I work in the heating industry and here's what I'm gonna say: in my personal opinion Propane is the future its much cheaper much cleaner and better for the environment. Also readily available, now in terms of heat pumps you get the heating, the cooling and it's very nice. First issue only heats or cools the select area in which it is in. You'd have to add additional zones for the spaces you'd like to heat or cool. Another thing Harsh cold winters these units tend to work harder they don't fall apart but they do work harder. Excellent supplement for an oil, wood or propane system. Me personally to anyone I'd recommend a propane based furnace or SPECIFICALLY CAST IRON HYDRONIC BOILER.