1. ecodharmamark

    ecodharmamark Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2005
    Messages:
    2,922
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Concerning slow-combustion wood heaters: You will go a long way before you find better than a Ned Kelly. One family member has had his for around 25-years, and to the best of my knowledge, he has not even had to replace the top plate as of yet - and they burn around 12-sqm per annum! We inherited (it came with the house, and according to building records is about 18-years old) an inferior quality heater. At the start of this season I replaced the fire bricks, top plate (custom made 1/2" gauge, as opposed to the off-the-shelf item, which was only 3/8") and a new rope seal in the door. All up, about a $150 bill. Should get another ten years out of it before the box burns out completely. We burn about 8-sqm per annum (this time of the year it burns 24-hours-a-day as we have older household members who 'feel' the cold). About 2-sqm per annum is sustainably harvested from our own woodlot (E. microcarpa), the remainder (about 8-sqm per annum, yes, we 'bank' about 2-sqm per annum) is harvested from the ecological thinning program carried out in our local State Forest, being mostly E. microcarpa (Greybox) and E. leucoxylon (Yellowgum). We employ no supplementary (gas, electricity, etc) forms of heating. We also use it for slow cooking soups and stews, and airing clothes and bed linen, etc. If we ever had to replace it, we would get a Ned Kelly, as they adhere to the latest Australian Standards in terms of safety, efficiency and emissions.
     

Share This Page

-->