We have a 30 year old oil/wood/coal furnace on forced air, and the number of times it wouldn't work this last winter was ridiculous. We've got a little money set aside for replacement or repairs but things are very tight with probable longterm layoffs in my husband's field. I dread the idea of spending it on more repairs which probably won't help much anyway when it'll obviously be needed toward a replacement very soon. While looking into possible solutions, I found out that they have pellet/corn furnaces with thermostat controls. I love the idea! Currently my husband is the only one who is able to go up and down the basement stairs the many times required to start and continue running the coal and wood. It sounds like I could manage to run a pellet/corn furnace even for a long weekend if left home alone.
However, I just ran into a glitch in that idea. It sounds like these biomass burners are very much not recommended as the only central heat source. My husband also quite the DIYer, and we're rarely gone more than the occasional weekend in the winter. We have a generator as well as a fireplace with sturdy (as in old castiron with no moving parts) wood burner insert so emergency backups aren't the issue. Yet, I'm concerned about problems mentioned here and there about insurance coverage and the like (mortgage is paid off). Even if it wasn't on its last legs, there is no way we can keep the old hulking furnace and fit in an additional stove. I haven't had luck finding combination units and wanted to know if they exist at all (and if not, why the heck not?!). Can anyone provide any suggestions on possible ways we could go with this?
I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or advice you could give.
However, I just ran into a glitch in that idea. It sounds like these biomass burners are very much not recommended as the only central heat source. My husband also quite the DIYer, and we're rarely gone more than the occasional weekend in the winter. We have a generator as well as a fireplace with sturdy (as in old castiron with no moving parts) wood burner insert so emergency backups aren't the issue. Yet, I'm concerned about problems mentioned here and there about insurance coverage and the like (mortgage is paid off). Even if it wasn't on its last legs, there is no way we can keep the old hulking furnace and fit in an additional stove. I haven't had luck finding combination units and wanted to know if they exist at all (and if not, why the heck not?!). Can anyone provide any suggestions on possible ways we could go with this?
I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or advice you could give.