Affordable, environmentally friendly outdoor furnaces
The Basics
Outdoor furnaces (also called “hydronic heaters,” “stoves” or “boilers”) utilize advanced technologies for an age-old idea: Burn wood, corn or other agricultural materials and other renewable sources to generate heat. These sources are:
- Renewable resources
- Restored and replenished by nature in time compatible with human use
- Carbon neutral, which means no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Other heat sources (coal-generated electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene) are being depleted at rates much faster than the time it took to create
- Clean
- Burning any fuel produces carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas
- Wood is part of natural carbon/carbon dioxide cycle
- No net increase in carbon dioxide emissions
- Affordable
- Lower heating bills
- More control
- Reliable
- “On” during power outages/rolling blackouts
- Energy independent
- Allows people to get off the grid in “civilized” manner
Outdoor furnace best burn practices
It is important to install and operate outdoor furnaces properly and according to manufacturer recommendations and follow these best burn practices:
- FUEL USED: Onlyuse listed fuels recommended by the manufacturer of your unit. Never use the following: trash, plastics, gasoline, rubber, naphtha, household garbage, material treated with petroleum products (particle board, railroad ties and pressure treated wood), leaves, paper products, and cardboard.
- LOADING FUEL: For a more efficient burn, pay careful attention to loading times and amounts. Follow the manufacturer’s written instructions for recommended loading times and amounts.
- STARTERS: Do not use lighter fluids, gasoline or chemicals.
- LOCATION: It is recommended that the unit be located with due consideration to the prevailing wind direction.
- Always remember to comply with all applicable state and local codes.
Provided by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), Outdoor Furnaces Manufacturers Caucus
EPA testing
The U.S. EPA conducts testing on outdoor furnaces, measuring particulate matter (PM). EPA reports include these findings:
“The EPA hydronic heaters program encourages manufacturers to improve air quality through developing and distributing cleaner, more efficient hydronic heaters. This program will achieve emission reductions and protect public health sooner than a federal rule.” More
Lists of cleaner burning hydronic heaters that qualify for the EPA voluntary program.
Emissions regulations for your area.
“Compared to a wide range of residential heating options, these furnaces’ emissions were of the same order as other stick wood burning appliances.” See the report. pdf
Outdoor furnace emissions reports, updates and corrections to inaccuracies
“New emissions test data and future trends,” Peter Guldberg’s paper presented to the Annual International Emission Inventory Conference, May 2007. Read this report. pdf
“ An inexpensive alternative to heating became a high priority when we moved to the country. With our WoodMaster, we have discovered a brotherhood of outdoor wood burning owners. The wonderful family …”
Mark T—Clarksville, MI
“ When we decided to build the house of our dreams, we knew we would get a WoodMaster Plus furnace. Nothing beats the heat from wood-warmth without all the mess. We love our WoodMaster! ”
Scott, Tina, Collin & Cody Forth—Wittenberg, WI
“ My house in Helena is about 4,000 square feet and is mainly heated by my WoodMaster Plus. We just finished the woodshed next to the boiler, and it should be a great winter. ”
Bruce Anfinson—Last Chance Ranch in Helena, MO
“"The WoodMaster has been the ‘just right' answer for our place in Southeast Alaska with the high fuel costs. The large firebox and door on the WoodMaster 4400 makes loading wood easy, a…”
Edward Steward—Haines, AK
“ We got our WoodMaster in 2003 and it saved us about $1,000 the first winter in propane. We burn mostly slab wood, dead falls and scrap trees from our pasture. ”
Bernard Hanson—Wrenshall, MN
“This is our second winter using The WoodMaster 4400. We love it! It keeps us warm on those cold winter Michigan days and nights. Thanks for such a great stove!”
Gary & Annette Nelson Sr.—Sterling, MI
“ We have the largest house in our country neighborhood. The house is more than 4,000 sq. ft. with more than 80 windows covering three floors. Until we purchased our WoodMaster, we were spending more …”
Brian & Keri Eilar—Ionia, MI
“ It is so nice having this outdoor wood stove! We just love it! We don't have to wake up in the middle of the night anymore to add wood. It heats our water heater so we have an endless supply of …”
Roy Forsblade—Forest Lake, MN
“"What I like most about our WoodMaster is that it has cut our propane use by 80 percent. My family loves it because I never complain about what the thermostat is set on!" ”
Gorden Emmert—Crawfordsville, ID
“ We're not sure we would trade our WoodMaster Plus for anything! We have a good-sized home and a full basement, and our WoodMaster heats all of it. It's simple, convenient and we recommend it…”
Joe & Cathy Cornella—Canon City, CO
“ We have been providing primary heat in our home with an air-to-air heat pump and two fireplaces. When air temperature drops to 15° F or lower, the heat pump is too costly to operate. The firepla…”
Steve and Mary Rudowski—Lapeer, MI
“ The WoodMaster Plus furnace is ideal for my family, and it gives me an excuse to be in the bush where I like to be. It doesn't cause a mess in the house, and it saves money as we have plenty of …”
Mike Marshall—Emsdale, ON
“ The main reasons for purchasing the WoodMaster were to heat our home, pool and water. We had not seriously considered an outdoor wood furnace after seeing all the "smokers" around the coun…”
Rod, Deb and Luke Hawkins—Pawlet,
“ We are 75 and 78 years YOUNG and we cut, buzz and split our own wood. We really love this outdoor furnace and have been looking for this type of stove for a long time. ”
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Nelson—Berrien Springs, MI
“ Our WoodMaster means that the mess, the bugs and the ashes stay outside the house. We are very happy with our furnace. ”
Ken Brandt—Birch Run, MI
“ After numerous years of rising LP costs we began investigating other options of economical heat sources. We decided on the WoodMaster outdoor wood furnace and are extremely happy with our purchase. …”
Bob, Michelle, Alex, Grant and Vanessa Veerkamp—Indiana, IN
“ My WoodMaster Plus has all the benefits of an indoor furnace without any of the drawbacks. It also has several features my neighbors' stoves don't have, and I use it to heat my water too. I …”
Robert Lehigh—Decatur, MI
“ After a long day of work, my dog Blazer and I breathe the wonderful aroma of burning wood in the crisp air as we check our WoodMaster Plus. I am a very proud owner of the WoodMaster furnace. ”
Saleem Khan—North Haven, CT
“ I purchased the WoodMaster last season and I'll tell you, we love it. We have hot water heat in our home now and it has sure saved a lot on gas bills. I also have the domestic hot water hooked u…”
James Popson—Brockport, PA
