A few times in the past I have mentioned my sister's place in mid-state NY. They built their own home starting around 1980 with the intent of making it as energy efficient as possible. The walls are staggered 2x4 construction for 8" of insulation with a well sealed vapor barrier before the drywall. The heat is primarily from a homemade wood-fired oven. There is also a wood-oil boiler but it has to get into the low teens before they use it. Their total wood consumption is 2 cords per year in a heavy winter. In milder weather they burn poplar, cottonwood, etc. and in colder weather hickory. All wood comes from their property. If the wood oven has been fired for 4-5 days they often let the fire go out and heat with just the masonry mass of the wall surrounding the oven. Funny thing is the oven was a last minute addition while they were building. This house is just over 2000 sq ft and demonstrates the value of great insulation and attention to sealing details.
They also build a great fireplace which is insulated from the exterior stone masonry.
The windows are extra deep belying the thick walls.
They also build a great fireplace which is insulated from the exterior stone masonry.
The windows are extra deep belying the thick walls.
