Gas to electric options

[CharlesL]

Just under 2 years ago my central HVAC died. I wanted to go with a heat pump because the only appliance in the whole house that used natural gas was\is the furnace, so I only use gas in the winter but get charged a "Delivery fee" every month even if I use zero gas. This fee has been increasing over the years. I can turn off the gas but there is a high charge to re-establishing service.

The salesmen talked me out of of a heat pump due to climate in central OH. (kicking myself now) So fast forward to now, we have a solar install in contract to supply enough energy to null my current electric bill. So now more than ever I regret not going with a heat pump. I have a heat pump water heater and I see the benefits in savings.

What cost effective options do I have for using\converting my current central HVAC to heat my home with electricity without just ----ing out the brand new gas furnace. If I could even just limit the months I need natural gas to the harsh months of winter and use electricity to heat the milder parts of the year, that would more than cover the re-connect fee.

I'd prefer to use the central system vs space heaters and adding electric heat strips would cost more than just keeping the gas turned on.