I'm buying a house that currently has electric heat. Electric baseboards on the main floor and basement, and a new heat pump (13 seer) ducted through the entire house. House is a 1.5 story with about 1400 SF above grade and 300 finished below. Located in Pennsylvania; we definitely have winters. Average lows are in the low 20s but we usually see at least a week or two in the teens or lower. In our current house we keep the indoor temperature around 66-68 during the day and 60 at night.
Natural gas conversion is available but the main is some distance from the house, so extending the line would cost "between $600 and $1500" per the gas company. Then there is the cost of switching to gas appliances, which could include the water heater, stove, dryer, and furnace. Less any proceeds from selling the existing appliances, but I'm not counting on much.
First question is to anyone who uses electric heating (either baseboards or heat pumps) in moderately cold climates like this one. How much should we expect to spend if we don't convert to gas? The house is vacant so we don't have that information from the current owner.
Next question is whether there are any other variables to consider in determining the point at which this is worth it financially. Although we have no immediate plans of leaving this place (or we wouldn't be buying) realistically we probably won't be here more than 10 years. I'm sure gas would be a selling point (some in the neighborhood have converted, some have not).
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!