LennynSquiggy, if you go ahead and spend the money and run the electric, or gas, which ever you choose, you will be glad you did it for years to come. It only hurts the first year, shelling out the money. But after that, you will have a place to enjoy, from then on.
I bit the bullet about 5 years ago, and put in a used top draft natural gas furnace in my shop, and I wish I had done it, along time before that. I used to heat it with wood, which I still burn some, occasionally, but it is a lot dustier.
I can't stay in the house, it drives me crazy, but I can spend my whole day out in the building, and enjoy every minute of it. I fixed it up, much like my house, with TV, and a recliner, and most of the comforts of home. I consider it money well spent. You won't be sorry, any thing you do to make it yours. The winters are very long without a place to unwind.
Hope this helps you with your decision. Just my 2 cents.