Outdoor Wood Boilers

[rvr6000]

For those of you who have them - looking for what you think are the pros and cons of one of these systems, and about what you paid for everything. The house has a propane fired forced air system now so would likely install a heat exchanger in that. Wouldn't mind seeing some pics of your setups too if you have any. Thanks.

 

[shawnspeed]

I have had a woodmaster for 15 years...they are hungry...I live south of you and go thru about 7-9 FULL FEDERAL CORDS A YEAR or 30-50 face cords...If I were to do it again I would invest in a Gasifier boiler....I like the outside part...no muss no fuss in the house, does hot water as well as heat. There are several of us here at work that have them, all different brands, and all our experiences are similar...no matter what the salesmen said, you will be tending to the stove at least twice a day , unless it is in the 40-50 degree range. I have also repaired the water jacket on mine (outside) and replaced all the electrical components at least once ( Aquastat, draft motor & Circulator pump) all those items are pretty able to relace with simple hand tools & common household repair skills.Also keep a good door gasket in it and that will help with wood use as well, I replace mine yearly....Shawn

 

[rick2752]

I have a heatmor brand and I love mine. I have had it for about 6 yrs maybe. I bought it used for 4k. The underground pipe is pricey so the farther away you are adds up quickly. I also burn about 8 cords a year but I only fill once a day until it got minus 2 here the other day. Difference I can cut 8 cords in the time most cut 4 because my boiler will take a 54 inch log. If I can pick it up, it's small enough. I split very little, only oversize stuff. Go bigger, mine is rated to heat 10k sq ft and I'm only heating about 6k if you count the basement. Not hooked into garage yet as I'm not insulated yet. Any questions ask away.im about 130 ft from house and had about 7k all said and done.

 

[sauto1985]

This is my 8th year with a central boiler outdoor burner. It paid for itself in 4yrs. Pros is that you can save some money and the work will help keep you active all year long between cutting and splitting and stacking wood to filling the burner in the winter. The cons I believe are making sure you have a good wood source. And also filling twice a day routine no matter what or how you feel. But even when I cant fill because im staying at work late my wife does it for me. My burner is in the middle of its 8th season and they have gone up in prices considerably since ive bout mine. But I had about 6grand in it and accessories when I bought mine. I did my own install so no money spent there. But more money was spent over the years for chainsaws, log splitter and utility trailer to get wood.

 

[Kamhillbilly]

I have an Empyre 450 heating 1800Sqft house & 1600 Sqft shop with 12' ceilings I burn about 13 bush cords a heating season. House is all in floor radiant shop is in floor radiant with a forced air rad to recover faster when opening and closing big doors in -30 to -40 C weather.Lots of work and babysitting but my only other option is oil or propane wood costs me about $1300 plus my labour to cut and pile I am sure oil or propane would be at least 4 times that.Bought it used as a demo from dealer did all my lines and heat exchangers with stove and line for about 7 grand

 

[NC4AB]

I am the second owner of a 27 year old Hardy H2, I bought it for a steal 6 years ago with absolutely no regrets. Keeps the house nice and toasty during the winter and also heats the domestic hot water.

No idea on what a new install would cost but would guess it would be north of $6k if you hired it out. Best money you can spend will be on the underground pipe, don't skimp on this our you will be heating the ground instead of the house.

I'm quite a bit south of you but feed the stove once a day, some times twice if the kids are home from college and the wife is washing a lot of clothes.

Make sure you have a good in expensive source for wood, the OWB will eat some wood!

 

[racer1]

I have a natures comfort wood burner. Works awsome. I wish it was more efficient, but, it is what it is. The gasifiers, are just too costly. I would say, if you have a free supply of wood, its worth it. I'm lucky, all my neighbors have a lot of acres of woods. I can have all I can cut. and all within 2 miles of my house. Last month, Rick, my neighbor, said he was cutting out a drainage ditch between fields. about 200 trees were coming down. He is cutting them and dragging them up to a lot by the road. All I have to do is take my trailer up there, cut up logs, throw on trailer and take home. My friends laugh at me, But as long as its free, Im taking all I can get. For those that say its too much work, I like it. I like getting outside and cutting wood. Its good exercise for me.
I might be satisfied when I have 5-6 yrs worth...LOL.....