Page 16 RAIN ·November 197.8 , This issue's _column is devoted to helping consumers make good decis_ions in considering the purchase of wood fueled central furnace systems. Following some general suggestions is a partial list of manufacturers. It would be helpful to me if readers with personal experiences concerning use of wood furnaces would let me know of their disappointment$ or success stories. - Bill Day 1ng ·newsWOOD FURNACE TIPS As the use of wood fuel returns to its position a's America's leading source of domestic heating, we are seeing a definite trend toward more sophistication in its use. Wood fired furnaces have some definite advantages. Large furnace fireboxes and truly automatic temperature controls require less frequ-ent attention (labor) and often offer greater heating capacity than do free-standing wood burners. Usually the furnace·system is concealed and is not part of the home decor. Wood and multi-fuel furnaces are finding a greatly, expanded market here in the late '70s. A number of manufacturers are now in production. Some of the best products seem to be imports whose outstanding quality follows the trend established by the importation of European free-standing stoves. Except for a very few, the bulk of the products manufactured in the USA are of.relatively poor construction. Good data for quality and efficiency comparison are lacking. • Initial costs associated with installation of ·a central furnace are much greater than those with installation of free-standing wood stoves. The central furnace is only a portion of the capital expense. The chimney, sheet metal ductwork, and installation labor may exceed the cost of your furnace. Choosing a low efficiency or short-lived furnace is a very expensive mistake. Section of HS TlJ,rm by Bill Day Here are a few ideas which may help you determine how to spend furnace dollars. 1. Look for a knowledgeable person or company to buy from. People who have no inventory or are short-changed on knowledge are likely to be expensive and in the long run simple mistakes and poor advice in this area might cost as much as two thousand dollars to correct. If possible, try to find someone to deal with who'se experience began before 1973. (1973 was the year that "get rich quick artists" entered the wood-fueled appliance field.) 2. Examine the products offered. Higher quality furnaces are likely to use a great deal of cast iron.in their construction. Cast iron lasts longer when used for firebox parts. Steel warps and shows 'heat fatigue quickly. 3. Positively eliminate from consideration any furnace whose doors or door frames are not cast iron. When steel is used for eith·er the feed do·or or door frame, warpage is likely to cause uncontrollable air leaks. Efficiency is greatly reduced and loss of combustion control frequently leads to overheating. 4. Your furn~ce should be occasionally inspected and ~erviced. It is best to make your purchase from a stable, local, service-oriented retailer. 5. Avoid furnace manufacturers whose literature is'flambuoyant. Traditionally the highest quality furnaces are produced by solid, conservative companies whose products are likely to outperform'the claims of the manufacturer. Poor quality products are often warranted for periods exceeding the lifetime history of the manufacturer. 6. Add-on units designed to supplement oil, gas or elec!ric furnaces are, at this time, notoriously.poor quality. (The • Kickapoo and Sam Daniels are exceptions.) Use of these units may void U.L., ASME or ICBO approvals on your existing furnace. The following manufacturers were not included on the opposite page due to lack of information about their products. Basic Energy Systems Inc. B48 Des Moines, IA 50301 Waldo G. Cumings Fall Road East Lebanon, ME 04027 Damsite Dynamite Stove Co. RD No. 3 Montpelier,-VT 05602
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