Old Gal seeking Rocket Man (or Woman) lol

Hi folks, I've been studying this topic for a year now, and even though the how to books make it all seem so simple, when I swim around in these forums I get completely overwhelmed, scared and confused. Why is everyone here is experimenting with so many different materials and riser gap sizes and vent heights and things and every element it seems is open to fiddling....:argh ! If the formula has been provided then why are so many people struggling with the rocketiness or backdraft etc.? I just don't have the synapses to troubleshoot all that myself - will I really be able to "do it myself in a weekend" according to Ianto?

It would be fun to go to a workshop but that's a ton of money and I know I'll still come home with my head spinning only to discover I can't actually get my design to fit (I've done enough home improvements to know that nothing goes as planned! So I think somewhere in my meanderings I saw Erica mention the possibility of training or certification for contractors - is that happening? Is there some way I can find someone in Piedmont (Central) north Carolina to hire to design and assist in building my own RMH? I've been googling and touching base with local meetups to no avail. I'm a diehard DIYer but this one stumps me. I'd LOVE to have a fire going next winter.

I'll have to do a bit of searching but there is someone who was building a rocket stove in your area.

I corresponded with them before winter and meant to go visit once it was finished. I got very side tracked and did not follow up.

I'll see if I can track down that post - I think it was here at permies. I think you can search my posts as well.

Thanks Jeanine! Was it Brian Hall? Looks like he's still in the experimentation phase himself and has a day job but I'll give him a nod. While searching your posts I noticed you've been thinking along the same lines. Any progress at your end? I'm in Greensboro so we're not so far apart.

I've left my farmlette and now live in an RV (divorce). I was really anxious to buy something right away but now I have found that I am enjoying the mobility.

So no stove at this point. Not even sure I am going to stay in SC permanently.

I'll check on who ever that was and get back to you in just a sec.

Scott Vernon, I believe he makes them for other people as well as for himself.

Hi Folks,

I feel the same way Susan Pruitt does about building one of these RMH myself. I'm afraid of burning my house down or suffocating from carbon monoxide because I failed to make some kind of connection right. Frankly, I'm not much of a do-it-yourselfer. I'm old and with a bad back, but I've been following RMHs for a couple of years now and would be eager to use one of these in my house. I also have other concerns such as living in South Philadelphia in a row home. Do these heaters need permits typically in cities? What would be the best way to find someone who can install them? Obviously I'm willing to pay.

Thanks, guys.

Jeff

Hello Jeff,

Quick reply to your questions. I don't know anyone in the Philadelphia area who builds them.

Rocket mass heaters and permitting is a big can of worms that people are working on solving. Most cities and counties inspectors and regulations are not familiar with them and will not permit them.

Here is a link for information regarding permitting:
Rocket Mass Heater - Permitting

I'm sure you would be able to get a permit for a RMH in the People's Republic of Portland. In backwards Philly I'm sure Licensing and Inspection would put the kabosh on it, I bet. Maybe it could be done on the down low.


If anyone here's of people who install these things in the Philadelphia area kindly let me know. Thanks for the response, Brett.