How many use a heating alternative?

I use wood only but next year I am installing a heat pump with air because I will be pretty much by myself and if I get sick or hurt I may be in a situation where I can't cut or haul wood.

But it will only be used for backup purposes..not full time. I have about 20 acres of woods so have all the free wood I can use and also just bought myself a log splitter...yippee, I'm doing fine now long as the horse holds out to haul the logs.

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Be yourself - no one can tell you that you're doing it wrong!

We heat with a corn stove. It is our primary heat source and has been for going on 8 years. We do have a couple of electric heater back-ups..but don't use them very much.

There are pros and cons on using the corn..maybe this article on corn stoves will be helpful to some thinking about it.

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Sher


http://homesteadingexperienceswithbobby.blogspot.com


http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/10...y_tomfeld.html

We heat with coal as our primary source, and have a forced-air oil system as backup. We keep the thermostat turned down to 60, and the furnace will only come on once a day for a few minutes, usually around 5 am.

We supplement the coal with wood, but don't use it exculsively due to time issues.

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Goat's Milk Soap, Lip Balm & Gardener's Hand Balm
www.brushwoodfarm.com

Outside wood furnace. Have propane heat for backup if we need it but I didn't even turn it on this year, started burning wood about 3 weeks ago and will burn through the winter. Have about 120 acres of woods so wood is not a problem.

at home

wood=heat (heater and cookstove)
oil=hot water and backup heat

at camp

wood=heat
propane=hot water and backup heat

Wood

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Jim Steele
Sweetpea Farms
"To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." -- Robert Gates

I only use wood. There is no other heat source in the house. For back up I (also)have a Vermont Castings Dutchwest stove in the basement. That one only gets used in spring/fall when the main stove would be too hot, or if I need to cook on it, and the occasional time the temps get into the teens or lower.