By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After my third failed attempt at burning damp gum logs, I learned that a wet winter without a backup stove means freezing nights and no water for my clinic.”
— Jenny. Paperwork first, then the fun part.
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I've run a wood burner on my place for years. It's the oldest off-grid heating method we have – feed it dry timber, combustion warms the room, done. Reliable in a way newer kit often isn't, so long as the flue draws and you keep up with the splitting and stacking.
Switched the old wood burner out for a pellet stove three winters back. It runs on compressed biomass pellets - bagged and stacked in the shed, fed through an auger. Burns cleaner than the firebox I nursed along for years, and pushes out more heat per load, which matters when a southerly comes through and the place goes cold by four.
Solar thermal systems harness sunlight to heat water or air, providing a renewable and low-maintenance heating solution.
I’ve put in heat pumps that pull heat from the air, the ground, or a water source, then push it inside for heating—they’re a highly efficient choice for off‑grid living.
When choosing an off-grid heating system, consider factors such as fuel availability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
Worth a watch: Reviewing ALL Our Off-Grid Heating Systems | DIY In-Floor Heat, Blaze King & Coal · Simple Living Alaska
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.