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Sealed combustion device that burns wood

anonymoususer | Posted in Mechanicals on

We are planning to upgrade our 1949 Cape (near VT/NH/MA intersection) to a pretty good level of tightness. Among other goals, we hope to swap oil furnace for heat pumps and electric spAce heaters. Nevertheless, we are not willing to abandon wood burning because our community experiences power outages lasting several times each winter. Typically we are without power for around a week each time this happens. We own a small gas-fueled generator and plan to also buy a solar-powered one. BUT we insist on burning logs during outages because: 1) we dont dare rely on generators alone to keep electonically powered heating devices going during outages and 2) a family member owns several large wood lots, delivers cordwood for a living, and has promised to keep us stocked for life with seasoned hardwood. Keeping in mind our plans to tighten the house, we want to buy a log-burning sealed combustion device that we can install in our existing fireplace and operate in the absence of electricity. Existing chimney goes through ridge of roof (not along exterior wall). Whole interior of house will soon be gutted with no changes to floor plan. Where can we find a fireplace insert that is a sealed combustion device and will burn logs without electricity? Expert member Akos once stated that sealed combustion devices limit depressurization to 5PA. What manufacturers and models meet this criteria? Furthermore, in a recent episode of BS Beer Show, one presenter said there are woodstoves (presumably also fireplace inserts) suitable even for Passivhaus, but she did not name any specific manufacturers or models. Googling “sealed combustion wood insert” brings up only products that require gas and/or indoor combustion air. We can always keep our existing fireplace insert and crack open a window each time we use it, but this seems foolish in january/February. Suggestions?  Thank you

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