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Projects with these characteristics tend to be well-suited for modern wood heat:
- Centralized heating system
- Local champion to lead the project
- Consistent heat/hot water demand
- Space for fuel handling and storage
- Local supply of wood fuel
- Buy-in from facility staff
Types of modern wood heating systems well-suited for residential and small-scale municipal and commercial projects:
Cordwood Stove
- Catalytic or non-catalytic.
- Manual fueling
- Heats main room(s)
- Fuel can be sourced from your own land
Pellet Stove
- Automated or Manual fueling
- Heats main room(s)
- Wood is sourced regionally
Masonry Heater
- Heat from a short, high intensity burn is stored in masonry
- Heats main room(s)
Cordwood Boiler
- Heats building(s)
- Manual fueling
- Requires large fuel storage area
Automated Pellet or Woodchip Boiler
- Heats building(s)
- Automated fueling
- Requires large fuel storage area
Your Next Step:
If you are looking for a residential system, visit www.masscec.com for information about woodstove change-out rebates, and grants for residential-scale wood heating systems. Then, research the type of wood heating appliance and fuel that best fits your needs. Contact the Massachusetts Statewide Wood Energy Team if you have any questions or need help choosing the right system or finding an installer.
If you are a looking to help your community install a wood heating system, check out the typical installation process here. As part of this process, you will need to start gathering current energy and heating usage and cost data. Contact the Massachusetts Statewide Wood Energy Team for assistance with conducting a feasibility study and system design services.