This might seem a bit silly, but has anyone considered starting a Rocket Mass Heater Association? I've been doing some online searches (partially out of curiosity, and partially because I might be having to choose a form of heat for a house soon). So,
bear with me.
Googling Rocket Mass Heater gets me a few superficial articles, links to permies (which, by the way, totally enforces the "RMH for tinkerers" image), and an RMH company that is still trying to raise funds, doesn't have a product yet. Several of the articles mention using insanely small amounts of wood, 10% of what is used in a 87% efficient woodstove. As a reasonably intelligent person, if I were just looking for heating options, I'd think "bullshit" and move on to something that sounded realistic. (Please note, I'm not disputing the claims. I'm simply saying that we sift through internet information by comparing to what we already know. If something sounds way out there and we don't have the time to investigate, we go with what we know.) If I do try to investigate, I find that there is nobody with credentials backing up the claims - nothing from the EPA, or any official sounding organization. Just a few individuals making a lot of arguments that are hard for me to evaluate because I've never actually seen a rocket mass heater, and don't really understand regular wood stoves that well.
If I do become convinced to try it and am not a DIY tinkerer, I google "RMH installation in my area" and get - nothing. I might find Ernie and Erica's website (surprisingly low on the list of hits), and find that I can pay $300 for an initial consultation, buy
plans, then find as many as four different types of licensed and bonded builders to build the thing - and let's not forget figuring out the local codes and home insurance issues.
If I google Masonry heaters (which seem closer to RMH than anything else), I get the Masonry Heater Association, with a snazzy website, professional looking photos, reasonable sounding claims, articles outlining the code requirements, and - this is important - a list of contractors and company-members, sorted by country and state. If I choose to go with a masonry heater and am not a DIY tinkerer, I now have a clear way forward - I read the website, contact a local builder, and have them guide me through the code and inspection process in my area.
Perhaps an RMH association - with a website, and member-contractors around the country - would give the technology the initial gut-check credibility it needs to get people interested enough to investigate further?
Just a thought...