Hydronic, forced-air fast, forced-air slow, will not change the RH of the air unless other variables are changed. Temp and moisture in the air are all that matters. Unbalanced forced air can draw in more outside air through leaks in the duct work and building envelope.

If you want higher humidity, make sure your ducts and house are as well-sealed as possible and install a humidifier.

a 2-stage gas furnace will operate most of the time on the lower stage which will put out less heat and it won't be as dry. It really should have a humidifier on the furnace.

If you want also upgrade your A/C unit and replace with a heatpump. It can do most of the heating. You'll find this heat to be cool and it won't dry out the house much at all.

Having a 'dual-fuel' system with both gas and heat-pump gives flexibility in case either of the energy sources spike. They also will be very efficient. Heatpumps are very efficient these days and do a good job down to lower temperatures than before. The natural-gas heat is good for really cold days when you need 'industrial' strong heat.

One of the contractors that came did mention a heat pump but, I thought they aren't good for colder climates? We live in NJ and the winter can get below 30 quite a bit. What happens if it doesn't work because it's too cold?

We are going to update our AC and hot water heater too. Also, this company is going to do air sealing. The guy explained to us that we need to do that to be more efficient and keep moisture in.

I will call him and ask about the heat pump though. I'll also have to do more research.

"What happens if it doesn't work because it's too cold?"

That is why you use a 'dual fuel' setup.

When the heat pump cannot keep you warm enough, on comes the gas unit.

"a 2-stage gas furnace will operate most of the time on the lower stage which will put out less heat and it won't be as dry."

"You'll find this heat to be cool and it won't dry out the house much at all."

Though I agree with your other statements, I don't understand these two. Maybe you can explain where I have gone wrong. Feel free to go into detailed physical principles. I have the background to understand it. When people write about "dry" and humid they are usually referring to relative humidity. That depends on absolute temperature and absolute humidity. In my world that would mean that if the room temp is 70 degrees, all other things being equal, the humidity would be the same no matter if a two-stage furnace, one stage furnace, heat pump or boiler got the temperature there.

My Bryant dealer said they are giving away humidifier's with the purchase of a new HVAC system. You might contact them. a humidifier makes sense for the dry winter months with forced air. it will feel warmer so you can actually turn your thermostat down and might save you some money in the long run as well as stopping the nose bleeds.

They aren't too much money additional. I've never had one before. Always found other ways (separate humidifier) to add moisture to the air. But am having one installed on my new HVAC that I am shopping for.