After investigating many options for heating/cooling our New England basement remodel (two rooms, playroom and home theater - see MAyflower theater thread), I have decided on two mini-split heat pump systems, one for each room.

None of the 12+12kbtu dual zone mini-splits actually qualify as energy star rated and thus, no rebates available.

The best overall financial deal (also by far the most efficient) is two separate 12kBTU Fujitsu heat pump systems - 21 Seer, 10.5 HSPF.

Cost (from a great contractor I have used before) will be $6200 installed for the two systems; then I get $600 back from the electric co and $300 from the Fed Govt (tax credit) making the total $5300.

At the end of the day, we decided that quick comfort was the most important, and if we had to go downstairs and turn on the heat, wait and then return, it would impede our use (like electric baseboard).

With the highly efficient heat pump, we can set the timer to be comfortable from 4pm to 10pm and have a comfortable and energy efficient environment.
Much more than I wanted to spend, but likely worth it long term.

(we will still install electric baseboard just in case of really cold days - although perhaps we should bag these and worst case use a plug in heater - the heat pump operates down to 5F - rarely gets that cold when we would use the room).


db