HVAC heating efficiency from ceiling mounted registers. Replacing oil fired baseboard heat – GreenBuildingAdvisor

The house we moved into last year had a dual zone AC only system with ceiling mounted registers. For heat and domestic hot water there’s an old oil fired furnace that supplies the baseboard heaters.

I replaced the AC only system with high efficiency, variable speed HVAC units. I’d like to replace the furnace with a propane tank water heater for domestic hot water and use the HVAC for heat in the winter.

My wife is concerned that it will be uncomfortably cold in the in winter since all the registers are in the ceiling.  I know that using a combination boiler would be the ideal replacement but upfront cost is a major issue.

What are your thoughts on relying on the HVAC to keep the house comfortably warm in the winter. One story ranch style, approx. 2000 sq feet, climate zone 4A.

Thank you!

Lloyd