What heat Source would you use if you did not have gas lines in Northeast Ohio. Two-story house older, 1400 square foot. Looking for most efficient fuel source in an area that does get Sub-Zero temps from time to time.

Also it currently has a furnace however the condition of the Furnace is not great. .

I mentioned that because I'm also factoring in resale ability down the road and want to make sure I don't hinder any possible financing options with my choice. It's not necessarily obvious that the current furnace is not the best, but it was basically said would not have a long life span if it does function now.

Electric. It's maintenance free and the tenants have to be borderline good to get power in their names. The old ones who owe the power company money won't rent.

If no gas lines, do they have propane?

We didn't have natural gas here until the late 1990s, but had lots of propane. Hassle, but still works.

Current furnace uses wood and oil. And this is a home I am considering moving into. I’ve heard electric is incredibly costly over gas. I was considering even pellet stove for heat

Furnace was inspected. Could not say definitely that it was not safe to use. Our utilities were not on at the time of inspection. However it is believed that if there was any use out of it it will be minimal. The notion of putting wood into a furnace to heat the house does not sound fun to me.

How hot does it get in the summer? If there is any use at all for air conditioning, I'd install a heat pump.

Both propane and oil have large amounts due at delivery and you might need a high priced delivery in the middle of the winter. I don't think either oil or propane is cheaper than a heat pump.

I would suggest you check the state and local websites as well as the utility providers and HVAC providers for rebates that might be available. That might make a difference in what you chose.

In my area, anything run on electric gets expensive. I prefer natural gas when it is available, if not, I like propane or oil as a primary source. If you do either, I suggests a big tank that you can fill once in the off season, and have it get you through most of the winter. Propane burns very clean, you can direct vent that out the wall and not worry about a chimney. Since it burns so clean you don't need it serviced every year like oil. If there is a chance of natural gas coming, propane is easy to convert.

A backup source of wood or pellet is nice, not sure I would rely on that if you were to go away for a few days. Pellet allows you to hopper up a stock of fuel and not have to load wood as often. You could just put one in a room that you want to have warmer. Both have issues with smoke blow back in the wind. As a backup, it probably has a better resale than a primary.

Resale would depend on what is standard in your area too. Are you planning in central air? That is where a heat pump might be more useful, but again electric. Not only is the cost and availability of fuel and issue, but the initial cost of the system should be taking into account. The other thing to think about is the market you might be selling to. If it is high end, most people want to just set the thermostat, not bother with wood or pellet. Lower end might want the savings of having that wood or pellet.

set up an account at local plumbing / heating wholesale company. You can buy 95% efficient propane unit for under $1000. You will need a new plenum probably another $150. Hire heating guy to install - less that a days work with removal of old unit.

Look to getting an inground 1000 lbs tank installed.

It least getting a 300 lbs tank instead of 2 100 lbs tanks

Jen,

Prices vary greatly by area. In central Indiana gas is cheapest, then elec, the propane is highest and least convenient.

I suggest you investigate geothermal with elec.

And remember HVAC techs work on commission with phrases like “We’re nor sure this furnace will make it thru the winter. A new one is only $——- “

I always calculate the cost of new equipment against the cost savings of the new item to find a nreak even time. At my home with a less efficient furnace, I save money by keeping it, NOT spending more to save some.