Radcliffe Biomass and Super-Insulated Home
Les and Sue Radcliffe - 6885 County Rd 6 SW, Stewartville, MN 55976
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This super-insulated home was built in 1992 with a high R value building envelope and high efficiency equipment. In 2014 a very efficient down-draft gasification wood furnace was added that provides both space and water heat. Learn more about both of these technologies at this site.
The home has a walk-out permanent wood foundation with strapped wall construction. The main floor is partially double-wall construction which is very tight and efficiency. The walls have R-values as high as 37, and the attic is insulated to R-60. Windows take advantage of views and solar exposure. In 2014 a Polar G-Class outdoor wood furnace was added in the shop which helps with space and water heat in the house, garage, office, and shop. This biomass burner is a down-draft gasification furnace, which approaches temperatures of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit and burns with 99.5% efficiency. It is certified for indoor installation. This technology requires up to 60% less wood and it's high temperatures eliminate the smoke and pollution from conventional wood burning, providing clean simple wood heat which is all fire and no smoke. |