[Smokin' Joe]

The central heat (forced air) was added as an afterthought in the 60s during a major remodel (before I bought the place). It still works, and in this climate (North Dakota) beats heating with wood. I have done that in the winter here (one of the worst in the last 50 years--static air temps to -60F), and that just wasn't any fun at all.

It wouldn't be so bad in a warmer climate.

[MagnoliaB]

I live in a warmer climate (central NC) and got the last room gutted and insulated and new windows before last winter came. Last winter here wasn't all that cold but even with this winter, that has been the harshest in 20 years, I usually can't build a very big fire or I have to open doors to cool things off. Had to buy an Edenpure heater to use to knock the chill off, when necessary, because I can't seem to build a fire small enough without feeling cooked. Have bought two cords of wood this winter @ $60. ea and one trailer (cord) of blocks from a pallet place @ $20. Already have jonquils pushing up so likely two more cords will probably do it at most.