GARN

In 1976, as a result of client demand and interest in alternative heating systems, primarily wood and solar, Lunde began personally funding internal research on wood combustion and developed into what would become the GARN line of Wood-Fired Hydronic Heaters. The first prototype units were field-tested in 1981, and most are still in operation today. By 1978, he and his associates had developed a crude prototype of what was to become the GARN® WHS unit. Initial testing showed the concept was viable. In 1979, the Department of Energy awarded Lunde a grant to continue research and development on the unit. One of the first prototypes was installed in an energy-efficient residence in 1980. While the design won awards, the system was too complex and expensive.