You can stuff a cheapo window unit in the wall and put in a space heater. But personally I'd go with a combo wall unit that is much better built and will last longer & work better. The link below is to GE, the small wall units with heat pumps are efficient & quiet. Here is a link that might be useful: GE J series

Tigerdunes, So you are saying you're familiar with the climate here--and you would be comfortable leaving out the LP? I have wondered about this myself, since the house we just sold (subdivision, mass-built) was heatpump only, with LP ventless logs in the LR. Our utility bills were very low. But now that we're building, everyone we ask is saying they wouldn't do it any way other than HP w/ furnace backup. I don't understand why, since our bills have always been low with elec. HP-only. I forgot to clarify--there is no Nat. Gas. It would be LP from our own tank. We are planning to have 1 set of vented LP logs in the LR. We actually used them quite often in the last house to supplement the heat, and take the chill off. They made a big difference in heating the house, but that one was 2-story and I think the heat was able to rise. Not sure if they'd have the same effect in a ranch. I will research the systems you mentioned, as well as some of the terms you used! It's like reading Chinese!! haha I will also use the fuel calculator-will take some research to find the numbers but it looks helpful. Thanks! Ryan, you are right about needing more quotes. Thank for getting me moving on that. I passed the plans along to one sub today who has 40 years' experience and works alone. Thanks again for all your help. I've been searching for threads on here regarding elec. HP only vs. gas backup, but can't find anything.

I would suggest an all hydronic system for low water temperature in-floor radiant and hydronic cooling coupled to a geothermal Liquid-to-Water heat pump with a gas boiler backup. This configuration would ensure maximum comfort, lowest operating & maintenance cost, and longest life cycle. It can also be easily backed up in heating mode with a modest gas powered generator. DonâÂÂt over look an HRV for IAQ and fresh air exchange! Do not under estimate the operational, maintenance and life cycle costs of your HVAC system. This configuration will ALWAYS ensure the lowest cost regardless of where the cost of energy goes, which we know will be significantly higher in 10-years - or less. Your home will be large; so will your heating and cooling costs. Hire mechanical contractors that are experienced with these technologies as they relate to energy efficiency and advanced controls. YouâÂÂll be glad you did. IMPO SR

I presume you have a hot water circulation system as opposed to forced air? If its a water setup then each and every radiator must be bled from time to time - there should be a little valve on each one to do that and its a $0 dollar job. If this guy charged you $500 you are being royally ripped off as he should have checked that as part of the original "installation". Even at $50 an hour thats 10 hrs and it should take a minute for each radiator....if your radiators are old the valve handles might have gone AWOL and you will need the appropriate little spanner or whatever... There has to be some sort of warranty on the new equipment and installation.......you should get your $500 back and threaten to complain to the Better Business Bureau (did you check the installer out before hiring I wonder?) As a comparison BTW I have the temp at 55 when out or at night and 68 when at home......maybe I am used to wearing sweaters as I come from the UK....