[villagetinker]

We like our heat pump. Had a gas fired hydronic (baseboard hot water) system back up North that we really liked, with a heat pump as backup (boiler was OLD), and heat pump provided AC during the summer. Here the heat pump works very well. The new thermostats also work very well. We did have to get use to the "de-humidify" function, but have come to realize this is a very good feature.
Spring and fall we typically open the windows, so we just remember to turn off the heat pump.
Hope this helps.

PS, VERY IMPORTANT. If you are dead set on gas heat, look up the threads on CSST (corrugated stainless steel tube), and the problems with fires. As I understand it from these threads, this was a common construction technique in TV. Personally, I would consult with an expert and have the CSST replaced with black iron GAS pipe.

Hope this helps.