[PaulHoule]

Yep. The real selling points of heat pumps is comfort, since they can go from aircon to heat and back seamlessly. Where I live geothermal heat pumps are the practical option, but south of Pennsylvania the air source heat pumps are a great option.

[brudgers]

To me, they are a no brainer in the Florida peninsula. Above that, I'd start to consider a furnace and an air conditioner as an alternative for better heating aesthetics (quieter and warmer air at the register). Also, sizing the AC properly to prevent short cycling, means a heat pump will not heat as quickly a furnace. With a furnace, short cycling is not an issue.