Dan Givens Stone Castle Masonry Fairbanks, AK September 23, 2017
Masonry Heater Association Video:
An introduction to Masonry Heaters
https://youtu.be/-_CeJE57wa8?t=1s A Local Example How does a masonry heater actually work? A masonry heater is a high mass device that allows wood to be burned for home heating in a unique way. It’s main distinction is the ability to store a large amount of heat. You can rapidly burn a large batch of wood without overheating the house. It has an interior construction consisting of a firebox and heat exchange channels built from refractory components.
A brief history of masonry heat Many cultures liked to gather rocks around the open fire. Rocks were often piled up as a reflective back drop. Eventually the fireplace developed for cooking and for people to heat their homes. They realized that the rocks remained hot for a very long time. Here’s the root of the problem in Fairbanks: When operated correctly with dry wood, this is what your chimney exhaust should look like. Here’s a solution!
A masonry heater Energy: Radiant vs. Convection
The long wave is like The short wave is a blast warm sunny spring day. of intense heat. Essential to a properly working masonry heater Dry, well seasoned firewood is critical for good combustion in any wood burning device. With proper maintenance The combustion of firewood is so complete that there is virtually no creosote residue or soot deposits present anywhere in the masonry heater. Only a small amount of fly ash may need to be vacuumed periodically Improper maintenance or operator error results in this: or even worse When things go REALLY wrong
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2017/02/10/home-near-downtown- engulfed-in-flames-during-morning-fire/ Via ADN.com, Anchorage, AK, February 2017 Catastrophic devastation can happen very quickly
https://www.echoak.com/2017/05/destructive-fire/ Via ECHOAK.com, Eagle River, AK., May 2017 Why can’t I burn wet wood? 1. Creosote contributes to very poor air quality 2. Reduced combustion = less BTU’s 3. Waste of 4. Creosote hazards = potential chimney fire
For more information: Check out these videos: https://youtu.be/fbRi8XROncM –masonry heater operation
https://youtu.be/pC67gBhWu0Y – proper operation of wood stove Take a look at the photo gallery at the Masonry Heater Association of North America: www.mha-net.org
Q & A Thank you!
Stone Castle Masonry Ltd.