We just put in a new oil burner/boiler with tankless hot water too.  That was (insert choice word here) expensive!
 
In terms of hot water, you will typically have either 1/4 or 1/2 pipe going to/from your water heater.  The cold water lines are usually 1/2.  This is the same size pipe that typically runs to all your taps.  There's really only enough hot water being produced to run one tap full out unless you have an odd piping situation.  
 
Dave, if you're some place where the power goes out regularly, you can get a fail-over generator installed for about $5K that will power critical things like the well, heating unit, fridge, etc.

$5K ... hmmm ... cold showers or another Alembic ... hmmm ... tough decision ...
 
Bill, tgo

Bob; I'm still dreaming about solar panels .

Spend a couple days in New England with no power after a blizzard and the decision would get a bunch easier, Bill.  If I lived in the balmy SF Bay area, it would also be an easy decision.
 
Solar panels would be nice, too.  That tech has come a long way since the early days of pumping your water to the roof to make it easier to heat.

I'm suprised nobody here has a fuel cell.
 
Brad

She arrived today! Gorgeous, and I'm amazed.  The sustain is as good as my other two guitars which are both through-neck as discussed above, but the playability is so good.  I've only been really playing for two months and I can finally do an F barre.  Hahahahaha.  I know, I know..amateur..  Anyway, I'm thoroughly impressed.  The range of sounds is awesome too.  Now I've got to invest in an amp and speaker setup worthy of this guitar!!

Enjoy, Michael!!

Great news!  Keep me in mind if you get bored of it.