The Cost of Heating Oil...

[Karen]

The new roof and moreso the insulation will likely help a lot, I know it did when my parents' house was done years ago. Getting rid of drafts under doors, etc. would also help, especially as you've got "floor-level traffic" afoot! I wonder what the cost difference would be with plastic over the windows or not - as the winter sun does help heat the place ... during the day, anyway!

[shepgirl]

I thought our bills were high, compared to everybody else we're getting away cheap.We have natural gas and one of those high efficiency wood burning fireplaces. Our whole winter bills for heating and hot water which is also gas is under $2,000. Our electric is about the same thing for the year since we run a/c daily in summer. Our wood of course is free, so that helps. Our house is about 1700 sq ft. two levels and the door is always open in winter for the dogs and people coming in and out on a pretty steady basis.
Our winters are mostly in the -40 range and last about 7 mos. Guess I will count my blessings.

[barncat]

It gets harder every year. I set the thermostat to 40 F, dress warmly and use space heaters. The birds get two heat lamps and an electric blanket at night and on extra cold days. (Belladonna has discovered how to nap ontop of the cockatoo's cage.) We manage. The cats and dog develop lovely coats. It doesn't do my artheritis much good though. Last winter was rough. This year I will probably shut off most of the rooms and the guys and I will make do with a smaller space. Hopefully the guys will get along well enough for this to work. Added body heat might help with that! Wisconsin gets cold!