Well, Nat gas is dirt cheap and a good economic choice today.
Of course in 10 years it may not be. Demand and supply will equalize.
You can’t beat coal.
BTW I’m a big fan of passive solar. Have even designed a HW heater I’ll put in in spring when I have the money and weather. People are crazy not to do the simple things to utilize passive.
Agreed. Solar is much better for heating than electricity. Drainback systems for hot water and floor heating with collectors and tanks can work very well in extremely cold, sunny areas if properly built, but mechanical code regulations require stealth installs with quick disconnects for homebuilt collectors (superior to overly costly commercial collectors) and heat exchangers.
Rocket stove mass heaters are also much less costly than forced air furnaces and $20,000 masonry heaters, but the coming EPA regulations pushed by global corporates and local governments will also require those to be stealth installs (very low heat and smoke emissions). But that’s okay. Solar-radiant heating systems and especially rocket mass heaters are great for stealth installs.
[Homebuilt mass heaters and solar-radiant drainback systems are not suitable for people with mortgages, because such systems may prevent homeowners from buying insurance. Those systems are best for small, efficient houses built by do-it-yourself-ers who can quickly and easily rebuild.]
Agreed on passive, though. It’s the best and should take priority for a homeowner over active systems. Thanks for bringing that up.