I take issue with roskoe99.
Mini Splits with the Heat pump option can be an excellent heat source in shoulder seasons. He is correct about the resistance heat, it is not efficient and should not be used.
Take a week like this week (and next) you can heat the rooms they are in only during the hours you need heat. At temps above 45 degrees outside, they are very efficient for this, the electricity you use is less cost than natural gas or oil.
Also to be factored is your current furnace or boilers efficiency. But even if you have the most efficient boiler/furnace possible today, (around 95% efficiency) you are better using a heat pump at an outside temp of 35 or above.
At an outside temp lower than 35 degrees. that economic efficiency changes more in favor Oil or Natural Gas.
With normal NJ weather patterns it is conceivable and realistic to not use NG or Oil from until Mid December and then quit using mid to end of March. It is probably not possible to pay for the Mini Splits in a realistic time frame with the savings But you could be looking at a realistic 30% heating cost reduction (at times they are used) of your current fuel bill if you use them correctly. Of course YMMV.
The heat pump option on a Mini Split should not be too many $'s, the option itself should be paid for in less than the first heating season of use.
Should not be to hard to find a good contractor, they are not hard to install. Stick to the well know brands, there are cheaper ones from China being imported that may not be a good choice in the long run.
As time goes on, the technology will change so heat pumps become even more efficient meaning they can be used in even colder weather.

just looking for a room or two.

what are these other suggestions?
thanks

Hello. Could you provide more information, i.e., are you looking for a zoned solution for your entire home or just looking to cool a room or two? Regardless, any semi-competent HVAC contractor can install a mini-split. They are packaged units with an integral fan coil--pretty much as idiot-proof as you can get.

I know that you didn't ask, but have you investigated other heating/cooling options? Some have aesthetic objections to the fan coil and refrigerant loop, and there are a lot of really great products on the market now.

Also, mini-splits are not a heating solution. The heat pump will not work in colder weather, at which point they will produce heat only through electric resistance ($$$$$).

Anyone know of good contractors in JC area
that can install
Ductless, Mini-Split Air Conditioner/Heat Pumps

not a portable unit you stick a tube out the window

not all contractors are familiar with this type of HVAC
thanks