On Fri, 9 Apr 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>
Eric, I think said:
<<The masonry stoves that are often incorporated into the interior walls are
> also worth thinking about, perhaps even integrated.>> If I could find
> someone to design , build a nice one for 5K or so I'd go for it...but I've
> had estimates of from 12 to 20K!!! Too much for my blood.
For some perspective on that price.
You will get several generations of nearly free heating.
You will likely paying the real cost (something I consider a virtue) of
your heating system, rather than the end cost minus the various subsidies
both hidden and open of most other manufactured heating systems.
It is extremely difficult to retrofit a masonry heater.
My understanding is that they are a proven technology.
In other words, I'd go for the masonry heater as a truly sustainable
alternative and cut something else. I'd tend to start with the masonry
heater and design a passive solar house around it. But I live far enough
North that sustainable heating is a real issue.
As far south as I remember you saying your house will be I'm not sure
I'd find a need for any supplemental heat at all.
sph
Sandra P. Hoffman
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.flora.org/sandra/
