Outdoor wood stoves

[Tom Shelters]

I have an Inspection on Sat. that has an outdoor wood stove. Anybody have any information on these?

[Michael Roberson]

First and foremost, Disclaim it! I usually will give general knowledge and conceptual information on these, but it is too difficult to tell past maintance, present working order (or future working order) or capacity to heat house, water and outbuildings. Highly recommend a pro go over it, especially if that is the only source (or primary source) of heat in a house. They must have a good feel for how to operate it, and maintain it. If a 60-year-old widow is buying this place, maybe they should not use it.

Side note, there are a lot of brands out there, and a hence a lot of salesmen who are not necessarily pros.!

[Michael Roberson]

Someone else have anything else to say?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I have one. But I'd certainly disclaim it if I inspected a house with one. Things you may wish to look for:

1) Check wiring at unit and make sure it is appropriate type (if visible).

2) Check any exposed water lines at unit...are they protected from freezing (if you live in such a climate).

3) My house has 2 systems and 2 thermostats. One for the outdoor boiler and a separate thermostat for the heat pump, which is my auxiliary heat source. If a backup system is not present, you may want to point out the downside (getting home from a long weekend and the house is cold and it will take it 12 hours to heat up).

4) Most boilers also supply hot potable water. See if the water heater is off and if water is hot.

5) **There should be a check valve somewhere in the supply line to the boiler water jacket (mine is at the boiler) to prevent backflow contamination of the drinking water system. Extermely important whether or not you disclaim the system in my opinion.**

6) It would be nice if all valves were labeled (mine aren't).

7) The HVAC system blower should be automatically controlled by the thermostat...not run continuously.

8 - A fan on the boiler should be automatically controlled by a thermostat measuring the water temperature in the water jacket (when the water temp. gets low, the fan comes on to stoke the fire).

9) Water lines in unconditioned areas (crawl space/basement) should be insulated to conserve heat.

10) If it's on, does it blow hot air?

[David Pant]

I dont know much about them but I do know a guy that is making his own!