The Envirotech Radiant Fireplace, produce by AMHOP members Empire Masonry Heaters and Timely Construction, has been around for a few decades now, and is among the most efficient methods to heat your home with wood.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Facility has put that claim to the test by installing an Envirotech Masonry Heater in the lobby of their visitors center in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The idea of heating a home with a masonry heater in Alaska is catching on. In a 2007 article from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, author Ned Rozell tells the story of Bill Reynolds and his wife Brenda Norcross. They've heated their 1400 square foot home to 70-72 degrees with about 3 cords of wood per year.
The Reynolds heater has other benefits too. Brenda has asthma, making it impossible for them to use their wood stove without Brenda suffering an asthma attack. Not so with their masonry heater, where the lower surface temperatures gently heat objects in the room instead of the air itself, allowing Brenda to enjoy the winters.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Facility is sponsoring a contest to make masonry heaters more viable and affordable in Alaska. AMHOP members Timely Construction and Empire Masonry Heaters are up to the challenge and continue to ship units to Alaska, helping Alaskans enjoy their winters in an friendly manner to the environment and those who live with heaters every day.
