What kind of heater to get?

[tridlette]

I am looking into buying a new (newer) house, 300 miles from here. It currently has electric heat, and I keep hearing that in New England, electric heat is too expensive.

So, doing some research and polling the audience. IF, I buy the house, can I change the heat source, and if so, what would I change it to?

I don't know off the top of my head if there is natural gas in that neighborhood. I am not against the idea of oil, as I grew up with it, and my sister has a BIL in town that owns an oil company in town, but that won't really get me a discount.

I never experienced propane, so I don't have any idea what it is like. We had solar hot water as a kid, and that was pretty cool (well actually it was VERY hot).

But, this electric thing has me a bit concerned. Of course, I haven't made the trek back through the snowy country to actually see the house yet, but looking on line, I am interested enough to send my sister out in the snow to check it for me.

Let me know what your thoughts/experiences are with various heat sources.

Thanks!

Laurie

[Tumbleweed]

It is in the wee hours of the morning so I'll make this quick. I know oil is out! It is expensive and you never know when it may go up because of what is happening overseas.

I have gas & I prefer gas, however, I think propane is really closly priced. All I know about propane is you have to make sure you don't run out and call the delivery truck to fill up your tank. LOL

I've heard pros and cons on heat pumps. My brother and brother-in-law both say forget it for my type climate. (Midwest and it gets cold!)

Personally, I'd stick with gas. It is a natural resource here in the U.S. and I don't think we'll run out of it any time soon. At least I hope not.

I do keep about 4 efficient electric heaters just in case gas ever goes sky high and of course I have my fireplace.

Wish I could be more help. Hopefully, someone else will chim in with their opinion.

Oh, and glad to see you popped in.

[Nigel]

Feb 17, 2008 4:30:53 GMT -6 Tumbleweed said:

Personally, I'd stick with gas.
I do keep about 4 efficient electric heaters just in case gas ever goes sky high and of course I have my fireplace.

Wish I could be more help. Hopefully, someone else will chime in with their opinion.

JJ thank you so much for asking me to 'chime in' . . . I to would go with gas also, for all the reasons JJ mentioned {especially for a stove}{and heating}.