added 24x28 addition with 20x28 basement for my mother to live in. she is very cold natured and I'm looking for the best/most efficient/cheapest type of heat for her. There will be a woodstove in the basement as backup/assist heat. She may need oxygen in the future, so can't have anything with open flame in her upstairs living space. Got a quote of $4500 for an amana heat pump system which sent me into sticker shock. Don't know what to do. Main source of heat in the rest of the house is a wood stove with a ventless gas heater in the kitchen for back up. Tank of gas will usually last me 2-3 years, so you can see I'm not used to high heating bills. Cut my own wood.

There is no cheap heat anymore. Even wood cut yourself costs for the saw/spliter/truck to haul,etc. Overall the heat pump is your best bet since your mom will need A/C in the summer to cope with the heat and moisture since she has a breathing problem to start with. Also consider a good air filtration system for her.

This is your mother why would you worry about expense. You are spending money on the addition so do not cheat her on the HVAC. Remember she was the one who powedered your butt when you were very small and as you got older helped to teach you right from wrong. Do the right thing by her or you will not be happy with yourself when the day comes and she is gone.

If you are hard up for utility money let her pay for the electric for her share of usage out of her SSI check.

When are dealing with someone with breathing problems, yes, A/C will help as hvac has said.

If the addition can be zoned from the rest of the dwelling you could consider a PTAC for the addition. Other options are electric baseboard and some window units.

Post your utility costs including taxes and what options you have (oil, NG, propane, etc.) and we can give you some idea what will be least costly to operate. Also add what locale you are in to know how well something like an HP will work for you.

I also agree with the AC issue with breathing problems.

I would like to add that hydronic radiant floor heat would be an option for heating