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It is frustrating to think of installing a new system that relies on fossil fuels. Additionally, we are aware that the ideal first step to a healthy heating/cooling/ventilation environment is to secure the building envelope. Our envelope would require insulation in all the walls and roof and all new windows. Renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal require major up-front investment, paying for themselves over time. We do not necessarily have the budget for any of those options, and may not own the home long enough to experience the payoff. As for upgrading the envelope, replacing the windows would be very costly and it makes more sense to insulate in conjunction with remodeling which touches the footprint (thereby touching the exterior walls.) Same goes for insulating the roof; it makes sense to do it when putting on a new roof or a second floor. Our current vision questions whether we will be the ones to take the home on that journey. So, each improvement decision we make factors in that questioning. As July approaches August (our target month for having a new heating system in place) and we research gas boilers, plumbing services, pellet stoves, and more, we have as many questions (if not more) as answers.