I really do. It’s the smell of Christmas, of comfort, of family, of adventures in old college dorms, of cozy sweaters, of cups of tea… However in the current climate, (ahem) it has become the smell of war, of environmental decay, of empty bank accounts.
My body is having difficulty recognizing this change. On mornings when my radiator wakes me up with a gentle hiss and clang, and that warm, half-burnt smell wafts through my room, I wake up in a GOOD MOOD.
Nonetheless: “Use less oil heat” is a major goal for me this winter. My roommate is already covering our windows with plastic sheeting – a plastic purchase I have decided I am all good with – and I’m mulling over how low the thermostat can reasonably go during a New England winter.
Cuz here’s the thing: I am COLD most of the time. I wear a down vest around my house. I wear hats to bed. If it is below 66 degrees my brain turns off. During the winter I crave a steady stream of hot tea and hot showers. Under wildly different circumstance, I would have no problem cranking the thermostat to 75 degrees all winter.
Which brings me to my question – what do ya’ll think of electric space heaters? In terms of energy consumption, more/less efficient than radiator heat? More/less cost effective? Because in addition to reducing oil heat, I am paying attention to my electricity drainage.
If I got a space heater for my room, or to put at my feet while watching TV or cooking or whatever, would I just be swapping one problem for another, or making a smart environmental and financial choice? Suggestions appreciated!
