Heat pumps are air conditioners that run in reverse to generate heat. You can expect them to heat at the same cost as they cool. Gas heat and hot water has always been cheaper as far as I know.
Is there a calculator that would help me decide whether it would be better to substitute electric space heaters (on timers) for the 40-year-old oil burner in this ancient drafty house I just rented?
I have nightmares of dollar bills going up in smoke every time I hear the old dragon fire up in the crawlspace.
(Yes, I will be blowing insulation into the attic, blocking the chimney, and shrink-wrapping the windows)