[plinyelder]

This is the home that I am trying to heat.

[Grizzled Bear]

Beautiful house!

I like the fact that the door does not have a window; I assume you have a “peek-hole.” If not, you need to install one.

I'm concerned about the security of the ground floor windows. You may mitigate risk by installing decorative bronze bars with sharpened grape leaves. If a potential intruder attempts to enter they may be later identified by dna gleaned from their blood.

You should remove trees within twenty feet of the house. This is not only a security issue; the root systems can play havoc with your plumbing, especially if you have a septic tank.

You also need a moat. No reason except having a moat is pretty darn cool.

My talents run more towards security than HVAC...

[WVNan]

Beautiful. Looks like Lynchburg and that makes me sort of homesick for that one of many "hometowns". The plastic over the windows would be a big help. If possible to shut off upstairs. Agree that the heat pump will be the most efficient, but you need to do all you can to keep the cold out. Weatherstripping, etc. It usually does not get that bitter cold in VA. Once in awhile you will get a big snow dump. I recall one 3 ft. snow.

I pray that you will soon get a job. Take anything you can get for now and it will lead you to something else. God bless and prosper you.