Bright Ideas: If you’re cold, put on a sweater
By Jade Christensen
This year, our pockets will be pinched as gas and oil prices spike entering the colder season. This is a great time to start looking at short- and long-term alternatives for our traditional oil- and gas-based heating systems.
Short-term solution
Window Coverings. This is a great renter-friendly solution to reduce the amount of warm air escaping from your home. It’s a simple concept: cover your windows with a version of shrink wrap, and it creates an insulating air space in your home. You can find these kits at local hardware stores, including Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Want to learn more about an organization that installs these in homes? Read last year’s article “From Windows to Warmth: A Hands-On Way to Fight Climate Change”.
Long-term solutions
When we look at long-term solutions, we are looking at much more costly solutions. Here is a breakdown of some of the alternatives or supplemental heat sources:
Heat Pumps
Cost: The overall cost can range from $3,800 to $22,000, depending on the type and the number of units needed.
- Pros:
- Provide both heat and AC in homes
- More flexibility on room temperature
- Units produce little noise both inside and outside
- Lifespan is 15-20 years
- Pairs well with solar panels
- Cons:
- Their heating efficiency goes down in extreme cold temperatures (more common in the older units)Increase in electrical bills – while moving away from oil will decrease one bill, you will see a significant spike in your electrical bill
- You can still run into the issue that no power equals no heat
Notes: There are rebates for heat pumps, but they have strict qualifications, so do ample research before relying on them as a cost saver.
Fireplaces – Wood Burning
Cost: The fireplaces range from $1,000 – $7,000, with installs ranging from $2,000 – $10,000+.
- Pros:
- No dependence on gas lines or electricity
- Great ambiance to create a cozy corner for our cold, long winters
- Strong resale value
- Cons:
- Requires storage space for wood or bio bricks
- Produces smoke and releases particles that are harmful to those with asthma
- Needs yearly cleanings and may have high maintenance costs
Notes: These are great as a supplementary heat source for enclosed wood-burning stoves but can have high heat loss for open-faced fireplaces.
Fireplaces – Pellet
Costs: The fireplaces range from $1,500 – $4,000, with installs ranging from $3,000 – $10,000+.
- Pros:
- Highly efficient and can achieve 70-90% efficiency
- Burns cleaner than a traditional wood fire
- Pellets are created using recycled wood waste
- Cons:
- Some units require electricity to operate
- Relies on the pellets to run and can’t use alternative fuel sources
- Not as many options available
There are a variety of options, but these are some of the choices homeowners consider as they decide what will work best for their home, lifestyle, and location. If you are prone to power outages, a wood-burning fireplace may be a more practical choice. However, if you need more flexibility in your heating solutions, heat pumps might be a better option for you. Whichever way you lean, remember to research which solution best fits your situation and check out potential rebate opportunities.
Bright Ideas is brought to you by PCAT which meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6 to 7:30 pm. All are welcome! FMI: Portland-climateaction@gmail.com or visit Facebook@PortlandClimateActionTeam.
References
Morgan, Chelise, March 9, 2026. Types of Fireplaces: The Complete Guide to Gas, Wood, Electric, & More. Mantels Direct. https://www.mantelsdirect.com/blogs/buyers-guides/gas-wood-or-electric-fireplaces-which-type-is-right-for-you?srsltid=AU7gw4V3TL5vAhc1DMC2Qyb_1YL61_yKnXZsWflYJL2sv5g3_iEfe5PR
Moore, Eric. April 16, 2026. Maine HVAC Replacement Cost: 2026 Guide. HVAC Project Cost. https://hvacprojectcost.com/hvac-replacement-cost-maine/
Efficiency Maine. Heat Pumps. Efficiency Maine. https://www.efficiencymaine.com/heat-pumps/
