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| Masonry heater and bake oven with heated bench by Max Edelson of Firespeaking |
Press Release
Masonry Heater
Association Encourages Preparedness with Wood-Burning Heating and
Cooking Appliances
November 14, 2012
The Masonry Heater
Association of North America encourages homeowners to be prepared for
any type of disaster with an alternative source of heating and
cooking. The recent flooding and lack of electricity in the
Northeast United States during cold temperatures is a reminder that
everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient in a disaster or power outage.
Masonry heaters are
site-built wood-burning appliances constructed with natural materials
that radiantly heat a home with the renewable resource of wood.
Masonry heaters are efficient and use relatively small amounts of
wood to heat without the use of electricity, gas, fans, or ducts.
These appliances heat the home through burning wood in a firebox,
which connects to channels inside a large thermal mass. After the
fire is out the heater gradually radiates heat to the living space
for many hours without causing large temperature fluctuations or
drafts. Many homeowners prefer masonry heaters rather than gas,
electric, or wood-stove heating methods for regular use, not just
during power outages.
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| Outdoor oven by Martin Pearson |
Masonry heaters can be
built with an oven, which can be used anytime, but is especially
important during times of disaster when electricity or gas may not be
available. Stand-alone outdoor brick ovens are another option. These are
site-built using a pre-cast oven kit or built with firebrick.
Masonry heaters and bake
ovens are appliances that masons should get specialized training in
before building. The Masonry Heater Association of North America
trains heater masons and oven builders.
For more information or
for a list of builders in the U.S. and Canada contact Richard Smith,
Executive Director, at 520-883-0191, e-mail execdir@mha-net.org
or visit www.mha-net.org.
