Get the book, it's awesome:

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Art-Steam-Heating/dp/0996477241/...

I had oil fired steam heat (live around Boston). Back when heating oil hit $5 / gallon, I got rid of it. It was costing me $3800 / year, but the efficient gas furnace that replaced it costs $700 / year. I'm sure this will only last as long as the fracking boom, but it definitely already paid for the installation.

So now my most expensive utility is water ($1700 / year).

As an owner of an older home I find the evolution of central heating to be fascinating. I highly recommend this book:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Art-Steam-Heating/dp/09743960...