meat in the house in the summer. --71.49.xxx.xxx

There are clever venting systems recouping the heat or cold as needed. Spend 20 grand more, then save a few grand on the system and every year. --125.25.xx.xxx

If you are willing to spend the money, geothermal is the way to go. You can get a 30 percent rebate of the total cost, no cap. With any other system there is a $1500 cap. --74.222.xxx.xxx

I do live in an area where a heat pump is appropriate. I still prefer gas heat. Don't care what it costs to run the thing (although the cost is comparable now) - I just prefer to have HOT air blow out the vents when the heat kicks on. Heat pump blows air that doesn't feel hot, even though it certainly does warm the house; it just takes longer. --216.79.xx.xx

I'm sure that gas/heat pump hybrid systems exist, just be sure that you get an experienced installer, as the thermostat wiring is a little tricky. BTW, we're using a Trane system, and are coming up on 4 years with the only problem being that some tree branches dropped and we had to relocate our outside temp sensor, due to late afternoon sunlight throwing it off. --71.185.xxx.x

You can use either a Honeywell IAQ smartstat or an add on relay and outdoor thermostat to overcome the issues. I prefer this relay: www.theheatpumpmadeeasy.com --141.129.x.xx

I follow Wilma idea, it makes sense to use gas for e-heat, some places had the heat pump and can add the gas heat rather than run the meter like a frisbee. --66.72.xxx.xxx

Locally, elec and gas furnaces cost about the same to operate. --69.243.xxx.xx