Gene & GWPotter,
We get 2-5 days below 20 degrees. I had researched heat pumps a bit, but have not really sunk my teeth into it. On the surface, it did not seem like the best direction.
So, I am of the mind to replace the forced air gas furnace with the same. The thought process behind downsizing to 100 is that, coupled with modulating gas valves and blower speed, the furnace does not go through start-ups and shut-downs as frequently. The other reason for downsizing is our house size is rated for something between 80-100.
The companies suggest furnaces last 15-20 yrs. It is usually the blowers that fails. Ours is at 19. While I certainly don’t want it to fail at the worst possible time, I dislike the idea of replacing something with 30-35% life left.
Since a new furnace won’t gain alot of efficiency, maybe the smart move is to replace a blower (~$800) to get another 15 years is better than installing a new furnace for $8500?
Luckily, this is something I can ponder.
PW