Servicetech,
There will come a day that natural gas prices will rise to their previously heavenly levels. The major oil companies are "fracking" up the planet in search of whatever cheap energy they can find. The current low cost of natural gas carries an enormous environmental cost, which not all of us bear, yet. Sooner or later, they will have to change their model. Cuz nothing lasts forever (except a dollar).
Also bear in mind that lots of ecorenovators are generating their own heat and/or power. The payback on the investment does not always compare to the current market value of x.
Point in case: Pinballlooking has installed 10kW+ of solar PV and signed up for net metering. The power company in his area will only let him carry forward a discount for his generated power, to be used against his consumption. As a result, he's installing heat pumps and electric water heating to consume his generated power. He also drives an electric car, which gets charged at home with solar power. End result: no electric bill, no natural gas bill, highly reduced fuel costs, increased home equity.
Worth it or not? Doesn't matter, it's not your house.
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