> unless you spend serious money (own sewer, water from underground etc)

It is often the case (at least where I live) that having a septic system and well is far more economical than obtaining a property with access to city utilities.

I mean "run out of wood" is the problem though. There aren't that many trees, certainly not enough for everyone in a region to start doing it.

You'd be better off with an air sourced hear pump for hot water anyway - the one in my house uses less power then my dehumidifier.