***sigh*** Yes, we have a heat pump. Unfortunately they are REALLY common in Maryland. We have a rather good sized home - the furnace is for the lower levels and the heat pump is for the upstairs. Ours is not exactly energy efficient and we're waiting for it to die (it's not accomodating our request).

Heat pumps are fine in temperate climates. The issues with them include; the air blowing does not feel warm, they don't keep up with extreme temperatures, they freeze up. I would do a lot of research on heat pumps in your specific area before I put one in my home.