Thanks for the advise so far. There are 6 other houses somewhat nearby. The Electric company said that if all houses signed on the run would extend 8000ft and it would be $6800/hookup. Now my main concern is that "Winter is Coming" so they couldn't get to the construction phase until after March 31st. The Builder has already put in the forced air furnace and the water heater ordered is for propane. So it looks like we have to go propane at least for this winter. Electricity is regulated here at .14/kwh. So maybe change to an electric water heater? Our problem now is that the local propane company is Amerigas and I have read nothing but bad things about them. There is a Propane Coop just down the road but their sales department has yet to return my call even after I have called twice in two weeks. The house is a ranch style ~1400sqft finished with an unfinished walkout basement. It has 2x6 walls with, I believe, R19 fiberglass insulation and double hung two pane low e argon filled windows. Natural gas at the rental just 2 miles away is .65/therm and propane is normally between $2.30/gallon and $5/gallon depending on polar vortexes. Please let me know your thoughts. Can we heat this house in Southern Wisconsin with a candle? Thanks!

You didnâÂÂt mention what you electrical rate is per kWh. You did mention some pretty magic words, âÂÂI will need a wellâÂÂ. Since youâÂÂll be drilling a well anyways, that opens the possibility of exploring an open loop geothermal heat pump system. Driller just has to make sure the well drilled can pump enough water for both domestic water supply AND geothermal. The well should be deep enough that if the water table drops due to drought or neighbors on the same aquifer that youâÂÂre deep enough to not run dry. The other issue is responsible discharge of âÂÂleaving loop waterâÂÂ. The best way would be back into the same aquifer at about 80 to 100 feet horizontally apart. The only âÂÂmodificationâ to the water is a change in water temperature of just a few degrees up or down depending on whether youâÂÂre heating or air-conditioning. ThatâÂÂs it - no other changes to water quality - so it can go back into the same aquifer! Open loop does require more maintenance than closed loop. Water quality would have to be tested for suitability but this sounds like it might be a relatively shallow well that would keep pumping cost low. Open loop also represents the possibility for the highest theoretical geothermal heat pump efficiencies (COP) possible. I would suggest separating all the HVAC, geothermal and well drilling from the general contract if you feel youâÂÂre up to the task. Hire properly accredited companies. I would also suggest that if you do go the geothermal route that you add to the contract a âÂÂCancellation DateâÂÂ, particularly with the drilling and ground loops. The last thing you want to hear after signing and waiting for a driller to appear is that, âÂÂThis is my busy season, IâÂÂll get to you as soon as I canâÂÂ! You could also consider natural gas for the geothermal backup, particularly if youâÂÂd be using it for other applications as well. It would however add additional installation costs, such as, gas line and venting but should be discussed and explored. IMO SR Here is a link that might be useful: International Ground Source Heat Pump Association at Oklahoma State University

The only reason I didn't go with a masonry fireplace with a gas log set and instead went with my last choice of a vented gas fireplace was one of cost. Here in SW FL, I couldn't justify the added expense of adding a masonry fireplace which would have been double what the vented fireplace cost was. If I was in an area that had an actual winter season, I would have done so.

You will have to re-stucco the house with new construction windows.