This is a great thread!
Could see this as a permanent, so long as done safe. Almost wish had known about two years ago, as has an electric unit go bad (still in the back garden if anyone in Arizona wants it). But, I love my hybrid gas water heater, and even with the dishwasher and the washing machine going, never ran out of hot water for a shower. Because the space is very limited in the garage, nice to have the water heater take up less space, especially the floor.
With a tank (40 gallons), at the home I grew up in, with us three children, hot water could run out, so, the rule was a 10 minute shower maximum.
With your home, could see it being fairly simple to offset your energy with solar electricity and water. Hot water is a larger demand, so with California allowing one to use the grid as a storage system, it back you up on days the solar water system was unable to heat. I would think those electric space heaters be the largest consumers and be fantastic to get those covered with solar. If done right, could be close or net zero. This is the kind of work my degree is in, so just couldn't help myself.
As for long lengths of pipe, was surprised how little it is to rent a trencher. Bet if you could run the pipes at least, offset a lot of the extra expense. Heck, you are so handy, why not build your own solar water heater?
(Being silly, of course.
)
If y'all like electric space heaters, bet you like
electric mattress pad.
That is how I address a lot of my heat, as during the day, can bundle up and/or move more. Plus, being a student, not here a lot of the time, and the coldest time is when sleeping. Mine is 12 volts D.C., so not harmful like those 120 volts AC blankets. Also have a bad back/joints/sore muscles, so helps a good bit, so even run it on low in the warmer months (use it all year round and set the A/C to 76 to 78 degrees at night (up to 84 during the day).
When I finally truly own the home, plan to put solar electric on, as by then, the technology will be so much better. I am really blessed, as the back of the home faces south southwest (believe I.I.R.C., 10 degrees to the west of solar south) and has a lot of roof. My home used to have solar water (can see the rust spot from the huge 80 gallon tank) and does have advantages, but don't have the space inside for such a huge tank.