by mannytheseacow » Wed Mar 20, 2013 2:48 pm
Lolly, I don't remember how much there is for sure. It's been several years since I put it together. I think it's either 30' or 50'. I've given thought to actually putting it in the firebox, but it works the way it is. I agree that the efficiency would improve greatly with a longer run, but as I've said before, it changes the way my stove burns so I've not been too crazy about lengthening it and increasing the wraps. It's just a back-up for solar heating, anyway. One thing I've learned about energy independence is that it all depends on how much you're using. There's a lot of free energy out there but we still have to conserve to make it enough. When the sun's not shining I use this stove heater as a back-up. It doesn't produce much but it's enough to keep the water tank hot and provide a short hot shower for my daughter and I and enough to do dishes once a day. That's about all I use hot water for.
I just found the "member steads" section of this site. How Awesome! I really enjoyed seeing your site and all you've got going on. It's really impressive! I'll have to get my little place up on there soon.
"Knowledge is power. Arm yourself."