In 2017 we installed a very efficient air-source heat pump and solar panels. My electrical utility offers 1:1 buyback of electricity so I am able to build up a credit in the summer and run the heat pump well into the fall and winter on that surplus. The system is sized for cooling the house which means that it is undersized for heating, but during cool fall and spring temperatures it operates satisfactorily as a heat source.
Our fallback is the pre-existing gas boiler which is much simpler, more reliable and able to be powered by a small generator during our all-too-frequent power outages.
If I am still in this home when the current heat pump fails I will seriously consider a ground-source system instead. The ability to operate during an extended power outage is a significant concern and I expect to always retain the gas boiler as a backup.
Our fallback is the pre-existing gas boiler which is much simpler, more reliable and able to be powered by a small generator during our all-too-frequent power outages.
If I am still in this home when the current heat pump fails I will seriously consider a ground-source system instead. The ability to operate during an extended power outage is a significant concern and I expect to always retain the gas boiler as a backup.