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It would be difficult to think of a heat source we haven't considered or tried for our very old home since the cost of heating has risen in the past few years. Here's a rundown on just a few of them:

A fuel oil furnace has been our primary heat source for 30 years. The current one is only the second furnace we've had since we moved here in 1977. Each year, it gets a good cleaning and overhaul so that it's ready to go when cold weather gets here. It used to be our main source of heat, but we now use it only sporadically to cut back on the expense of home heating oil.

We do have an electric hot water heater, but occasionally run the oil furnace to give the hot water a little boost. The cost of fuel oil is beyond belief this season. We used to get almost two winter fills for what we now pay for one.

Our fire place in the living room has an insert so that burning wood is more efficient. It's almost time for a new insert, since the lining in the current one is taking a beating. Our wood stove insert also has a fan that circulates the heat and makes the rooms downstairs more cozy. This is as much a cozy comfort as it is a source of heat.

A wood stove in the basement is an additional source of heat that is used only when it's very windy and extremely cold. Between the two wood stoves, we are using about three cords of wood in the winter.

The chimney gets a good cleaning so that all of the above sources of heat are safe, and so we're not breathing contaminated air or exposing ourselves to carbon monoxide poisoning or our home to other safety hazards.

Kerosene space heaters have come a long way since we used them as supplemental heat sources back in the 80s. We no longer use them, despite their improvements, because of the oily film they leave on every surface in the house. No matter how new or efficient they are, this residue cannot be helped. Kerosene is also a very expensive commodity.

Electric heaters in some rooms are supplemental sources that do come in handy and if new, are safe and practical. Newer models are more energy efficient and have thermostats and timers to control the amount of time they're running and the amount of money they cost to operate. I like these in the ceramic styles because they are safe, more economical, and a good source of clean heat. The tall tower styles are also efficient and produce a good source of heat without fumes of any sort.

In addition to these heat sources, we have added more insulation, a few more candles around the house, heavier draperies and thicker rugs on the floors, plus draft dodgers under doors and on window sills.

We do not use propane gas for heating due to the price of propane, but we do cook with it and open the oven door after baking or roasting to add some heat to the kitchen.

Also, wearing heavier sweaters, flannels, fleece loungewear, or basic sweats is fun and cozy for winter. While they are not heat sources in themselves, they do help make one feel warmer and more comfortable when the thermometer dips to wintry temperatures.

All the above have helped us curb the expense associated with heating our large old home, and each fall, we rethink our options to find the safest and most efficient ways of keeping ourselves comfortable, warm, and healthy.

Learn more about this author, G. Allendorfer Anderson, PhD.
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