The Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide
Complete Step-by-Step Construction, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
by Erica Wisner and Ernie Wisner
Heating with wood is often considered a natural and economical alternative to electricity or fossil fuels. However, even with a fairly new and efficient woodstove, many cords of wood are required for burning over the course of a single winter, and incomplete combustion can contribute to poor air quality. A rocket mass heater is an earthen masonry heating system which provides clean, safe and efficient warmth for your home, all while using 70-90% less fuel than a traditional woodstove.
These unique and beautiful installations provide luxurious comfort year-round. In cold weather a few hours of clean, hot burning can provide 20 or more hours of steady warmth, while the unit's large thermal mass acts as a heat sink, cooling your home on sizzling summer days. Packed with hard-to-find information, The Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide includes:
Comprehensive design, construction and installation instructions combined with detailed maintenance and troubleshooting advice
Brick-by-brick layouts, diagrams, and architectural plans augmented with detailed parts drawings and photographs for clarity
Relevant and up-to-date code information and standards to help you navigate the approval process with local building departments.
Earthen masonry heating systems are well-suited for natural and conventional builders alike. A super-efficient, wood-burning, rocket mass heater can help you dramatically reduce your energy costs while enhancing the beauty, value and comfort of your home.