This is my strategy for hand tools needed in the middle of a project. I inherited my grandfathers old toolbox but not many of the tools.

Easy Home Handles - White and Black when searched on Aldi website

Aldi regularly has some really nice laundry baskets for 9.99. We have 4 that I think will last a long time. Not always available but at least twice a year I see them. The current ones have a movable divider included.

Look for Wolverine boots and try to grab 2 pairs on sale. Wearing them every other day will allow the inside to dry and vastly extend the life of the boots. A good coat of waterproofing and sealer as well as regularly cleaning the boots is the best bet for longevity.

Working in masonry a cheaper boot and a very nice insole is probably the better way to go. Some jobs do t allow for things to last…

For your area heat pump for sure, should be some really great incentives also. Additionally, most units are mostly the same, universal parts in a proprietary box, a few differences but nothing crazy. The best way to get a long life out of the unit is to keep it clean and serviced regularly. On the furnace/air handler side use a really good filter, not only for indoor air quality but because dust in the system causes it to wear out faster.Aprilaire would be an industry leader there.