[Homestead] wood stoves
Jerry B
liberty at kaballero.com
Sat Nov 17 15:22:10 EST 2007
I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from this discussion. Our heads
have been spinning trying to come to a decision. I am glad today to
read also from those with first-hand experience with the epa approved
class of stoves.
I am one now to be mindful of environmental effects. I haven't been able
to avoid wondering why Oregon, Washington and California will not even
allow the sale of some models of stoves readily available elsewhere, as
much as I am against over-regulation. I can't quite say to hell with
the neighbors since I am aware I have to breath the air myself and
suffer all the other consequences I accept are barreling down the pike
because of past ignorance of such issues, including population. What
worked in the 1800's doesn't necessarily work now.
Of course, there are many EPA stoves which handle 18", 20", 22", even 27
" logs, even the cheaper Home Depot and Lowes offerings. This is a
stove Northern Tool company offers that has interested me for $700, but
we are leary of the short one year factory warranty:
http://vogelzang.com/tr008.htm. A cast iron stove from the same company
is available at our local Southern States and now much more appealing
having read earlier posts http://vogelzang.com/bx42e.htm. It is not
even UL approved, let alone EPA.
Another big consideration is the distance required from combustible
materials. Our room layout will require some added protection for the
lower tech models. The epa type stoves specify half the 36" distance.
Safety of course is the most important consideration.
Having built-in options for outside air intakes is another. Pellet
stoves, I understand, usually require electricity, and dependence on
pellet manufacturers and suppliers, right? Round and round it goes
...... In the mean time our incredibly efficient Monitor Kerosene heater
'sips' the $3.49 per gallon fuel from the 275 gallon (read $1000 bucks)
small tank. Three years ago it was great! $275 per season for heating
the house as well as our water! Now just about as well burn
greenbacks. thanks so much everyone for all the great replies. jerry
ps:
Now I guess what would be most ideal is to be able to construct myself a
stove that would meet at least some of these environmental requirements
.... or beyond this, design and build a home that would not require
even the burning of wood to heat, or electricity to cool. Has PAHS been
discussed on this list? Earth-sheltered homes? I will check the
archives.
and that's another issue ... for six months we have done fine without
hot water ... much over-rated in the American dream. Nice however. The
50 gal drum painted black on top of our shed served well for showers,
now it's right chilly! We are exploring other venues for heating our
water as well. Really, think it would be cheaper to just get out the
shovel and start over from the ground up (and down). An undergound
grotto room would suit me fine, with accessory sauna. Ah well, maybe
NEXT Spring ........
-------------------
> Hi Tom...that small firebox would have perked my ears up right off the bat...:-) and stopped me from buying the stove...:-) I hope you cut your own firewood...:-) I would put the stove on Craig's List...sell it... and buy myself a stove more suited to your needs. Might even give some thought to a pellet stove. Franklin
>
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