Topic Founder & Author: Dennis C. McCreery. First of all, outer burial containers and burial vaults are not required by state or federal law. They are required by most cemetery rules and regulations. Cemeteries want a casket placed in an outer burial container or burial vault to prevent the ground from sinking in above the casket.
A heat pump will replace both the furnace and air conditioner/central air unit. It may be costly to install, with the national average falling between $3,956 and $6,702, but it will save you considerable money in energy costs.
When compared to the costs of a gas furnace, heat pumps usually run $1,000 to $2,000 more. They are typically $1,000 more costly than a central air conditioner, but only $200 to $300 more than a ductless air conditioning system.