On Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:36:31 -0800 (PST), Joe
wrote:

I work in an unheated basement all day and the temp ranges from 55-62
degrees. I've grown accustomed to the temp with an array of fleece
pants, jackets and socks. My children don't seem to be bothered by
cold temps. The problem is my wife, she cannot handle any temperature
lower than 66 degrees. I feel it's a little wasteful to turn up the
heat for the whole house (we have one-zone heat) when she is the only
one uncomfortable so I was considering an oil-filled heater to follow
her around. I'm just wondering if it's worth it or will it be a wash
cost-wise. Has anyone else tried this?

Just a suggestion. It actually works.

If appropriate re-locate the thermostat. Choose a location like the
drywall directly in front of the furnace flue pipe. The thermostat
will show a higher reading than the actual temperature of the house
because of the radiant heat behind the wall. You can set it at 72 and
no one will be the wiser. Who would ever turn a thermostat above 72?
They'll just thinks that there is something wrong with them.