Masonry heaters : designing, building, and living with a piece of the sun

Description

A guide to designing and living with one of the oldest and most efficient heating devices. A masonry heater's design and luxurious, radiant heat redefine the hearth for the modern era. The author demonstrates how the heat from a masonry heater is similar to that of the sun because it is genuine heat rather than insulation against the loss of heat. The masonry heater is durable, simple to service, dependable, and healthy. It is also an investment in self-sufficiency and freedom from fossil fuels. The book discusses different masonry heater designs, including European variations, and offers a new understanding of massive heat storage and gentle-but-persistent radiant heat. Those who are looking to build, add onto, or renovate a house will find comprehensive and practical advice for designing and installing a masonry heater, including detailed discussion of materials, code considerations, and many photos and illustrations. This book provides every homeowner, builder, or contractor with the tools they need to transform a home into a warm sanctuary.  Read more...