Heating system
New in 2004 was central heat. The house was already plumbed with forced hot water baseboard heating. Only two problems: no boiler to make the hot water, and no electricity to power the furnace. Installation of the photovoltaic system in 2003 and a wind turbine in 2007 provided us with the electrical supply to power a boiler unit. Propane is used as the fuel source.

The furnace, called a "Munchkin", was purchased and installed. Now the chilly times of the year are not an issue. It is warm and comfortable.
Munchkin
The Munchkin is extremely efficient. It boasts a 96% efficientcy rating. Nearly all of the energy the unit consumes is turned into heat.

Should you find yourself replacing your home furnace, you would be well advised to investigate the benefits of installing a Munchkin.
Winter aerial view
Bill Jenkins (l), Jim Walker (center) and Dave Rice raise a toast to the completed installation of the boiler unit and hot water heater. Don Root is behind the camera.

Jim's efforts installing the boiler were nothing short of engineering perfection. His attention to the layout of the water lines produced an installation that is also visually unobtrusive.
Winter at Race Point