Wood-Buring Water Heater

Wood-Buring Water Heater ENERGY Wood Gas 3-1-15 According to different. studies, and depending on which area of the country you live in, statistics tell us hot water heaters use between 20 and 30% of the total energy consumed in American homes. Appropriate Technology Importers, Inc., El Rito, New Mexico, says 1/3 of your monthly utility bill is a high price to pay for hot water. Their answer: A wood-burning water heater that also operates on used crankcase oil. The heater is a takeoff on rugged water-heating units used in Mexico for more than 50 years. It will bring its maximum capacity of 14 gal. to near boiling within minutes, using wood scraps, bark, corncobs, or shredded cardboard boxes, according to the company. The healer is constructed of heavy 18-ga. galvanized steel and is designed for a maximum pressure of 80 psi. It may be just what you need out in the barn, or in your workshop, where you occasionally need hot water. According to the company, the system is completely compatible with existing plumbing. It requires only a pressure and temperature relief valve, available from most hardware stores for about $6.00. The 14-gal, capacity of the heater is less than conventional water heaters. However, the unit is designed to heat up quickly and provide continuous hot water flow for a long as the fire is maintained, according to company representatives. The heater is 11.5 in, in diameter, 57 in. high and weighs 50 lbs. The firebox is 11 in. by 221/2 in. The stove pipe is 4 in. dia. The model R-3 for wood sells for $99.50. A second model, the DM-3, which burns wood, kerosene or used crankcase oil, sells for $124. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Appropriate Technology Importers, Inc., P.O. Box 5, El Rito, New Mexico, 87530 (ph 505 581-4742).

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