[Viking2002]

Interesting. My wife and I want to build a log home in a couple of years or so, and I'm also considering alternative/backup heating sources, even over and above the ubiquitous stone fireplaces. We got hammered with ice down here over the weekend, and while we didn't lose power this time, 'been there, done that'.

[SunnySide]

ground source heating if you are allowed to drill on your property is a good source to check out for that log home.

[Larry Lucido]

"We got hammered with ice down here"

Hmm, I wonder if ice can be used as fuel....

[Flint]

" We got hammered with ice down here over the weekend, and while we didn't lose power this time, 'been there, done that'."

Keep in mind that you have to have an electrical powered feed system to feet the corn into the stove at a controlled rate. You don't just shovel it in like stoking a furnace.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>>...even over and above the ubiquitous stone fireplaces.

How do you light the rocks??? ;)

[maine-iac7]

My wife and I want to build a log home in a couple of years or so, and I'm also considering alternative/backup heating sources, even over and above the ubiquitous stone fireplaces. We got hammered with ice down here over the weekend, and while we didn't lose power this time, 'been there, done that'. >/i>

I live in Maine and lost power for 18 days in the infamous ice storm of '98. I was able to stay in my home because of my wood stove for heat, my kerosene lamps for light and a hand pump...however:Many years ago, I was a program director in Energy Crisis Intervention: These "corn" and wood pellet stoves have been around for years - but if you're hedging against a power outage - be aware that these corn/pellet stoves require electricity to operate the fuel feeding mechanism. Ergo, if the power goes out, the stoves wont work any more than the furnace.

[FrogInABlender]

Hi Viking,

I just read your post about wanting a log home and heating with an alternative heat source. You should check into these...

http://enertia.com/science.htm

My cousin has one, and says it works really well. If you go to the site, click photo tour, then "Jurassic Park", that's his house.

[CDHart]

We have an Earth stove that we bought in 1986. It's still working great and it's saved us thousands over the years. We have electric as backup, but it's a good feeling to know that if the power goes out, we can still heat the house and cook if necessary.

Carolyn