This is my first forum.  So if I do something that isn't proper etiquette please let me know.  I have learned several things reading all the posting and they weren't all about the Garn.  One thing that I learned was not to use CAPS.  Thanks for that advice Jim k in PA.

 I have been looking at the Garn 2000.  I plan on doing the install myself.  One of the delays is that MA. past that any unit that is bought or sold in the state must be on the EPA approved list.  I have talked to my local rep and he tells me that the people at Garn should have the unit on the list within a couple of months. 

 I have a lot of questions but I'll start tonight with just a few.  My first quetions is has anyone put a 2000 in their basement of their house?  I know that my rep says that it can but doesn't recommend it because of the mess.  This isn't a detached basement in some other building.  I'm hoping to cut a 7ft opening in the foundation of my house.  I know that this sounds crazy but if I can get this to work it will be awsome. 

 My current house is a ranch with about 2300 sq ft.  Above my garage I have about another 900 sq ft.  I have 5 zones on my oil fired furance.  One for the masterbed, another for the kids side of the house (hoping that they will move out some day, not looking to promising), another for the main living area, onther for the room above the garage, and the last one for the indirect hot water tank.  I want to keep the same setup and have the oil be my backup.  My question is can I do this and would I have the Garn piped in just before the circlulating pump?

I will be more than glad to explan more details of why I would love to install this in my basement. 

Thanks in advance,  Jim M

I know this question got asked on Hearth.com. The Garn can be vented vertically so I see no reason why not. For me one of the Garn's big advanatges is that it can be vented horizontally. Makes a lot of difference in my situation, maybe not yours if you have a spare, suitable, chimney. If you have not got a copy yet, Garn have an install manual that would be worth a look.

Thanks Dave.  I'll check out hearth.  I still plan on going hortizontal.  I have a walkout basement. Do you know how far from a window or any other building code requirements?  I plan on have the flue be to the left.  Is this okay to have a 90 degree out the back?

Horizontal flue's cannot include a horizontal 90 and in my opinion your rep is right about locating the Garn (or any wood burner) inside the house. It makes no sense to go to all that time and expense for the privilage of spending more time hauling wood into your house. The Garn is the cleanest and safest wood burner you can own and it still does not make sense. Even with the best equipment and scenario you are still going to have some smoke particulate and ash dust infiltrating your living space, not to mention the mess of the wood. If your house is energy tight (and it should be) then then burning wood in the home is foolish and unacceptable IMHO. 

Kenny my basement is completely unfinished.  I have a 7ft door that would allow me to drop my wood right inside the door, which would be only a couple of feet away from the front of the Garn.  There really would be very little mess and the mess that does get created could be swept right out the door.  Let me explain some of the reasons that I want to put it in the basement.  First of all my wife and I built this house about 8 years ago.  We built it with the intentations that this is the house that we will live in for the rest of are lives.  We did several things that would make it easier on us when we got older aka less mobile. I have an entrance to my basement throught my garage.  There are 7 steps to get into the basement.  My furnace is close by (less tubing) and no foundation to drill or extra insulation.  I saw on this site somewhere, sorry I can't remember who right now, whre they made boxes that would hold a face cord of wood.  I could lift that with my tractor and drop it in the basement.  So that would be easy and not alot of work.  The Garn would also provide some heat in the basement which would be a good thing.  I have a fireplace insert and burn about 5 cords of wood.  I wouldn't think that there would be any more smoke or ash than what I'm use to.  Do you? 

I appreciate your feedback.  I don't think that it is all that foolish.  If you still think it is please let me know.  I truely like honest open minded feedback.

Thanks

Jim

If you go to any of the European sites, Frolng, Kob, Windhager etc etc you will see that they usually assume that the boiler would be inside the house, only the very fortunate would gave enough space for a Garn Barn. Windhager do actually sell a seperate housing system, BioWIn from memory for their larger systems. The only real negative I have with the Garn is there is no automatic feed option, that would certainly help as the years pass. We will be in the minus somthing tonight, I wish I could work out a plan that avoids going outside.

Jim,

      I don't mean to be harsh. After all, you are the one living with the decision, but your arguments have not changed my opinion. If it were me I would put the Garn (and the wood) in a garage stall and put a pool table in the basement, but we all do it different. I guess you could pump some heat out to the garage and put the pool table there? Okay, now I'm just having some fun. Sorry! No matter what you do you will love your Garn. By the way, will you have an option to remove the Garn once it is in your basement?  

Not a problem.  Nice idea about the pool table but I already have in the room above the garage and I really don't feel like moving it. 

Once I die who ever buys the house c an remove it through the 7 ft doorway.

 Does any body know building code requirements?

As it is not a pressurised system should not be too much of a problem. However codes are location specific, I would go and ask.

I found the quickest way to clarify the Gordian knot of building code issues was to go my local building department and discuss the issues with the fellow who was to review the permit application (brought pics, preliminary plans, and the Garn manuals).  If you keep it quick and to the point, they're often very cooperative in clarifying the code requirements (and their particular interpretation of the code).

Hi Jim. I have had a Garn for 14 years now and they are a wonderful piece of equipment. I would think putting the Garn in your basement is a good idea, but remember that there is always insects (mainly spiders) that like to ride in on the wood and take up residence in your house, Allergy's is another thing to keep in mind, plus the dust that will be created over time. Maybe a special boiler room in you basement with a door to close off from rest of house? Not trying to talk you out of  putting your Garn in the basement but these are a few concerns I would have. My Garn is    located in my garage and I fire approx.twice a day, about 11 to 12 cord a winter. I have to go outside to get to the Garn, but two or three times a day is no big deal. The garage is attached to the house but because of insurance reasons the Garn had to have its own room within the garage