I guess you are from the USA? what miserable winter months you talking about? I live in the west again and we have winter now, Day time temperature is a bout 22-24 degrees yes night-time it goes down to about 10, so I don't go out at night-time. I don't have an aircon or heater in my place my electricity bill is half of what I paid in Thailand. Don't get me wrong I don't hate Thailand at all I have holidays twice a year in Thailand, but I live better in the west.