If you have access to natural gas then switching would be your best option. You could keep the present AC condenser since it is relatively new. The return on investment would be the shortest with getting a high efficiency gas furnace.

Using the well as part of a geothermal system is possible but a much bigger initial investment. Your electric rate would have to be low in order to compete with the current cost of natural gas.

If you already have a duct system in place, then I don't see the advantage of a mini split system.

thanks! I believe it's 2k to tap into the natural gas line.. are you still in favor of that?

If you switched to a 95%+ efficiency gas furnace your heating costs will be reduced by 50-65% depending on your gas rates. I would also recommend getting a stand alone gas hot water heater for additional savings.

You should be able to recover the $2000 in 3-5 years.

thanks mike! what type of contractor taps into the line which is approx 150 feet away from the house and how much does this usually cost?

I have never done this, but I recommend you look for a licensed plumber and get the required permits. The plumber will probably sub-contractor the trenching to an excavator to dig the required trench to your house. The cost will be determine how difficult it is to lay the pipe.

Now would be a good time to do this before the ground freezes.

What type of distribution system do you have for heating, forced air or hot water?

Normally itâÂÂs the gas utility company or one of their subcontractors that extends and installs the gas line and gas meter up to your building. Then a specialty contractor or perhaps a plumber connects a line from the meter to the gas furnace.

It should be of no consequence as to whether the ground is frozen or not.

In some areas there may not be any charge for the installation of the gas line as long as youâÂÂre not using a heat pump along with the gas furnace. There may even be a rebate from the gas utility for an Energy Star high efficiency furnace.

SR