We are thinking of getting an add-on wood furnace that could be coupled with an electric furnace in our new house (MUST BE ELectric!).As I understand it--the electric only kicks on if the wood stove is not hot enough or operating (e.g. you went away and weren't feeding the fire).

Is there something we should know about this kind of furnace. Brands? Is there more dust in the house? Is there the fireplace smell all over? Does it fit into a normal chimney? Any other information we need about chimneys and add-ons?

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), September 18, 2001

Answers

Ann, there's a place in Wichita KS called Warming Trends that carries a brand of woodburning (and other types) stoves made in Canada (they look like the antique cast-iron stoves). This company also makes wall ovens, refrigerators, etc., that match. That store might have some information for you on this, or would know who you could call. There's also an outfit in McPherson KS called Chimney Specialists that also sells gas, wood, pellet, and electric stoves that look like the old-fashioned. They would also have some information or would know where you could check.

-- Claudia Glass (glasss2001@prodigy.net), September 18, 2001.

look at the outdoor wood burning furnaces there are many different types and brands and all your mess is out doors no chimny needed and take up no room in the house safe ,efficient,and clean.no carbon monoxide risk !

-- george darby (windwillow@fuse.net), September 19, 2001.