Knowledge Weighs Nothing

The Rocket Stove Post: 6 & A Half DIY Tutorials With Videos

Simple brick rocket stoveVery simple brick rocket stove

As you’ve arrived here, you will likely be well aware of the benefits of rocket stoves. If not, the bottom line is rocket stoves are extremely efficient stoves to cook with. They generate a huge amount of heat and require substantially less fuel to run. More heat from less fuel makes building a rocket stove an excellent option for anyone living off-the-grid, or for people that are concerned with emergency preparedness.

It seems that not a day goes by without a new DIY rocket stove tutorial appearing online. There are literally 100s of tutorials and videos! So, with so many about… How do you know where to look, and which rocket stoves to build? Well, within this guide you’ll find six (and a helpful half!) of the most popular rocket stoves you can make, complete with videos and written instructions.

Tutorial One: Tin Can Rocket Stove


Let’s start off with a fun tutorial that will come in handy should you ever find yourself somewhere unexpected with only a tin can and a few bits and pieces to cook with.

What you’ll need

  • A can with a lid
  • 2 large cans (theses should be of the 28 oz variety)
  • A spare can
  • A little insulation (your loft won’t miss it!)
  • Tin snips (for cutting your cans and keeping those digits safe for the construction, cooking and eating stages!)
  • A marker pen to mark the cans and where you should be cutting them
  • A wire hanger (which makes the handle)
  • High heat spray paint (if you want to go all out)

Cooking on a tin can: Step by Step

Step One – Mark and cut the centre hole within the large can

You should use the lid from the smaller of the cans to do this, placing the hole with its bottom edge around 5cm from the bottom of the larger can.

Once done, you can go ahead and cut the hole out (be sure to remember your goggles and gloves for safety). Once the hole is cut, you should check out whether the small can fits inside.

Step Two – Mark and cut a hole within the inner can

Repeat this process with the inner can. You can even use the cut out circle from the large can to guide your margin and cutting efforts.

Step Three – Cut and Insert the last can

Now it’s time for the last can. First, cut one rim off so that it is an open can at one end. Then, go ahead and cut 1.5 inch tabs around the rim. With this now flexible end, insert it into the other smaller can’s hole (be sure that this can is already within the larger of the cans).

Step Four – Cut a lid

With the lid from the largest can,  cut out a hole that covers all of the area surrounding the smaller can within it.

Step Five – Fill you can with insulation

Now, fill the can with insulation so that the space between the larger and smaller inner can is completely topped up and packed down. You should then fold down four tabs on the larger can, using a hammer if you need a little help.

Step Six – Add a shelf

Now it’s time to add a mini shelf within the can that pokes outwards from the larger can. Simply cut a rectangle from the metal scraps that you have, cut around an inch into each side and slide the shelf into its place, finally folding down its flaps for a secure fit.

Step Seven – The finishing lick of paint

To finish off your now great looking rocket stove, you can spray paint it black (being sure that the paint is special high heat paint). You may also wish to add that hanger handle by drilling two holes either side of the top of the can.

Now you’re all done and ready to go, so pop those twigs in so that they rest on your shelf and light it up!

Tutorial One And A Half: The World’s Smallest Rocket Stove


Ok, so this tutorial may be considered as a variation of the first, which is why it’s numbered as one and a half. This step by step set of instructions follows all of the steps that the first one does, however it’s on an altogether smaller scale and so the materials are different.

What you’ll need

  • Spray can for the larger of cans (such as a body spray can… however you must know how to cut these as they’re pressurised)
  • The inner cans are made from piping (you may need to hunt around to get the dimensions right, and use a material that isn’t too thick or that poorly convects heat)
  • Sand (this is in replacement for the insulation)

The World’s smallest rocket stove: Step by Step

Just follow all of the steps within tutorial one, but take a little more care as you’ll be working on a smaller scale. You can also skip the paint and handle step if you wish… this is really just for fun!

Tutorial Two: The DIY 6 Brick Dual Burner Rocket Stove


The first tutorial is perfect for those looking for something small and compact, but what if you want something more impressive, or that is capable of heating at least two pans at once? Well, luckily for you, we have a tutorial for a dual burning stove, and better yet, this tutorial requires just six bricks (as well as few other items as listed below) and a budget of $6!

What you’ll need

  • Four double breeze blocks
  • Two single breeze blocks
  • Two metal mounts from a stove

The DIY Dual Burner: Step by Step

Step One – Place the bricks

First, you need to place the double breeze block bricks into a rectangular shape, with the two middle ones lying flat against one another, and the other two stood upright at either end.

Then add the last two single breeze blocks with their open ends pointing upwards.

It’s important that the upper double breeze block, which sits directly underneath the two single breeze blocks, is seated with its open end underneath (pointing upwards). The breeze block that is then underneath is the other way around, allowing for you to place your wood in without it dropping, and thereby allowing for the heat to rise up into the single blocks.

Step Two – Add your wood

Add your wood into the central breeze block, this is done through the side as you’ll place your end breeze blocks with their open ends outwards. This then means that there’s no need to move the upper stoves… you can simply side feed and go!

Step Three – That’s it!

That’s all there is to it, so stick some food on the stove and get cooking!

Tutorial Three: The Rocket Stove Water Heater


This is a heater that works on little fuel (which can be as simple as a few sticks) and is more efficient than your average household water heater. This stove can accept up to 200 liters of water.

What you’ll need

  • 18 matters of copper pipe
  • Oil barrel (44 gallons)
  • Ceramic or stone structure to create the stove itself

The Rocket Stove Water Heater: Step by step

Step One – Wind your copper coil and create the drum structure

The copper pipe is coiled through an oil barrel, leading from your cold water supply and outputting a warm water supply. This will be placed at the top of the stove structure.

Step Two – Create the ceramic bed base

Now it’s time to create the outer structure that will house the copper drum and burning structure. This can be constructed from ceramic or stone bed base.

That’s all there is to it! There may be only two steps however, but the construction of the ceramic outer casing may take a considerable amount of time.

 Tutorial Four: A Simple 16 Brick Rocket Stove


Brick rocket stoves seem to be the most popular variety, so I wanted to give you a little choice as to which you opt for. Here, we take a look at a DIY rocket stove project that consists of smaller house bricks and that similarly comes in at a budget busting total of just $6.

What you’ll need

  • 16 bricks
  • 3 Patio blocks

A brick rocket stove: Step by step

Step One – Layout your patio blocks

This is so you have a level bottom layer upon which to build your stove

Step Two – Add the first layer of bricks

This should consist of 4.5 bricks, where three are lined up horizontally, and the 1.5 bricks form the end.

Step Three – Add the second layer of bricks

Now you want to arrange the second layer a little differently, being sure to leave the middle section empty.

Step Four – Add the third layer

Now you can add the third layer, leaving only the middle empty.

Step five – Add the fourth and final layer

Add the final layer, replicating the third layer.

Step Six – Add a single brick to below the side hole

This will serve as your fuel feeder.

Step Seven – You’re all done

Now it’s time to feed the fire and get to cooking. The total build time of this particular stove is then less than 20 minutes. To finish off the fire so that you can warm water you simply add a metal grid, or a stove metal mount.

Tutorial Five: The single-pot rocket stove


For those looking for a rocket stove that can accommodate a large vat or liquid with ease, this single-pot rocket stove tutorial is perfect. What’s more, with materials that should be readily available, and a design that is based upon an insulated rocket reflow combustion chamber to increase combustion and reduce smoke, this is one tutorial that features easily sourced materials, easy to follow instructions and a stove that provides superior performance.

It has much in common with many of the other tutorials that you’ll find here however, as only the tips of the wood burn, thus allowing for optimal performance. So then, now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get started.

What you’ll need

  • Sheet metal or a 5 litre metal can
  • Water, Clay, Sawdust – To make the light weight bricks required for the inner structure
  • Wooden Mold
  • One reasonably sized clay brick
  • Vermiculite or perlite
  • Cement

The single-pot rocket stove: Step by Step

Step One – Create your light weight bricks from the Water, Clay and Sawdust

The light weight bricks that make up the inner combustible stove are perfect for a rocket stove as they have better draft and higher combustion temperatures, which decreases the emission from burning biomass.

To make them you mix the clay and sawdust first, kneading the sawdust and clay together; once well mixed add in the water gradually and continue to mix the ingredients. You should stop adding water when the consistency is rough, relatively stiff and without lumps.

The recipe will need to be fine-tuned as according to the sawdust that you are using. However generally speaking the following measurements tend to work well with most sawdust types.

  • 500g Sawdust
  • 1200g Water
  • 900g Clay

The bricks should be fired at around 1000 Celsius, which should create bricks with an optimum density of 0.6g/cc (perfect for our purposes, and at this density the bricks themselves will float in water).

You will need to create a wooden mould to shape your bricks (and wet the wood so that they slip out of the bottom easily). The brick is removed later once the consistency has hardened.

Step Two – Create the combustion chamber

Once all of your bricks are ready it’s time to begin work on the combustion chamber. This should begin by two clay bricks being placed adjacent to one another, with a normal, heavier brick between them placed at what will be the back of the chamber. This creates a ‘U’ shape.

Build up the chamber from here by adding three levels of brick total with no openings (this brings your chamber to around 30cm high).

Step Three – Add the cylinder by placing it over the combustion chamber

The sheet metal cylinder has a square hole cut into the bottom, do that it lines up with the entrance of the combustion chamber. For now you can temporarily fill up the cylinder’s entrance with a brick.

Step Four – Add the cement between the cylinder and the combustion camber

Fill up your cylinder with cement, leaving the middle section within the combustion chamber open.

Step Five – Add three metal bars in a triangle shape

Adding three metal bars into your cylinder can serve as a built in pot rest. To make these secure you can drill six holes in total into the cylinder, ready to accept the melt bars. This metal to metal contact upon which your pot will be placed additionally benefits from the natural convection of the sheet metal. Just be sure to leave a 12mm gap between the metal bars and the combustion chamber.

Step Six – Consider a pot skirt for super quick cooking

To make your rocket stove even more efficient you can add a stove skirt, which simple lengthens the height of the metal cylinder, allowing for the heat to run past the sides of the pot.

 Tutorial Six: Rocket Stove For Indoor Heating

(There is no video for this rocket stove, but click here is the original blog post with full instructions.)

This final tutorial is for those who may be more advanced with DIY skills, as well as being pretty handy with a welding torch. It creates an impressive indoor rocket stove that looks more akin to a home heating system.

What you’ll need

  • An old electric hot water tank (or, for an easy life you may consider using a steel drum)
  • 3″ diameter steel pipe
  • 4″x4″ square tubing
  • Flat steel plate

* All of the above each had around 1/8″ wall thickness, which may be thicker than necessary.

  • Flexible Aluminium tubing (e.g. dryer ducking)

The ultimate rocket stove for indoor heating: Step by Step

Step One – Attach the dryer ducting to a chimney for testing purposes

Step Two – Cut the water tank tube so it is able to accept the combusted chamber and chimney

The chimney should already have a square end that is welded on, which will be the part inserted into the hot water tank

Step Three – Weld the chimney into the inside of the hot water tank

Before being able to do this, you’ll obviously need to cut the end off of the tank. You can also place a block of wood underneath the chimney to keep it in place for welding.

Step Four – Once the welding is complete and cooled you can spray your tank

If you do spray your tank use black, as this absorbs and retains heat better. You should also ensure that you’re using a high heat performance spray paint.

Step Five – Weld the lid back on

You can cover over any messy welding with a nice silver sheet metal ring.

Step Six – Attach the dryer ducting to the square that now juts out from the tank

Step Seven – You may finally want to think about adding a vented removable screen to the end of the combustion chamber

This will stop any sparks from flying off of the wood and into your room (this step is actually pretty essential).

If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in our rocket mass heater post too!

(Image from: wsssst)

Why You Should Consider Growing Duckweed At Home

Duckweeds

Also known as Lesser Duckweed, this common plan is generally found floating on the surface of marshes, ponds, slow-moving streams and lakes. While this may be among the smallest flowering plants in the world, Duckweed features powerful nutrients ideal for not only your livestock, but also your family. If you’re searching for a natural, cost-effective and healthy alternative to livestock feed, and even as a protein supplement for your family, Duckweed may be what you’re searching for.

Duckweed as Livestock Feed

Farmers, both large and small, continually search for ways to reduce livestock feed expense without sacrificing nutrition. In the farming community, Duckweed has grown in popularity in use due to its easy cultivation methods and high nutritional profile.

Duckweed consists of:

  • 35 to 43 percent of crude protein – around the same concentration as dried soybean meal
  • 5 percent of polyunsaturated fats
  • 5 to 15 percent of fibre
  • Tract amounts of: carotene, xanthophyll, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients

While the nutrient concentration of Duckweed is what draws some farmers, the ease of its growing and harvesting is its primary attraction. Under ideal growing conditions, such as a simulated and protected lagoon setting, this plant can double its size within a matter of 16 hours to two days. In an average setting, farmers may yield anywhere from 2 to 23 tons of dried plant matter per harvesting year. Its exceptional growth rate and massive harvest yields make Duckweed a viable option for most farmers.

Duckweed for Your Family

Due to its high protein content, many professionals in the realm of sustainable living have noted this plant as a potential life-saving food source should the modern food industry collapse. While its edible for human consumption, before serving this plant to your family, there are several points of interest you must take into consideration:

  • Duckweed Harvesting Conditions – Naturally grown Duckweed thrives in less-than-sanitary conditions, such as ponds rich with animal waste and bacteria. Due to this, only consume Duckweed cultivated in sanitary conditions, such as in a maintained pool of water.
  • Calcium Oxalate Concentration – Duckweed can feature 2 to 4 percent calcium oxalate concentrations, which can be toxic to humans. While the oxalate concentration may be controlled by its growing environments, duckweed harvested in the wild must be treated to reduce the oxalate level for safe consumption. Do so by boiling, roasting or sauteing the duckweed before eating.

Once you’ve harvested and prepared Duckweed, its tangy flavour, similar to watercress or spinach, it may be used in salads, sandwiches, soups or any other dish you’d typically find a leafy vegetable. Duckweed has been used for centuries as a food source in Asian cuisine. Experience the nutritional value and pleasant taste, but only after ensuring its safety by cultivating in clean grow areas or by properly cooking to kill harmful bacteria.

(Image from: Wikipedia)

12 Survival Uses for Duct Tape

ductapesurvival

Duct tape has gained almost a cult following due to its wide array of uses. Whether you wish to make a custom wallet or the most colourful dress at the party, duct tape does far more than secure and item. While it features many quirky and fun uses, duct tape has become the go-to item for survivalists throughout the world. Explore how this everyday item could potentially save your life if caught in an emergency situation.

Tent Repair

A leaky or drafty tent could mean the difference between staying safe and warm or being exposed to dangerous elements. Repair tears and holes with a roll of duct tape. Patch the tear or hole by covering with a layer of duct tape on the exterior and interior side of your tent. This is also an excellent fix if your tent zipper has broken. Simply place the tape along the zipper line of the tent.

Repair Your Water Bottle

Patch holes in your water container by placing a small strip of duct tape directly over the holes. IMPORTANT: Make sure the water bottle is empty and completely dry before applying the tape, as it doesn’t stick to wet surfaces. Enhance this fix by completely wrapping the water bottle with duct tape.

Create a Homemade Spear

Grab a pole and attach your camping knife to its tip by wrapping it with several layers of duct tape. This survivalist method turns these two common items into a deadly spear to ward off animal attacks or to catch dinner.

Secure a Sprained Ankle

Sprained ankles could potentially put you and your hiking group in serious danger, especially if you must escape a potentially dangerous situation. Secure a sprained ankle by wrapping it with duct tape. While not a permanent fix, the tape will secure the ankle enough to provide mobility.

Care for Blisters

Whether on your feet or hands, blisters can not only make common movements painful, but if left exposed to the elements, it could become seriously infected. Place a layer of cotton gauze or bandages over the blister and secure with duct tape.

Create Watertight Boots

Prevent water and/or dirt from entering your boots by wrapping the top of the boots with duct tape. Add an extra layer of protection by tightening the ends of your pants with duct tape. Tightly wrap duct tape around the ankle of your pants to prevent dirt, water or bugs from crawling up your legs.

Make Rope

While not the most ideal usage, create decently strong ropes by rolling several pieces of duct tape together in a spiral formation. This method creates a multi-layered rope ideal for securing items or stringing up between trees as a clothes line.

Secure Shelter

If you don’t have a tent, but need to escape the elements, duct tape can be used to secure items, such as a trash bag or a tarp, to trees. Use several layers of duct tape to ensure its security, especially if it’s raining.

Secure Bandages and Splints

Keep bandages (or broken bones) from moving, or being damaged or getting wet, by applying several layers of duct tape over a bandage or an emergency splint. Make sure a sterile dressing fully covers the wound before applying duct tape.

Reseal Cans of Food

Prevent food from going to waste by creating a makeshift can food lid. Fashion a lid out of duct tape by placing a single strip along the centre of the can. Add strips along the left and right side, making sure each strip overlaps the other, until the opening of the can is enclosed in tape.

Catch Flies Without Chemicals

In the summer months, flies in your tent can prove to be a real nuisance. Eliminate these pesky insects by securing 3 to 5 strips of duct tape from the roof of your tent. The sticky side of the tape acts as fly paper, without the harmful chemicals. As the strips become full of flies, simply crumple up into a ball and throw away.

Create a Belt

When your pants are too big, and you don’t have a belt, the sagging clothing can be not only annoying, but potentially dangerous in an emergency situation. Secure your pants by running a strip of duct tape through your belt loops. Allow the tape to overlap 4 to 5 inches and tighten.

12 Survival Uses For Duct Tape

If you don’t have any duct tape, get some! Seriously, it is crazy you don’t have any… There is a use for duct tape in almost any situation you can think of, everything from around the home, DIY through to medical and survival uses.  Don’t leave home without it!

Quick tip – if you want to carry duct tape with you in your hiking/camping or bug-out bag, don’t take the whole bulky roll; instead carefully wrap your water bottle in duct tape. This will protect your water bottle from bumps and allow you to carry some duct tape without any effort or too much additional weight.

Here is some of the best duct tape you can get: 3M Scotch Heavy Duty All-Weather Duct Tape

(Image from: Joe Loong)

Emergency Car Kit: 17 Items To Have In Your Car This Winter

Emergency car kit for winter

There’s not a single person who foresees themselves needing a car emergency kit; however, should the unfortunate occur, these kits can mean the difference between surviving harsh winter nights or succumbing to the icy touch of Father Winter. While there are many items you should have in your emergency car kit, the following 15 items are essential when traversing the roadways during winter months.

Item #1 ­ Flannel or Fleece Blanket

Should you become stranded in your vehicle, a fleece or flannel blanket is essential to keep your body temperature in the acceptable range. While any type of blanket will do, flannel or fleece blankets are designed to trap heat better than cotton or polyester blankets.

Item #2 ­ Water

Make sure you have at least four litres of water stored in your vehicle, ideally it should be in several smaller bottles, so if one leaks, you haven’t lost all your water in one go. Water is a vital item for your emergency car kit, whatever the time of year.

Item #3 ­ Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are essential as they not only keep your hands warm, but you may place them inside your clothing to maintain ideal body core temperatures.

Item #4 ­ Matches and a Butane Lighter

Should you be trapped for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to manufacture heat outside of blankets and hand warmers. Matches and wind ­resistant butane lighters provide instant access to starting a heat­ generating fire.

Item #5 ­ Fire Starters

If you’re stuck in snow or wet conditions, finding acceptable wood or other fire starters can be difficult, if not impossible. Gather at least 10 old newspapers or several fire starting logs to help start a fire when stranded.

Item #6 ­ Portable, High ­Protein Food Source

Every vehicle emergency kit should contain at least 10 protein bars to keep energy levels high should you need to vacate your vehicle and traverse to shelter.

Item #7 ­ Foghorn

While every kit should contain a whistle, foghorns provide a much louder noise capable of being heard miles away. This item could mean the difference between being heard, and subsequently rescued, or being left among the frozen vegetation.

Item #8 ­ Neon Orange Flags

Should your vehicle slide off into a ditch where other travellers are unable to see, neon orange flags provide the ideal contrast to the white snow. The most important element when stranded is becoming as visible as possible by both land and air rescuers.

Item #9 ­ Pepper Spray or Taser

Unfortunately, we live in a dangerous world. Whether another human wishes to take advantage of your vulnerable state or a wild animal desires to investigate the warm creatures in the metal box, defence items, such as pepper spray or a Taser, could mean the difference between staying safe or being placed in harm’s way.

Item #10 ­ LED Lantern and Flashlights

While a flashlight is a necessity for any emergency kit, an LED lantern provides far more illumination, which may be required when walking around at night or investigating the condition of your car in low ­light situations.

Item #11 ­ Waterproof Jacket & Footwear

Should you need to vacate the vehicle to seek assistance or other shelter, waterproof clothing and  footwear are essential to keep you warm and dry whilst outside.

Item #12 ­ Bag of Sand

A bag of sand is necessary to create traction to help navigate a vehicle out of an ice and snow covered ditch. Moreover, if you must walk down steep slopes, throwing sand in front of your path reduces the likelihood of slips and falls.

Item #13 ­ Portable Shovel

Shovels are essential for any winter vehicle emergency kit as it assists in digging your car out of snow or creating pathways should you need to navigate through deep snow.

Item #14 ­ Extra Clothing

Prepare for the worst by keeping three pairs of thick socks, several scarves and a few pairs of pants in your emergency kit. Should your clothing become wet, it’s essential to
replace with dry clothes to prevent hypothermia, or worse.

Item #15 ­ A Good Book

While an emergency kit is designed to keep your body safe, a book can help preoccupy your mind should you be stranded for long durations. Avoid digital book readers as they’re only useful when powered.

Item #16 ­ A Small First Aid Kit

For obvious reasons!

Item #17 ­ A Good Quality Multi-Tool

A good quality multi-tool such as a Leatherman Sidekick is worth it’s weight in gold. It is useful for a whole range of things from repairing your vehicle, first aid, rescue and survival. Everyone should have one in their car.

Free Firewood: Heat Your Home 100% For Free! (UPDATED)

our free firewood

With the cost of living skyrocketing in areas all throughout the country, many consumers are seeking out cheap, or preferably free, ways to curve their utility bills. When it comes to heating your home throughout the winter months, a wood-burning stove effectively warms your living spaces without burning through your bank account. To further deepen your monthly energy costs, stop buying your firewood and turn to these completely free, and completely legal, ways of gathering perfectly good free firewood.

Ask Tree Surgeons/Arborists For Free Firewood

Most tree surgeons (Arborists) are clever enough to realize that logging, seasoning and selling their hardwood waste is a no-brainer. However, there’s only really any value in hardwood logs, as this is what most people want to burn. This leaves a lot of fresh softwood being wasted or chipped for biomass (that usually just gets taken off their hands in bulk for little or no money). If you are willing to burn softwood (and if it is free then you should be willing!), it’s not too difficult to find a local tree surgeon/arborist who will be happy to dump loads of cords/tree rings on your driveway for free. This literally is an untapped resource for free firewood! All you need to do is cut it up and season it. Contact some of your local companies and ask. Some will ignore you or say no. Some may offer to deliver loads for $20 etc, but some will also be happy to help you out for free, as it helps them out.

We do this and get all the firewood to heat our home for free. As we have built relationships with a few local companies, they also sometimes deliver hardwood loads as well. If they are cutting several trees close to us, it is easier for them to quickly dump loads with us, rather than travel further to their depot each time during the day.

At the beginning of this year, we had several large loads of tree rings and branches delivered. None of it was perfect firewood, there was some very wet (but not rotten) oak that had been laying on the ground for sometime and some green sycamore and pine. This was all sawn, chopped and stored to season throughout the summer. We now have more than enough free firewood to get us through the winter, without spending a penny on heating. If you want free firewood, get in touch with local arborists!

Free Firewood From Construction Tree Debris

As construction crews clear the land for new developments etc, there may be a significant amount of heavy brush or tree branches left in their wake. While some construction companies sell wood to firewood merchants or lumber yards, smaller branches and brush are often available free of charge as long as you receive permission from the construction manager. It is always worth asking when you see new developments in your area.

Find Free Firewood On eBay, Gumtree & FreeCycle

Every day, there are people in your area giving away waste wood (pallets etc) and wood from trees and bushes they have cut down on their properties. People without wood-burning stoves and fireplaces are only too happy to give their wood away for free, rather than having to dispose of it themselves. All you have to do is go around and pick up the wood. Check eBay, Gumtree and Freecycle and other similar websites, and search in your areas for free firewood and logs etc. Some people will charge a small amount, but most are only too happy to have someone to come over and take it away for them.

Gather Dead Tree Branches

Often times, dead tree branches are found scattered throughout residential or commercial properties. If you notice dead or even dying, trees lining a property, ask the owner if you can gather some of these branches. In many cases, property owners don’t have the need for the wood, or the financial resources to have the trees removed. Therefore, by gathering these potentially hazardous tree branches you’re not only stockpiling your free firewood supply but also helping out a neighbor.

Post Storm Tree Debris

After a major thunderstorm, tree branches tend to accumulate along the side of the road or in yards of commercial and residential properties. While most property owners simply throw away storm debris, ask the property owner if you can help collect and remove the debris with the premise of keeping some, or all, of the wood. If you live in an area that frequently sees windstorms, this could be the sole source of your free firewood supply.

Wooden Pallets Make Excellent Free Kindling

Commercial retail stores and warehouses use wooden pallets for a myriad of reasons. While many businesses reuse pallets, once damaged, or once their stock of pallets becomes too large, many are open to donating to local residents for firewood purposes. The size, shape, and portability of wooden pallets make them a perfect source for firewood, especially kindling. Just be sure to check they are pressure treated, rather than chemically treated. Most are these days, but it is better to check. A quick Google of the stamps on the pallets will tell you.

Ask Sawmills For Free Waste/Off Cuts

Many sawmills actively search for ways to reduce their overhead, which includes disposal costs associated with end cut removal. Contact your local saw mill and ask about pick up times for scrap lumber. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a bag or two of sawdust, which may be used as kindling. The sawmill got rid of some waste and you got some free firewood!

BONUS Section: How To MAKE Free And Virtually Unlimited Fuel To Heat Your Home

FREE fuel and unlimited fuel to heat your home – that’s quite a promise! It doesn’t actually promise to be a solution to provide ALL of the fuel to heat your home, but depending on the size of your home it probably could do just that… If you have a small house or cabin heated by a wood stove you could probably heat your house using just this method. For larger homes with a wood fire or stove, this would be an excellent addition to firewood which could possibly save you 50%, maybe more on your fuel costs.

You are obviously not going to be able to generate enough junk mail, cardboard and magazines etc to save a fortune (although still worth doing!), but if you ask friends, neighbors and family to save all their paper waste you’ll start to generate a significant amount of fuel material. You could also ask around local businesses for their waste paper too!

(Image from Tiny House Listings)
(Image from: Wikipedia)

11 Simple Ways To Prep Your Home For Winter (And Save On Your Heating Costs)

winterprep

As warm summer breezes give way to crisp winter chills, the amount of clothing you wear isn’t the only thing increasing. With home heating costs continually rising, many are searching for simple and cheap ways to winterize and warm their homes. If you’re searching for a way to keep the cold out, and the monthly heating bills at a minimum, then delve into these 10 easy and cost effective winterizing methods before Father Winter fully takes hold.

Prep Tip #1 ­ Plan Early and Plant Evergreens

Planting evergreens, to create windbreaks along the northwestern border of your property blocks cold winter winds from infiltrating your home. In fact, these trees can reduce heating costs by up to 30%. Increase the natural insulation of your home by placing dense shrubs directly along the sides of your home.

Prep Tip #2 ­ Bubble Wrap Your Windows

Attaching bubble wrap to windows traps warm air inside while blocking cold air from leeching in through the window panes. While standard plastic wrap is acceptable, the air bubbles in bubble wrap provide an extra layer of insulation ­ if you’re able to resist popping them.

Prep Tip #3 ­ Place Draft Stoppers On All Doors

Draft stoppers can be made out of towels, sheets and even old sweaters. By placing draft stoppers along the bottom portion of each door, your home is consolidated into smaller “units,” which require much less heat to keep warm.

Prep Tip #4 ­ Set Ceiling Fans to Reverse

Reversing the circulation of ceiling fans draws warm air that’s risen to the top of a room back down into living areas. You’d be surprised how much warm air is lurking on your ceiling. By simply flipping a switch, you can save up to 10% on heating costs.

Prep Tip #5 ­ Remove Window Air Conditioning Units

While a lifesaver during humid summer months, the cracks created from window A/C units literally sucks out precious warm air and invites arctic winds into your home. As summer turns into fall, take out all window A/C units. In fact, the drafts created by window units can waste up to 30% of energy per year.

Prep Tip #6 ­ Remove Fall Leaves From Your Gutters

While you’re probably well aware of the importance of clean and free-­flowing gutters, did you know that clogged gutters during winter months can significantly reduce inside ambient temperatures? Prevent ice dams and icicles from forming, which is like surrounding your windows and walls with ice cubes, by thoroughly cleaning gutters at the first sign of frost.

Prep Tip #7 ­ Install Weatherstipping Tape on Windows and Doors

The fight between your warmth and outdoor frigid temperatures is won by eliminating drafts. Install weatherstripping tape along the frames of windows and doors before the nights turn arctic to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Prep Tip #8 ­ Seal Off Your Chimney

Chimneys, when not in use, account for a substantial amount of heat loss during winter months. Therefore, seal off the entrance of fireplaces by wrapping its opening in plastic wrap. If your budget allows, increase the insulation of this heat-­leecher by placing a chimney balloon inside the chimney shoot.

Prep Tip #9 ­ Place Blankets on Bare Floors

There’s nothing quite as awful as waking up in the morning to be welcomed by frigid, hard floors. Increase the insulation of all rooms with non­-carpeted floors by securing blankets, or rugs, across all living spaces. While it may not be the most beautiful addition to your interior design, it’s an effective way to cheaply winterize your home.

Prep Tip #10 ­ Baked Potato…In My Bed?

There are times, in the peak of winter’s harsh reality, where even the most effective heat­-trapping methods aren’t enough to keep you warm. If you wish to refrain from increasing furnace output, simply place hot baked potatoes into tube socks, preferably wool socks, and stick them under your bed sheets for 15 to 30 minutes. Not only will your bed be toasty, but you’ll have potatoes for a hashbrown breakfast!

Prep Tip #11 ­ Low Cost Thermal Curtains from Comforters

Take an old comforter that’s long and wide enough to cover the window and then sew in some hook and loop tape or some curtain hooks to hang your new thermal curtains. You can also sew in some hook and loop or hooks along the bottom, so you can then roll up the curtain when not in use. If you are skilled with the sewing machine, you can cut your comforter to fit the window. Otherwise just let them hang a little longer/wider like we do!

 

(Image from: Wikipedia)