I was wondering what everyone else is doing about inspecting outdoor furnaces, as they become more popular sooner or later we will come across one. They are could be considered a major component if they are primary heat source and clients should be given the same info we give for any other furnace. ie: age, how long should it last etc. I have a good friend that is an inspector for a farm insurance co. and he tells me they are not subject to wett because the fire is far enough from the home, the major concern for him is that about 70% are installed without a permit and that could create a problem for new owner to update or have it removed just like any other non-permit deck or addition and insurance claims could be null and void. Just looking for thoughts.
Chuck
I run across them every now and then. I explain that they are not a part of the structure and attempt to give them some information about the system. I have some information sheets that I hand out and then suggest that because they are so rare that the client might want to call his insurance agent, the municipality for permit information and give them the names of a couple of suppliers for further questioning. I find that most if not all clients who are interested in a home with this system have studied the systems well in advance of the inspection and are quite knowledgeable about them already.
Excellent points George, information sheets would be a good idea to have. I have looked into these for myself and I think they are a good idea,however they are expensive and only last 10-15 years. I think we are going geo-thermal next year, still investigating both.Would you charge an extra $25. or so for the inspection? I think I wood.(pun) :roll:
“wood” OUCH! :mrgreen:
You guys have any pics to share (I would like to see one of these).
Thanks
Troy, check this link:
http://www.heatinnovations.com/woodheat.htm
gives a pretty good idea and pics, are they not popular in your area?
As a matter of fact I have seen one of these up in Washington when I was there, towards MT St Helen’s, there was a restaurant that had one of these I thought it was an outhouse but now I know. Thanks cool stuff…
Thanks Brian we don’t have those here!
We gots dem here AND we gots dem outhouses here.
Hi Troy,
I think this is what those guys are talking about, frankly I think those “Cannucks” have seen a few too many episodes of the Red Green show :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Regards
Gerry
lol
**Corn Fired
Features Options**
- Adjustable Btu range up to 250,000 Side Mounted Hopper
- Heats Multiple Buildings Freestanding Bin
- Heats Pools, Hot Tubes and Domestic Hot Water Interchangeable with Complete
- Gear Driven Feed System With Over 680 Inch lbs of Torque Gas/Fuel Oil Option
- Low Ash
- Low Maintenance
- Environmentally Friendly
- Burns Shelled Corn or Wood Pellets
- Power Ignition
- Auto Backup (90,000 Btu)
http://www.h2oasisinc.com/FilesCustom/HTMLEditor/Images/centralboiler/corn_exterior_bin.jpg
I bet those give the environmental wackos conniptions.
Heck of a lot more efficient to burn corn directly than to make Ethanol out of it.:shock:
Wassa matter Michael, the price of cornflakes getting a bit high for you?? 
Yes I am kinda joking, just in an ironic kinda way 
Regards
Gerry
You priced a box of cereal lately?
The folks from south of the border will be asking for a raise to buy tortillas.
Such is the price of ecology, thats the great thing about Macro Ecomonics, it’s like the choas theory, you start turning corn into methanol and it has the same effect as a butterfly flapping its’ wings in Japan.
Let the fun begin 
Regards
Gerry
Yeah, I can hardly wait for gas to be $4.00 a gallon this summer.:roll:
I just heard on a program the total amount of fuel and other energy it takes to produce the corn to produce the ethanol to add to the fuel puts us into the the negative column big time. Also heard some time ago they are discovering that ethanol is contributing significantly to their green house effect. uh oh.