Switching from oil to gas

NStar says it has six times as many customers asking how they can switch from heating their homes from oil to natural gas.

No wonder. The state says an average home cost 50 percent more to heat last winter with oil than with gas, although this winter's prices are uncertain and the upfront cost of coverting runs from $5,000 to $10,000.

These facts are from "Oil Change,'' Erin Ailworth's story in today's Boston Globe (click here to see the full story).

Have you switched? Are you considering doing so? Do you have other energy-saving ideas for this winter, which promises to be very expensive. Let us know in our comments section below.

To stoke your thinking, here are 14 home heating alternatives.