A New York homeowner found an unexpected solution to keeping their 250-year-old house warm.

The entire 4,000-square-foot home was reportedly warmed by a compact 2-ton Mitsubishi Hyper Heat downstairs, even though the earlier upstairs installation had left the lower floor chilly.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, a homeowner living about 35 miles north of New York City described the smaller downstairs Mitsubishi as a later addition to a 4-ton heat pump upstairs. They initially installed the upstairs unit to move away from polluting fossil fuels.

The upstairs system had not yet switched on while the newly installed downstairs unit provided heat. Combined, the upgrades could limit exposure to unpredictable fuel prices and lower the original poster's bills.

All-new ductwork was part of the $20,000 Mitsubishi installation, according to the homeowner's follow-up reply. By contrast, the $10,000 upstairs installation reused both the existing air handler and ductwork.

For homeowners exploring a similar upgrade, Palmetto helps compare efficient HVAC and heat-pump solutions and connect with vetted installers through its Comfort Plan network, which also includes leasing options for those who don't want to pay for a system upfront.

More background

After a commenter questioned the wisdom of putting the initial heat pump upstairs, the original poster admitted they didn't have an answer for why.

Other visitors on the thread shared their own experiences with heat pumps and other heat sources.

Insulation and a vapor barrier were part of the renovations to one commenter's 1925 home. That 1,700-square-foot house uses a 3-ton Mitsubishi Hyper Heat.

Three years had passed without any apparent activation of the backup heat strips in another commenter's Canadian home, despite occasional outdoor temperatures of minus-22 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-30 degrees Celsius). Indoor temperatures remained steady even though insulation varied between floors.

What can be done?

The OP didn't have anything on their agenda.

They wrote: "I'll keep you posted but so far so excellent — oh and my power bills are very reasonable all year long compared to diesel oil heat! Happy camper."

For households weighing upfront costs for a similar situation, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0-down options and potential heating and cooling savings of up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance, helping homeowners plan for ongoing upkeep while managing energy expenses and exposure to higher energy prices.

In addition to upgrading their heating system, the commenter with the renovated 1925 house installed rooftop solar. Pairing solar with efficient electric HVAC can help households manage utility spending and become more self-reliant.

Homeowners considering that combination can use EasyHome's solar comparison shopping tool to view multiple installation offers and help make sure they get the best deal.

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners in cold climates have shared their experiences with heat-pump performance, backup heating, and costs. 

• In New York, contractors agreed to drop boiler backup without resizing a homeowner's heat pumps.

• In Maine, homeowners say cold-climate mini-splits handle subzero winters without help from backup heating.

• An Idaho homeowner's heat pump hasn't needed backup heat in two years.

• A New Hampshire homeowner switched from oil heating to heat pumps back in 2014.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.