[xunn0026]

Last I checked a heat pump is considerably more expensive than an air conditioner. And a regular air conditioner can probably only heat when the outside is not freezing.

I would actually want to get a heat pump but it's basically prohibitive. Would be nice to replace them with a "cheaper" air conditioner unit.

[zionic]

The cost increase is marginal, but the benefits are enormous.

Modern heat pumps work well down to -20F. If it’s that cold I don’t want to live there.

[xunn0026]

Hm, doesn't look marginal to me. A heat pump is like 5X-10x more costly and requires quite specialist install. An air conditioning unit is pretty easy to install by normal technicians.