New home with Masonry Heater

[gmdiesel86]

Good morning all. We just moved into a new home this past weekend and I am excited that it has this masonry heater in the living room! I am looking for any other members out there who may have one or if anyone can help identify the manufacturer. I haven't had much of a chance to look at it as we are still unpacking all of our boxes yet. I added some photos of the 'controls' for it with the T handle and the pull handle. TIA

 

[stumpy75]

I'm going to guess that the handle is a flue damper, as the main chimney appears to be to the right of the firebox. Maybe try lighting a small amount of newpaper in the firebox and adjust the handle to see how it affects the draft. Best to do this on a cool or cold night outside. How the rest of how it works, I have no idea...

Here's a builder advertising in your area... http://gimmeshelteronline.com/heaters-and-bake-ovens/masonry-heaters/
http://gimmeshelteronline.com/heaters-and-bake-ovens/masonry-heaters/

 

[JeffreyZirkle]

Check out Mother Earth News, I love that magazine.
As I remember, as I want to build one myself that you burn this thing wide open once a day for one hour and that it will radiate heat for up to 48 hours. It is best to not let it go over 24 hours between Burns as once it cools down, it takes a while to get it back up to temp. You will just have to play with the burn time to find the sweet spot to keep your house to a desired level of comfort between Burns. I personally would want the temp to start dropping at night, I sleep better if the house is cool.
The concept was born by the Russians I believe out on the tundra.

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[Hddnis]

I always wanted one of those in a cabin in the woods.

 

[Del_]

You need more information about your heater.

What specs was it built to?

Homemade?

Is it safe to use?

 

[gmdiesel86]

Thanks for the response everyone. Got busy this weekend with outside work at the new house plus unpacking still.
Thanks Del. We did have a full inspection done before we made the offer and it passed by a certified chimney sweep and the home inspector.
I found the letters 'UPO' on some of the ash clean out doors and found that manufacturer in a search online. As far as the controls go the pull knob is for the shut off damper for the chimney. The T handle is for a horizontal bypass channel. That is the one control I don't quite get and couldn't find an explanation of it either. I will do more research but trust the people here more then a random post on the internet.