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GregS[_3_]

In article , (GregS) wrote:
In article , "JonquilJan"
wrote:
wondering about heating this next winter. right now, I have forced air with
a propane furnace. Furnace new this past season. Very old house (pre 1850)
which has been insulated as much as possible (vertical very thick plank
walls - would have to build stud wall on the inside to put in more
insulation )

thinking of closing off more than I have already (2nd floor entirely closed
off) and using heavy drapes/curtain/blankets to enclose the living room and
adjacent bedroom - which would be the only rooms with open registers - other
than the bathroom - and supplementing with a kerosene heater (which I have
had for 25 years). But considering that the rooms would be closed/curtained
off - with reduced air flow - thinking also one of the oil filled electric
heater might be safer. If power goes (which it can) would open the curtains
and use the kero heater. Last winter I had the thermostat at 64. I am
disabled - 69 - and having increasing problems with mobility and keeping
warm.

Pay about $4000 a year for propane - heat and cooking only. Hot water
heater is electric - new at the same time as the furnace - and has only
raised my electric bill about $10 a month - so far. I expect propane will
be much, much more costly this next heating season.

Suggestions - ideas. I live in northern New York state.

JonquilJan

Learn something new every day
As long as you are learning, you are living
When you stop learning, you start dying

As far as heat loss, if you can't do it your self, hire someone that can give
your homes heat loss with thermal imaging and drafting, etc.

Insulating is something I basically constantly do, every year figuring out
what to do next. You didn't mention whats on the outside, wood, shingle,
siding, brick ?

Forgot to ask if you have a basement.

Yes, electric can be cheaper than kerosene by a mile.
I think the oil filled ones are safest. Fans and radiant heaters have more fire problems.

greg