Best energy heating source?

After receiving a stupid electric bill would like to hear from others as to what source of heat works best and will keep crazy bills down. I have a heat pump and other electric and propane sources but can't seem to find the one thing that really makes a difference. Would be happy to get your input!

Hummmm just what I thought there aren't any LOL.

A well-insulated house and wall-to-wall carpeting? I have neither, it gets chilly! My house is insulated ok, but when they replaced the roof the insulation didn't get replaced and there's a gap.

I would love to see one of those infrared pictures of my house that shows heat loss! What do you keep your thermostat at, Flowers?

I keep it on 65 Smiley, and its darn cold at that. Think my biggest problem was running electric heaters in bedroom, and computer room.. House is not insulated well, think I'm gonna run out and buy another kerosene heater tomorrow, it at least keeps an even heat and will heat the whole house.

Those little portable heaters do eat electricity.... I'd keep only one on at a time, and keep an eye on it....

Especially kerosene heaters. Unsupervised, just think of the fire that could start.. I shudder at the thought... ewww...

Angel, they are really safe if operating properly and if they aren't then you know it by smell. We have used them for years with no problems. I feel safer using one of those than I do any electric heater as the cords can get hot and short out. Just need to make sure to have ventilation and keep a dehumidifier going as they dry out the air.The main problem people have with them is they may put gas instead of kerosene in them and not replace the wick each year. Gas will blow them to kingdom come.

If you're wondering why your power bill is so high, those space heaters are probably the cause.... at least the electric space heaters...

I've seen videos on small room heaters catching fire... And it ain't pretty.

Wood burning stoves are helpful but not that great for clean air. I think insulated curtains are a good idea and draft stopper "snakes" on drafty doors, windows.

I haven't used the heat pump since last bill and unplugged electric heaters. I got the wick right on kerosene heater and am using gas logs during the day. Hopefully will save some money on next bill, will let ya know

Has anyone tried the new corn burning stoves? I've heard good things about them. Then again, you have to buy the corn. My all time favorite is wood heat. It's not a clean heat but nothing feels warmer to me

I love the wood stove heat, too. I wonder if pellet stoves are cleaner? I don't know anyone who has tried the corn yet.

I've heard pellet stoves are alot cleaner, and that you don't have to have the triple wall pipes. Don't know first hand though.
My "dream" is to build an earth contact home, and that alone would cut way down on heating and air conditioning expenses. Nothing insulates like the earth itself. Working towards it, but everything is so expensive.

Cathy, "if I had it all to do over again" or if at some point we manage to get some land to build on, I would want a house built partly in to the ground. As it is, we are trying to do the best we can with limited skill and resources. Probably we are not the only ones in that boat! Meanwhile, stay warm!

I think alot of us are in that same boat! LOL.

It's not too bad weatherwise here right now. (supposed to get colder again the first of next week though) We had almost a month of snow on the ground and not getting above freezing at all. The poor furnace ran non-stop! I dread getting that electric bill!! Though mine will be alot better than most. I like in a duplex right now and it's insulated really well. Elec heat and air and the average bill is a little over $100. I figure it will be a bit more this month!!

Can't swear to it but this should be a link to the heating and cooling thread that talks about pellet stoves and lots of other sources. If its not then got to log in and find it, because I have difficulty in getting the right links transfered for some reason lol Yep thats it, just clicked on preview and checked. Yeaaaaa!

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/hvac/all/

Well hang on to your socks and sit down when ya open it Cat, a bit to the electric company means A LOT!!! lol