Q&A: Electric heating fine as backup

Question: We live in Holden and heat with wood. Although we have a forced hot air furnace, we rarely use it. We don’t like the cost and it is on the same chimney as our wood stove, although the chimney is a good, tight one. My elderly mother is now living with us. Our two bedrooms get quite cold in the winter. What do you recommend to heat her room (about 10 X 10 max) that would be safe and economical? She spends time in it both during the day and at night. We also would like to supplement the heat in the living room. Thanks for your advice. – Katherine Robie

Answer: Not long ago electric heat was four times more expensive than oil heat. Now the ratio is about two-to-one. A 1,000-watt electric heater costs little to buy and will cost about 18 cents per hour to operate. An electric-heated throw (blanket) is great, only 115 watts. This throw over the shoulders and around the arms can be a great comfort in a cold room.

Answer provided by Dr. Richard Hill, retired professor of engineering at the University of Maine.