Today: Iraq

[kandrathe]

I have one of those modern wonder homes built in the late 60's... all electric! The worst offender is the baseboard electric heat. I've looked into conversion to something else, but it would be $5,000 minimum and most likely more. My preference would be baseboard hot water with a super efficient NG/Fuel Oil/Wood combination furnace. I've worked on making sure windows, doors and walls are very well insulated.

I am a father now and so inherit the curse of constantly wandering through my house to turn things off after my wife and children. I have only two acres, so wood burning is only for the infrequent fireplace entertainment and when the power goes out. Having small children means frequent use of the washer and dryer. Wood burning stove, nope not here. My wife loves to bake fresh bread, muffins, rolls, cookies and etc for our sons 2-3 times per week, so that might be a part of it. We don't have air conditioning, as the temperature here in the summer rarely climbs above 85F.

As for lightbulbs, I've replaced them all with flourescent ones where practical (they won't go on in the garage at < 20 degrees). My hot water heater is set to 120F and super insulated as well as all my HW pipes.