in NY... have a 100+ year old house. They use a wood burning stove exclusively during the cold months. He is 77 and chops his own wood from various places in town...he works on a bartering system. If someone needs something...etc. The time is coming where he will not be able to do this much longer and I worry about him. I use a gas log in my fireplace and that is sufficient in my neck of the woods. I keep the thermostat at 68.

My cousin uses a pellet stove....she lives in NY....and a 100+ year old house.

I have also put pots of water on the stove and set them to warm....all day. It puts humidity in the air, and makes it quite warm and comfortable.

Good Question TB. Being from the south...I had never put much thought to heating...but as I grow older my concern rises for my extended family and friends.