Heating options for an old home

Hi,

I own a 1500 sqft split-level home. It has what resembles an old air on the first floor, which no longer is used for that purpose (if it ever was). The first level has a connected garage on its west-facing side (which could be used for furnace install or whatnot). Both levels use a combination of wall-mounted electrical heating units (the ones with little fans inside them) and baseboard heater (in one room). I have a wood-burning fireplaces in each floor (2 flues) which are operational and recently maintained.

I have seen other homes in the neighborhood with the same structural plan and they have all sorts of heating setups. Our local energy provider said they would install natural gas to the house for free if we install a gas furnace within the next 12 months. I recently saw a house with a gas furnace just covering the first floor and electrical heating on the top floor, never thought of that.

Need expert opinions on cost-effective heating options (cooling is optional, hardly too hot in summer). Would furnace on first floor be a good idea? How would I know if the previous structure is actually an HVAC vent? Any other suggestions?

submitted by /u/enavr0
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