In some parts of the country heating with wood is a primary way to stay warm during the cold months. Wood stoves, pellet stoves, fireplace inserts and heatilators have long been the heating systems of choice in cooler climates. They can function at a fraction of the cost of systems using other fuels, but they do have their limitations and problems. Wood systems tend to be dirty and they can take up a lot of valuable space. They can also be dangerous in households with small children and pets.
There is, however, a way to combine the economy of wood with the advantages inherent in other heating systems, and that is to install an outdoor wood furnace/boiler. These furnaces don’t take up any indoor space and can usually be integrated with your current residential HVAC system, even forced air systems that deliver heat through floor registers.
For reasons of safety, efficiency and peace-of-mind, professional installation is recommended. You want an HVAC contractor who is not only licensed and insured but who is also familiar with multiple-fuel systems. Newer furnace designs adhere to rigid emissions standards which makes them an environmentally safe choice that utilizes renewable fuel sourcing.
Wood furnaces can not only heat your home but they can also be utilized to supply your hot water needs, reducing or eliminating the cost of running your standard water heater. In addition to working with forced air systems they will integrate with radiant heat systems. Very little electricity is used to run fans and blowers, so a small generator is all you need for backup if the power goes out in the rest of the house, which makes all the sense in the world if you live in blizzard country!
Discuss the possibilities of a wood furnace with your local HVAC company and make sure your house can stay warm no matter what the weather is like.
