We just signed a contract to build a new house. It will be about 2700 sq ft, all single level with the exception of the bonus room over the garage. This room will also have attic access where the heat pump will be located. The house will be just north of Richmond, VA. It's in a growing subdivision, currently about 60 homes, but it will eventually grow to about 300. It's about 3 miles to the nearest town, but it feels quite remote. Natural gas is not available. One of the options our homebuilder has offered us is a propane backup to the electric heat pump. This serves two purposes in my mind. 1. Provides backup heat instead of electric resistance heat when it gets really cold. This will be a hotter heat than a stand-alone electric heat pump can provide, hence making the house more comfortable. 2. Power-out back up heat: My fear is that if the power goes out during a big snowstorm, we could be without electricity for several days or a week given the remote setting. Additionally, they offer another option to wire in a generator subpanel while the electrician is there. Again, a good idea and a requirement if the propane is our emergency backup heat. I've never owned a house with anything other than electric heat. I know I'll have to have a propane tank outside with a line running up to the attic area. What else do I need to know?

I need something solid and simple, something to last something that would cost around 1500$ or a little bit more. I have not done any market research yet so excuse me if I am not being realistic here. If you know about a decent and unbiased buyer guide please post a link to it Also if there is any tool for comparing furnaces side by side that would be fantastic. ( I am hopping that this site exists)