[fintstone]

For reference, I heat and cool 3 floors (about 6000 square feet) with and in summer, from around $200 to as much as $400 (in July and Aug if very hot). My system is about 7 years old and 14 Seer. I have good insulation but keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter than most folks. I would guess that your climate/temps are about the same as mine. I plan to replace those units with the same (except higher seer) when they die.

Personally, I prefer electric heat as it is safer, reduces carbon monoxide problems, propane or oil delivery...and generally allows more options for remote control. Similarly with hot water heaters. As long as your area provides electricity at a reasonable cost. I installed a buried propane tank to run gas logs in fire place in emergency (one for each floor) as well as my cooktop/gas grill. Those use very little...still have half a tank after 5 years.