Fireplaces, Stoves & Furnaces

Master the basics of outdoor wood boilers, from high-efficiency gasification technology and EPA standards to integrating hydronic heating for homes, garages, and workshops. Outdoor wood burning boilers: Is this the right home heating system? For homeowners seeking energy independence, outdoor wood burning boilers…

Known for their distinctive roar and heated cob benches, Rocket Mass Heaters offer incredible fuel efficiency. Learn how these permaculture favorites work and how to safely adapt them for modern airtight homes. If a masonry heater is the refined, commercially installed option for thermal mass heating, the Rocket…

​​​​​​​Standard wood stoves can turn an energy-efficient home as hot a a sauna if you're not careful. Learn how masonry heaters solve this problem by acting as a thermal battery and radiating heat in airtight Passive House, LEED and Net Zero homes. There is a specific quality of warmth that comes from a masonry…

Learn the critical requirements for installing a wood burning stove in an airtight house, including sealed combustion and correct low-output sizing for homeowners and builders. Can you put wood burning stoves in airtight homes? There is an inherent feeling of resiliency that comes with having a wood stove, in that…

Our definitive guide to chimney sealing. Learn how to safely seal an unused fireplace permanently, or temporarily plug a working chimney to stop drafts. We cover chimney balloons, caps, insulation, different chimney types, and critical safety tips. Unused chimney? How to seal it successfully... That charming old…

Is natural gas a good heat source for your home? If you're looking for a green and clean heat source for you home the answer seems to be no, and it won't be cheap for long either. Is natural gas bad? Yes it very much is no matter how you look at it. Burning any fossil fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere…

While electric powered homes, using high efficiency heat pumps and heat pump water heaters are the preferred option for green homes, if your home is too far from the natural gas supply or it's mobile home or tiny house, propane may be the only option. While Ecohome is a firm advocate of decarbonizing homes by the…

Even when turned off, gas stoves & cooktops can be dangerous - leaking harmful chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, methane & cancer-causing benzine into homes. Over 40 million US & Canadian households can mitigate or eliminate the risks from cooking with gas. Gas stoves - are we playing with fire? Fossil fuel gas…

Natural gas for heating & cooking in homes is so convenient & relatively affordable - so why have governments & local cities across North America & Europe taken the radical decision to phase it out, & when is natural gas going to be banned. So why is natural gas being phased out? Natural gas is being phased out of…

Smart door locks offer convenience & security, especially when teamed with an optional camera & smart doorbell with siren. Like screening calls on your mobile, unwanted visitors can be filtered out - or open the door remotely. What is a smart lock for a home? Smart door locks are deadbolt front door locks that can…

Wood combustion – how firewood burns, the stages and processes, how to get the best heat for your money while being eco-friendly. Understanding how firewood burns, the technical details Stage 1: The evaporation of moisture – otherwise known as “getting the d@mn thing going” If you’ve ever tried to burn wet or…

We previously reported that the UK and Europe was phasing out the use of 'natural' fossil gas in homes, and that Canada is also dropping hints about banning gas. Now California has decided to go ahead and ban gas furnaces, and gas water heaters in homes. “While this strategy will clean the air for all Californians…

From December 2021, Quebec banned oil heating in new homes, and as of 2023 it will even be prohibited to replace or repair oil furnaces. Looked at in detail the new provincial regulations potentially also go for gas heating. Adopted on November 17, 2021 in Quebec, the regulations for banning oil-fired heating…