TheMrGUnit t1_j5jenj7 wrote on January 23, 2023 at 12:53 PM

For pure bang for your buck, you can't beat a wood stove, and one step off that is a wood pellet stove, which is far easier to deal with.

Heat pumps are able to serve as a primary heat source, but you're going to pay a premium for the "ultra-low temp" models. If you're able to keep your oil as a backup, the standard "cold temp" models will keep up as long as the temps are above zero, and will save you a serious amount of cash on the initial investment.

mcot2222 t1_j5kd58u wrote on January 23, 2023 at 5:04 PM

And at below freezing low temps they could be more costly than oil. Our electric prices are around 30 cents in New England. My big 48k btu heat pump with 5 heads used between 1,500 to 2,000 kWh in December.

TheMrGUnit t1_j5mnqia wrote on January 24, 2023 at 2:06 AM

Cold-weather heat pumps retain their efficiency advantage until single digits. Mine will keep the house warm until about -4.

Also, CMP is offering programs to heat pump owners and high consumers to reduce costs. Anyone considering a heat pump should check these out to see if you can save some money.