That seems like a really bad situation. So is there something wrong with your house that you didn't anticipate or are all of your neighbors with less insulation that much more screwed?
My neighbors are really screwed. Most have electric baseboard heat with minimum insulation. These houses were built in the early 70s when the push was on for 'Total Electric' houses. They got a break from the power company on their rates. They had timers on the water heaters so they would only come on at night. The power company gave them an even larger discount for this.
Then the 'oil crisis' of the late 70s early 80s. All the discounts went out the window.
My house is fine. It was built in 1985. I concentrated on buying the highest efficienty heat/ac unit I could. Heat pumps were relatively new at the time.
I have a propane water heater, stove and cloths dryer. Total utilities runs about $150.00 a month for gas and electric. (2100 Sq foot house)
When the temperature drops below 30F, we use a kerosene heater to suppliment the heat pump. I installed a room AC unit in our up stairs bed room to help in the summer. When I replaced the heat pump 3 years ago, I bought one that is 30% larger than the original. It's better.
But, heat pumps still SUCK.
If any of you ever build/install a forced air anything, insist on tin duct work. The "composition" duct work traps dust, dog and cat dander and is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Bozo :joker: