We will be building a passive solar home in Maine this fall and are looking into a secondary source of heat. We are considering a catalytic fireplace and have recently been introduced (thanks to this website) to rocket mass heating. We are trying to understand the different between the two and if anyone can provide their experience with either/both?
Secondarily to heat, would either help prevent pipes from freezing? I only bring this up because we are having one heck of a time finding home insurance for this project and one of the reasons insurance companies have sited for declining coverage is the high probability of pipes freezing and inadequate secondary heat source.
Thanks!
Ann
