do any of you heat with an outside wood furnace

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Freedom! self reliance : One Thread

Do any of you heat with an outside wood furnace? If so... #1.How much do they cost,?(If you don't mind me asking) #2. How well do they work? #3 Is one brand/type better than the other? #4 Are you bothered with smoke? I ask this because the ones I have seen always seem to be a few yards away from the back door and the chimney are low and the smoke always seems to be blowing right at the house. Can you extend the chimney or would this effect the draft? I am asking you the consumer because you I trust. The dealers on the other hand.......

-- grant (organicgrange@yahoo.com), May 14, 2001

Answers

I know that Hoot makes these. He's a dealer I would trust. Other than him, I don't trust most people to tell the truth on a product when they are selling it...skeptical???I guess so!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), May 15, 2001.

I don't personally own one - yet. I do know 4-5 folks who do have them. All of them are very satisfied and endorse them strongly. All have the boiler house anywhere from 30 - 100 feet away from the house. I think part of this is because they heat more than one building w/ them. As far as smoke, the boiler does smoke like crazy when first loaded. Then it settles down and you don't see or smell any in a very short time.

Everyone I know seems to have paid around the same price regardless of brand. $5,000 seems to be about the average for a complete installed system. Lots of dough. Does heat your hot water also. And they do burn a LOT of wood, so you will have to have a chainsaw and a truck. I know there should be lots of freebie wood where you live so it shouldn't cost you any more than the gathering price. BTW, make friends w/ a tree trimmer, they have to pay to dispose of that stuff. You'll have more mulch and firewood than you can shake a stick at (pun intended) and they'll deliver it.

I would talk to Hoot. He will email you a bunch of info. You know you can trust his word anyway. He's not to far from us and would be happy to sell you a system I'm sure ;-)

-- John in S. IN (jsmengel@hotmail.com), May 16, 2001.


Grant! Check out the web page at www.centralboiler.com ir my site a www.countryboyenterprises.com. If I can help ya'll out any just holler. Central Boiler is coming out with a new line that's less money than the Classic series. Don't have the price list yet--it's too new I guess.

Thanks John and Doreen for the confidence ya'll show in me. I like to kinda do business as the old time way--"A man's word is his bond" but am forced to do the "paper thing" for legal reasons. Handshakes used to be good enough--why not now? ole hoot. Matthew 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), May 16, 2001.


Update on wood furnaces. Central Boiler has designed a new heater that is about a thousand dollars less than the classic series. Same warrenty--10 years on the firebox---looks the same, works the same but with a smaller water tank and a little different design on the firebox. The smallest of the 3 is stainless steel while the next two larger ones have mild steel for fireboxes. I'll be adding this info the my business webpage shortly. www.countryboyenterprises.com is the url. Prices start less than $3,000. for the burner. Thanks folks. Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), May 21, 2001.

You can extend the chimney I have a central boiler model and its about 10 foot to the top of the chimney ,, you can add another 8 feet with no other changes ,, any more you need a brace ,,, adding will increase the draft , the chimney outlet is made to reduce the draft if nessecery ,,

-- TIM RUSHMAN (shimmy220@aol.com), July 18, 2001.


has some interesting perspectives you might want to consider.

-- dwight in NH (dhogancamp@excite.com), September 06, 2001.

We have been using a stove since 1992. It heats our hot water tank and hot water baseboard heat plus radiant heat in basement floor. House is 3200sf and we use 20 face cord of wood a year(upstate NY). We tried extending chimney and found it would cake over with creasote do to chimney getting too cool. Our manufacturer, of course, is out of business. Stove is located about 100 ft from house. Yes, there is smoke depending on wind direction. However, the plus side is-no mess in house, no climbing roof in middle of a snowstorm to clean chimney, and no more worry about house fires!! We are building a new house and either buying another stove or taking this one with us.

-- DAWN (DAWNJOE@WORLDNET.ATT.NET), September 27, 2001.

Yea! i to have a outside boiler . what i have found that the steel NOT the stainless one and i think they have failed to say that you need some chemical (water side) tech because they will leak!!!!! even if you have a back ground in chemical treatment. i even put another bottom in and 3 years latter dont look good, even tried flushing every year???? A stainless steel could be the answer? otherwise this boiler was fine CHD from upper michigan.

-- c h degrave (chd @ yahoo. com), November 05, 2001.

I bought a woodmaster for acouple of reasons. First reason is it is insulated with fiberglass not foam{foam will detiorate and fall apart from the heat and it lays on the outside of the water jacket and will speed up the rust through].also it doesn't have grates to loose hot embers down into. I'm not trying to tell you that they are the best but from every thing that I've seen and read they are one of the better ones. This is just my opinion but I would buy anyone of them but an american boiler. I don't sell them I,they are just to big of an investment to waste money on. Don't get me wrong I love mine and if I move or something happens to mine I will defintly buy another one.Also I am on my first heating season with mine but so far it is making money,[I get wood for free, haven't used 1/4 of the propane of last year.] If you have more questions feel fre to E-mail .

-- Frank Schumitsch (sled@glis.com), January 06, 2002.

I HAVE A CENTRAL BOILER THE COST WAS 5,500 FOR EVERYTHING , IT DOES A GREAT JOB OF HEATING THE HOUSE AND HOT WATER. ITS THE ONLY WOOD BURNER I EVER HAD SO I CANT SAY IT USES MORE OR LESS WOOD ,BUT IM HAPPY WITH THE AMOUNT IT BURNS . I FILL IT ONE TIME A DAY AND IT WILL BURN LONGER IF YOU FILL IT UP ALL THE WAY. IT SMOKES WHEN FIRST FILLED. THERE ARE MANY MAKERS OF OUTDOOR WOOD BURNERS AND ITS YOUR MONEY SO LOOK AT ALL OF THEM, ALL SAY THEY ARE THE BEST AND THE OTHERS ARE JUNK. I WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT ONE, ITS GREAT HEAT AND CLEAN HEAT , MINE IS 50 FEET AWAY FROM THE HOUSE. THE BETTER THE LINES ARE INSULATED THE LESS WOOD YOU WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH. ITS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAT WITH WOOD AND NEVER WAKE UP TO A COLD HOUSE. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD IS PEOPLE ASKING WHAT KIND OF MEAT IM SMOKING.

-- ALAN REICHMAN (FIXEDANDDIOLATED@AOL.COM), July 01, 2002.


Hi we heat with a WoodMaster and are a dealer for them. We absolutly love our furnace, its really efficient and a nice looking stove. We heated with ours for 1 year before we decided to sell them. I am really proud of the job that these furnaces do for our customers. The average cost is about $5,000 for a unit, but over time they pay for themselves and then some. As far as smoke, yes when the are first loaded they smoke, but we have found if you plan right you can locate it so the wind blows it away from your house (the majority of the time) you wont really notice it. We also have chimney extensions available. The WoodMaster is really a nice unit. They have a round firebox so there is less welds to worry about. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. We would not be selling them if we had first not tried them out for ourselves and thoroughly believe in what we sell. Thanks for "listening". Kelli

-- Kelli (kellirae@usachoice.net), August 14, 2002.

we have a hardy wood burner, we put it in in 1997, we love it we have a firewood bussiness in upstate ny,we use about 20 to 25 face a year, but when you consider the cost of hot water and heat it was a great savings, the stove is about 50 feet away from house, most of the time the wind blows smoke away from house, there are a few times that you get it in the other direction, like most people say because of filling it, but also when it kicks on. i also love not having the mess in house, had three wood stoves in house before, the dust and the wood mess i hated it, our stove cost about 5800 to have put in, and everything hooked up, we have a 10 room house and half a basement. we use this all year long, you get so many end pieces from cutting wood that my hot water in the summer is not costing anything. ok hopefully this gives you a little more info, we didn't know anything about one when we put one in either.

-- nancy (chevy 113733@yahoo.com), September 22, 2002.

WE are installing and going to use our Wood Doctor because after lots of research, we feel it is the best unit. Has boiler plate steel which is 1/4 inch thick throughtout and carries a 30 year warranty. Longest in the business. We will use ours to heat home, hot water, hot tub, garage and pool. Will burn any type of wood and all the mess is outside. We liked it so much we became the dealers in Maine. Check us out at www.MaineWoodDoctor.com. Will smoke some but placement is the key . Farmers are using due to large water heating to purge milk lines and save lots of money on hot water. Endless uses.

-- callie barrett (info@mainewooddoctor.com), October 08, 2002.

Since your inquiry was so long ago, I'm sure you've decided on a unit by now or gone with a conventional system instead but for the benefit of readers like myself, I'll put my two cents worth in. I installed my Sureflame forced air ( no boiler ) wood furnace in 1982 and it has served me faithfully since then. Like the other responders, mine uses a lot of wood but it does do pretty good job of heating my entire house. The downside of using a forced air wood furnace is that when the power goes off there is no way to keep the furnace from overheating since the blower in addition to blowing warm air into the house also serves the purpose of preventing the furnace from getting too hot. I've had to replace motors and wiring a few times because here in the sticks the commercial power is pretty undendable. This year when I built my first fire I noticed that there was some smoke coming in through the ducts and upon checking it out I discovered that the metal separating the firebox from the air jacket was deteriorating and allowing a little soke to be drawn in so I'm in the market for another unit. Any one in my area that has a good used one, send me an e-mail. I would reccomend an outside wood furnace to anyone who is capable of cutting their own firewood; it is good exercise and saves a bundle on heating.

-- Danny Jones (djndj@wk.net), October 17, 2002.

I absolutely love my outdoor furnace. I installed my Wood Doctor Furnace 3 years ago and haven’t burned a drop of oil since. My mobile home is over 30 years old and I couldn’t keep it warm but now it is always between 70 and 72 and I don’t even bother screwing the windows closed anymore. I built an addition with 3 zones of radiant flooring and even with a full basement I still only burn between 4.5 and 6.5 chords a year. Sure they all smoke to some extent but none of my neighbors have complained (and I live in Killington Vermont). As far as I am concerned this is the only way to heat with wood. I bought mine from http://wooddoctorofvt.com.

-- Tim Conwell (wellmind@sover.net), October 19, 2002.


I made my own this year have less than $100 invested and burn waste wood froma sawmill. Instead of water with its pumps and need for elec I designed a air to air heat exchanger no fans so when power is off I still have heat. It is a mule (rough but works ) next year I will clean up the design so wife will let me keep it. he he eh We love it my house has never been warmer and all the mess is outside. Best of all it ended all the cold drafts in this 100+ year old house. I will gladly send you plans and photos for free. E Mail me for details

-- Frank Barnard (Old35mms@aol.com), December 16, 2002.

" Everyone I know seems to have paid around the same price regardless of brand. $5,000 "

I would thing if one was to spend another $5,000 they could invest in something that could possibly save money in the long run on fuel , help pollute the enviorment less , and could increase ones percentage of self sustainability .

http://www.geocities.com/towcrime/greenpower.html

-- Max (MaxT@yoohoo.com), December 17, 2002.


I have had an outdoor boiler for six years. It is a Central Boiler Classic. They also make the Hydro-fire. I have done years of research and have a back ground in automotive prototyping and metal fabricating. When you compare the design features of the systems, look for real side by side testing by an independant lab, fewest moving parts and easiest maintenance. Foam is the best insulation hands down. If you understand the physics of the whole system, again, the classic is best choice, and best value dollar for dollar in the long run. Location is the important factor for smoke, farther away the better, but also more upfront cost. It is a real investment and worth every penny. Put it where you want it and the extra price won't bother you in the future. A higher stack will increase draft but there are adjustments on most dampers to limit air for best efficiency. As for dealers, challenge them to a side by side test with a Classic. OTHER DEALERS WONT SHOW UP. They - do know the Classic is the king of the hill. Most consumers don't have the understanding to really compare the technical aspects of the system, or know how to refer others to a product. Also even though it is a "boiler" it can do forced air extremely well. Good Luck Jerry

-- Jerry Sobocinski (pnj91@comcast.net), December 26, 2002.

After extensive research into plate steel constructed furnaces, I saw the light and narrowed my research to stainless steel units. I recieved very evasive answers from the plate steel crowd pertaining to efficiency and durability of steel and didn't favor the idea of using water treatments to prevent the inevitable corrosion problems inherent in their construction.

I came upon the first patented outdoor furnace made by HARDY MANUF. in Mississippi. The incredible simplicity of their stainless design and friendly down-home manners compelled me to find out more. I visited their factory in Philadelphia, MS and was so impressed that I bought the 180,000 BTU model last summer. I've heated my domestic hot- water since summer and have been using three hot water zones from the furnace to heat my 11 room, not too well insulated 3000 square ft. drafty farmhouse in Virginia. This is my first winter with it and I'm ecstatic with the results. I've burned mostly green wood with lots of pine and used about 8 cords so far and my electric bill has been at a max. of 100 bucks and that's with three teenagers,Mom and Dad taking very long hot showers and running an (electic 5000 watt) HOT TUB constantly.

Before,we used to run a central upstairs heatpump and propane central gas pack downstairs and we averaged 300 dollars for gas and 230 dollars for all electricity usage. The systems are still online but I'm very motivated to get my wood supply rather than revert back to them. Plus my sinuses no longer bleed each night from the dry heat we used to have so I feel healthier.

You can get info at 1-800-5HARDY5.

Also, they never made any claim about their products design that they couldn't back up plus they refused to disparage the other furnaces on the market. That to me says a heck uv a lot about character and quality.

-- Steven C. Ellis (vidbydesign@yahoo.com), January 21, 2003.


I would also recommend the Hardy. I heat a 100 year old farm house with a heat exchanger on my central furnace. Now I can turn up the heat until it is comfortable in the house without worrying about the propane bill. It also heats all of my hot water, (I turned the propane water heater off), and a person can take a shower all day long if they want and never run out of hot water. I have a lot of wood on the farm that would just rot away if I didn't use it. I also like the simplicity of the Hardy because if I had trouble would just call the dealer and get the part that I needed. Paid $5K plus about another $500 materials for installation (installed myself). It does smoke a lot when it cycles on, but I located it on the side of the house that the wind is least likely to blow out of. Hope this helps anyone that is in the market for an outdoor wood furnace.

-- Robert Weis (weis5@earthlink.net), January 24, 2003.

I bought one of these indoor funaces last January and paid under $1,000 including tax.Only draw back is , it doesn't put out heat when the electric goes out. So I bought a car battery and an automobile 12 volt power converter that hooks on the car battery and allows AC powered devices to be plugged in.This solves that problem.

I wood rcommend this stove, it can be hooked up to blow air in different parts of the house using duck pipes or duck hose , or can be used free standing. It does make noise from the blower motor, about the same amount of noise as an window unit airconditioner.

I have it free standing with a 8 in duck pipe section bought at home depot that I can turn in different direction of the room it's set up in.

On rainy days I use it as a cloths dryer by having an indoor laundry line set up next to it and aim the duck pipe toward the cloths on the laundry line. Blue jeans dry in about half an hour.

I can fill this stove before going to bed and keep the draw wide open and wake up 8 hrs. latter and still have a nice bed of hot coals that with start a 20 inch log burning minutes after I put one in.

It has a big bottom tray to take out ashes .

It's also built to last awhile.

-- Steve (unreal@home.com), January 26, 2003.


http://www.englanderstoves.com/28-3500.html

I bought one of these Englander indoor funaces last January and paid under $1,000 including tax.Only draw back is , it doesn't put out heat when the electric goes out. So I bought a car battery and an automobile 12 volt power converter that hooks on the car battery and allows AC powered devices to be plugged in.This solves that problem.

I wood rcommend this stove, it can be hooked up to blow air in different parts of the house using duck pipes or duck hose , or can be used free standing. It does make noise from the blower motor, about the same amount of noise as an window unit airconditioner.

I have it free standing with a 8 in duck pipe section bought at home depot that I can turn in different direction of the room it's set up in.

On rainy days I use it as a cloths dryer by having an indoor laundry line set up next to it and aim the duck pipe toward the cloths on the laundry line. Blue jeans dry in about half an hour.

I can fill this stove before going to bed and keep the draw wide open and wake up 8 hrs. latter and still have a nice bed of hot coals that with start a 20 inch log burning minutes after I put one in.

It has a glass window on the door and has a inside air flow design that keeps the glass clean without needing to clean it .No chems. I've had it for a year now and never once did I clean the glass and you can still see the flames which is nice when the lights are turned off .

It has a big bottom tray to take out ashes .

It's also built to last awhile.

-- Steve (unreal@home.com), January 26, 2003.


I have heard nothing but good. My wife and I plan to buy one this year. Alot of our friends and family use them and we can not wait to get ours.

:)

-- Ryan (rwill99@aol.com), January 29, 2003.


Before you buy an outdoor woodfurnace, please do yourself a favor. Look into the Empyre line. 304 stainless steel fire box longer life with a 20 warranty. Call a dealer or Taylor North of Minong, WI US distributor 1-877-983-4328 All outdoor woodfurnaces are worth the investment and work well. For quality and workmanship, safty, low maintenance do your homework. All woodfurnaces use a water treatment. Lets face it you have an open system with air and water.

Charlie Toutant Keene, NH

-- Charlie Toutant (ctoutant@webryders.net), February 04, 2003.


I've heated a 95 year old house with a Hardy outdoor furnace for the last 15 years. I've replaced the combustion blower (little thing) once, and the circulation pump 3 times. Twice the pump failure was my fault because I let the fire go out in cold weather. It is so well insulated I've never worried about the tank freezing, but the hardware in the back can if you let it go out.

It's been a wonderful furnace, but if I could make the decision again, know what I know now, I'd probably take the money I put in the furnace, the truck, the saws... etc... and put it into some serious insulation and a high efficiency natural gas furnace... which I ended up buying anyway. If 1. you have a ready supply of wood, 2. Already have the truck and saws, 3. Have plenty of time. 4. and don't have natural gas, I would consider it. Ps. My Father-in-law is 77, has a Hardy, and probably has 30 cord split and stacked behind his house in the middle of missouri, and is a hell-of-alot healthier than me.

-- David F (fdf@fidnet.com), February 05, 2003.


There are two very interesting occurrances you experience when owning a Hardy. 1. If you let the fire burn until the wood is practically charcoal, then wait for the combustion blower to shut off and damper to close.... Wait another 10 seconds and open the firebox door Wide open and stand back. For a few moments you'll see a rolling mass of gray, like an angry thunder cloud, then it will erupt with a 10' column of flame and a loud WHOMP! Very much fun on a very cold winter evening. Just stand back or you'll resemble a bowling ball.

2. If you extend your chimney, or don't provide enough ventilation to the combustion blower, creosote builds up within the chimney pipe. I've seen the opening close down to fit a cigar. On the first real cold day, when it's really cooking, it will ignite the creosote and mimics Mount St. Helens in your own back yard. It happened to my father-in-law more than once... But it set his truck afire only once.

Both of these are serious concerns when deciding where to place the furnace. I would never place it near or against the house. Mine is about 35ft south of the house, and i wish it were 100 south-east. While smoke is rarely a problem, sometimes it can get pretty strong.

Lime buildup in the hot water heat exchange coil is a pain. In fact, hard water in general is a pain... but if you use a water softner, and it fails and salts the water you're really in trouble. (father-in- law again). He has had his hardy replace once, and sent back for leaks a couple of times.

David

David

-- David F. (fdf@fidnet.com), February 06, 2003.


Happy I found this site, but I have a question. I am researching buying an outdoor furnace and the literature is all over the place, each mfgr. better than the next. Can anyone give me advise, ie fiberglass or foam insulation, double door neeed, closed system best, how do you purchase size, based on BTU's needed or square footage, and how much wood does it burn assuming seasoned hard wood, average size unit, average insulation,ie 1 cord/month or 8 cord/month. Seems the am't of wood varies greatly. Any brand better than another, especially in honoring their warrenty. Also have seen lots on corrosion being a #1 problem, is this true. Lots of questionssss, but thanks so much Any help is appreciated, PS i live in northern Maine, where our temps fall below zero and than some Lin

-- Jack & Lin (jack1@prexar.com), February 09, 2003.

1. I paid 4800.00 for my Central Boiler unit. 2. compaired to a wood stove in the house it is great. No bug sapper needed in the basement,no worry about your house burning down, you load it only once every other day. 3. I bought a Central Boiler unit, I really like the design, but here lies the problem. The warrenty they give you is good for one thing,lighting the stove in the fall. I had problems with my stove 14 months after I bought it and they wanted me to pay for the repairs when the warrenty states " if for any reason your furnace fails under normal use during the first two years we will repair or replace parts needed at no charge." The jury is still out on that one. 4. As for as smoke goes when you have fire you have smoke. A forced air unit will help with that problem as it fires up faster,and burn time is decreased.

-- Loren (warrensflame@yahoo.com), February 23, 2003.

Having my Empyre woodfurnace on line for about 4 months now I can say it's well worth the time and money. For around $6000.00 (this is after the install and parts) it's working well!! The cost of oil this year is still raising and I'm so glad I have my Empyre. I fill it once a day. Twice a week I clean out the ash draw. Make sure you buy one with a ash draw, it's a must. This will keep your fire going as you dump your ashes. If anyone want's to pick my brain about woodfurances please, just drop me a e-mail. Stay warm and think spring!

-- Charlie Toutant (ctoutant@webryders.net), February 24, 2003.

Does anyone have any good experience with the Indoor furnaces. Which is better, the seperate wood/coal furnace or the combine oil/wood/coal (or is the effeciency for the oil much worse on these?). Is the life expectancy on the indoor ones better then the outdoor ones (typically 10yrs+). I have seen where you can add on pipe to also heat your water. What prevents the water from heating up to a boil (like a tea pot) and blowing up the water pipe? Any help I appreciate it. Also, is there any place where used Indoor furnaces are put up for sale (Ie: if someone just installed one and then moves). Thanks.

-- (skolvek@aol.com), February 26, 2003.

We have a Model H2 Hardy, which I believe is the smallest stove they make. It holds 120 gallons of water and data plate rating is 120,000 BTU's output. The reason I like the Hardy is because of the Stainless Steel construction that does not require the use of chemicals and anode rods to be replaced every couple of years to keep it from corroding away. We live in the carolinas (Charlotte area) and are able to heat TWO double wide mobile homes with this one unit, plus our domestic hot water. I would guess we probably burn 2.0 cords of wood per month during winter months when the temperature is in the 20- 40°F. I have saved lots of money on electricity (heat) using the stove, but I would not want to lead anyone astray, these units are only worth your while, in my opinion, if you have a endless supply of free wood and the time to cut it. Overall, the unit has worked good. The only trouble I have had is a water leak in the doorway, inside the firebox which Hardy fixed at their factory in Mississippi at no charge and I had to replace the solenoid valve and level switch that adds water to the tank automatically. I was able to obtain them from Grainger's for about $30.00. The thing I like the best is the savings from heating with wood without the mess of wood, ashes, and smoke odor inside the house. The reduced possibility of a house fire from a conventional heating system is another large plus, too!

-- Michael Torrence (michaeltorrencesr@att.net), April 20, 2003.

We supply brazed plate heat exchangers to dealers. Please e-mail if you require pricing and availability from stock

Patrick

-- patrick Jones (calvand@rogers.com), April 28, 2003.


Hi everyone! We had purchased a Woodmaster 434 for our new home about 2500 sq ft. We use it to supplement the electric furnace and pre-heat the water as well. It really cut our electric bill because we actually don't have to use the electric furnace for heating, we found. Just the fan setting is necessary to disperse it.WE LOVE IT! We have four children and my parents here and never run out of hot water.... The DOWNSIDE:The idiots we bought it from-a dealer-installed it. They used drain tile? to encase the pipes connecting it to the house. They backfilled with the large rocks and clay right from the hole they dug to put it in...they crushed the black plastic stuff-drain tile? which is easy to do as it is no substance to it. The groundwater started leaking in through the hole into our house, it ruined our basement finished room-the carpet,pad,fancy baseboards,insulation and drywall.We didn't realize at first what was happening until my parents moved in that room.

The owner does all the work. He came out once in Nov and used a caulking foam and told us it would be fine. They just finally came out last Wed. yes, we waited seven months. The BBB had to be involved! We know have a rigged up funnel/hose system catching all the water that my husband created and it runs across the hall into a laundry area with a sump pump. It is still leaking only worse now since they came. Is this the NORMAL way one would install a woodmaster? They said they installed it correctly....and they claim that it was an "act of God", saying that WE must have done it while we excavated our yard??? we don't have one yet. We had to wait for sidewalks to go in which is contingent upon them getting done digging up the yard first!! We are living in mud all around waiting for them. HEELLLLPPP! Can anyone tell me the proper way to install a Woodmaster so I can take this info to the BBB for arbitration?

-- Maureen Braun (killydon@fidnet.com), April 29, 2003.


I have an outdoor wood burner...a Mahoning. NEVER ever will buy one again! I have burned up 37 heaping pickup loads of hardwood firewood this year, and just as much last year. Had a Hunter Thermomax indoor wood furnace in the basement...and it kept the house at 85 degrees with no problem, and used HALF the wood that worthless outdoor wood boiler that I have. The Hunter Thermomax furnace I had also heated the water and it didn't eat any more wood than when it didn't heat the domestic water. (had to remove it because the exhaust chamber had burned thru after 17 years of use) The Mahoning is an extremely poor design all around. I was suckered into it because it had 1/4" steel boilerplate, and wouldn't get spiderweb cracks "like stainless units do". Obviously I know more about what to look for in an outdoor wood boiler, but I am switching to a high efficiency propane boiler because I am sick and tired of trying to feed that worthless Mahoning furnace I have. Just be wary of how a furnace is designed. One would want lots of surface area to extract as much heat as possible, as well as a door locking mechanism that will hold up to average use. (Mahoning makes a poor latch). With that in mind....proceed cautiously, and stay away from Mahoning furnaces unless you have a strong back, a weak mind, and half the county's forests at your disposal.

-- clyde (dikobraz@tbscc.com), July 12, 2003.

Thanks to Grant for asking his questions and to all of you who answered. I am currently looking to buy an outside wood furnace and this web page helped me a lot.

-- Benoit Poirier (umpoiri0@hotmail.com), July 28, 2003.

We are looking to buy a outside wood furnace and trying to decided between a central boiler vs. global hydronics (pacific western). Has any one had any experience with either of these?

Thanks

-- daniel (dimelstrom@yahoo.com), August 17, 2003.


I am researching also, as my parents recently purchased a home with a woodmaster. They have 20 yrs experience with an indoor wood stove, but they need some help with upkeep and general maintenance. They are very excited about having no indoor mess. It is also about 30 ft from the house, but not located close to a door. I do not have the model #, but it is five yrs old. Thank You.

-- shelly clark (shellyclark@mia.net), August 25, 2003.

I have been heating my house for 15 years with a Lil house heater......they work great and I know they have sold a ton of them.....best of all about 1500 dollars for the system quick payback ......check out www.outsidewoodheater.com for information

-- farmerscotty (sbradley007@yahoo.com), September 24, 2003.

Thanks to all of you who submitted a response to Grant's questions. I too am looking into an outside wood furnace. I have heard of the different heaters that were mentioned here in your testimonials, but I understand there is manufactuer that makes a unit where you can burn anything(even tires)!!! Anyone heard of it???? Please kindly let me know, that information would be most appreciated. Thanks.

-- Cindy McDaniel (FlyBlueWy@aol.com), September 29, 2003.

OUR NEIGHBORS HAVE A OUTSIDE WOOD SMOKE HOUSE , (I CALL IT) IT SMOKES UP MY HOUSE AND EVEYTHING AROUND IT.. MY ADVICE, THERE NEEDS TO BE A LAW AGAINST THESE, THEY ARE A HEALTH RISK.. WHERE DOES THE SMOKE TRAVEL??? TELL THAT PART OF THESE THING THAT BURN WOOD.. THEY ARE HELL TO LIVE BY...

-- SHERRY (iu1oconn@rtccom.net), October 12, 2003.

Thanks for the information on the Little House Heater. I bought one and it is working great........and the price.... well that is the best part I think I will pay for it in one winter in my house. The hot water ones are fine, but just too expensive.. and the little house is easy to install.

Brad

-- Brad (farmboy22@yahoo.com), November 15, 2003.


I have read everything in this thread. Two questions or comments needing responses. 1.Sounds like stainless steel is the best way to go and 2.the largest surface area in the water jacket is the most effecient. What's your thoughts? Thanks, Bruce

-- Bruce Jones (tbonebravo126@aol.com), November 23, 2003.

My Taylor waterstove just started leaking internally after 5 years use. They use a lot of wood. I use 12-15 cords per year to heat a 1800 sq. ft. home. They smoke a whole lot, should be at least 70 feet from house or more. I have to load it twice a day in cold weather below about 20 degrees. They are a lot of work to run for sure. No electric due to power outage, no heat.

-- Jim (mtnfolk2@ptd.net), December 07, 2003.

What about a wood furnace that is run wide open, and heats up a large volume of water? Better efficiency, less smoke, longer time between burns.

-- Glenn Christman (christman2@juno.com), January 08, 2004.

We purchased a Woodmaster model 434 paid 6,100 and it took the dealer 7 months to install it most of the work was done by my husband. This thing has not worked right since it has been hooked up and the dealer will not come fix it. Phone calls to Woodmaster have not helped in any way they say we bought it from the dealer it is between us and him and he says it is up to Woodmaster to make it right. It burns wood like crazy a ton truck load in a week and a half I run out of hot water all the time it smokes when you try to put wood in it. The damper rod you pull out which is over top of the door you put wood in and you hit your head on every time you go to put wood in the stove fell out and keeps coming loose and falling out.It takes spells were it will run for 3 and 4 hours steady then boils over and you have to go out and put more water in it. I would not recomend anyone buy a Woodmaster

-- Carol Sharp (nanashouse@citlink.net), January 17, 2004.

I bought a Mahoning Furnace about ten (10) years ago and installed it approx 80 feet from my house. You have to know which way the wind prdominately blows. I have a multi-fuel model (oil back-up) and paid approx $6,000.00. I heat an approx 4,000 sf house and my domestic hot water. The house was new construction and I installed a lot of glass / glass window walls because I like the view. I ran baseboard hot water heat. We are a family of six (6) so figure six baths or showers a day and endless loads of laundry. I keep the house at approx 71/72 dgrees all heating season. The furnace heats well but it is some work to keep a pile of wood ready to go. I call it exercise. My four sons "love" to help stack the wood. No free meals in this house. You should make friends with several tree services / cutters who are sometimes looking for a place to dump their "junk" wood. I get a lot of free pine from these guys who would normally have to pay a disposal / dumping fee at a land fill. My kids "love" to see them coming up the driveway so they can run and hide. I've never had a problem burning pine, even green pine but you have to mix it with some seasoned wood. I've had my furnace smolder out on warmer days when the house wasn't calling for heat. Purchase a good log splitter and wheelbarrow and work gloves. I burn all my paper garbage and an ocassional small bucket of soft coal durring single digit nights. Besides tree guys talk to someone (independants) who have rolloff / dumpster services. Sometimes they get a load of nothing but wood and you'll both make out. I got a load of old railroad ties one time from one of these guys, best wood I ever burned. I've had two (2) small problems with my furnace, one during warranty (small leak near weld) and one out of warranty (another leak in the catalitic combustion chamber / company since changed design) but the company took care of both problems w/o incident. I must commend the Mahoning Furnace Company and their service technicians relative to the second, out of warranty problem. I called, began to explain the problem and they replied that they knew exactly what was wrong, why it went wrong and how they would fix it at no charge to me. Two technicians arrived, worked the better part of the day and fixed the problem and no problems since (except with the firewood stackers) The furnace does smoke up at the beginning of a cycle but after a few minutes you can't even tell if it's burning. Green and wet wood adds to this but I have no neighbors to complain. I never added to my chimney but a friend did and he never had a problem. As far a wood consumption, I haven't got a clue but to say I use a lot. I start out with a huge stacked pile, approx 10 cords. During the burning season and as wood is being "dumped" I just keep splitting and loading the wheel barrow and throwing it into the furnace. Some of the split wood goes back onto the original pile so I can never keep track of actual wood consumption, nor do I care to. I also heard that your firebox may need relined after about ten (10) years of use so I'll probably deal with this this spring / summer. I also heard it costs about $1,000.00, so I'll send you an update after this is accomplished.

-- Robert M. Tempalski (rmt4boyz@aol.com), February 20, 2004.

The only thing I can say if you do install one of these things,(a nice word for them) please consider you neighbors. We have one of these next door to us and it made us sick for 2 years until we had to take legal proceedings against him. But he did burn all kinds of things including trash and plastics. If you do install one, be sure you have plenty of acreage around you as not to poison your neighbor.

-- carolyn higgins (cyhkara@wmconnect.com), March 03, 2004.

We installed a Wooddoctor in the fall of 2003.We are heating 3200 square foot home plus hot water and 4500 square foot barn. I choose the wooddoctor because of it being made of boiler plate,after all what are these stoves,boilers! Being in the hay business we tryed burning small square bales, which did 70% of our heating. We saved over $3,000 the first year in propane alone. We were so impressed with this unit we are now selling them. Folks are right about setup and location of your stove and hopefully your dealer can help you with all of this. If you have any questions or are interested in these woodfurnces fell free to call me at 906-478-4251 or email and I'll get back to you. Thanks for your time-Rod--Great Lakes Hay Co.

-- Rod Carr (kozy@sault.com), April 05, 2004.

I have had a mahoning Furnace for 12 years.It is one of the best heating systems.Iknow people say they use to much wood.But if you burn coal and wood togather it cuts wood comsumtion by about3/4 You wont get a better service than what the company provides.I have had no problems with my furnace. Or with service.It has saved me a lot of money over the 12years.Aveary well built furnace.

-- Thomas Keener (tjkeener@localnnet.com), July 04, 2004.

We are now a Empyre Wooodfurnace Dealer in New Hampshire and if any one would like some information please call us. Toll free @ 888-532-8746

Charlie Toutant Sales Keats Equipment Inc. 11 Production Ave. Keene, NH 03431

-- Charlie Toutant (ctoutant@keatsequipment.com), August 27, 2004.


I agree with Mr. Toutant.. Empyre stoves are the best. They burn great and seem to last forever. I suggest them. I got mine from Burns Best in Minong, WI

-- A. Staupe (astaupe@hotmail.comm), October 01, 2004.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ