Wood Heat
Contents |
Stoves and Fireplaces
Remarkable 'new' DIY technology for combining a rocket stove with thermal mass to produce an efficient, renewable source of heat Rocket Mass Heaters: Super-efficient Woodstoves YOU Can Build
Don't waste heat up the chimney - use thermal mass! The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming
There are also standard wood stoves and fireplaces. But even the most efficiently designed fireplaces are better for ambience, for the joy of gathering around a flickering fire with friends and family... rather than as a significant source of heat. Fireplaces waste lots of heat up the chimney, and draw warm air out of the house. So for serious winter heating you'll probably need a stove.
Chimney Cleaning and Fire Safety
This is no joke. Chimney fires negate all the financial and emotional benefits of heating with wood! You can be your own chimney sweep... but keep in mind that creosote can build up in a tarry or hard, glassy layer inside your chimney's flue and brushes alone are often not effective.
Chimney Sweeping Tools
Examples of brushes for different flue shapes: Rutland Square Brush, Rutland Round Brush, and Rutland Rectangular Brush
You'll need something to push your brushes (eg: 5 Piece 4' Fiberglass Rod)
Sources of Wood
Chipper Chasing
A good place to start. Let professionals fell the trees, handle the dangerous big saws, the heavy trucks or cranes, etc.
- Ask tree crews to dump logs locally where you can split them instead of hauling it a distance and paying to dump it.
- Make sure it's hardwood, no pine trees!
- They will usually cut it approximately to the length you request.
- Beware of having huge trunk logs dropped off, especially if you don't have extra hands to help!
Cutting Your Own
This will take more skill and experience, and more powerful chainsaws.
- See also: Firewood Clubs
