So why do people keep buying these things? It is my understanding the Central sells more boilers each year than all the high efficiency indoor equipment suppliers combined. What is the message that is resonating so strongly with homeowners? Obviously something I've thought a lot about, but I would really appreciate any feedback on this. Thank in advance. Chris
Up here in Northeastern Pa, most people seem to not even want to engage in the "gassing is better" conversation when they hear about things such as "storage", boiler protection pumps, extra piping , dump zones etc...
They only care about the "sales pitch slogans" that have become the norm in "wood burning boilers", ie,
a) this thing will burn anything
b) you only feed it once of twice a day
c) no need to split anything, just chuck the half logs in, no need for toothpicks(my fav..15cords of half logs,
or 6 cords of small splits..what a conundrum)
d) run an open system..you do not even need a HX, just convert your system to an open loop(love that one)
e) it will last the same as any other boiler...(good one) and we have all the parts you may need...but not usual.
f) it needs almost no maintenance..just clean out the ashes..my brother in law has found out about that one.)
g) we usually bury the lines about a foot or two down,..we have some real good insulated pipes...
h) we will deliver and set on your pad..no extra cost
i) it has a roof on it and real good insulation...so no worries regarding the elements.
i) etc etc....and free bologna
By the time they have dropped up to 20k on the system, they start finding out the extra money or work needed to get the extra 10 cord they did not plan on and it is starting to get annoying.
Then the parts start warping and rusting of...now they are getting pissed
3-4 years in, it has become a cumbersome operation
5-7 years...they have a metal lawn ornaments and are switching back to oil,
Then, they hear gassser and say..I am done with wood..too expensive and way too many headaches.
Of course not true across the board on all OWBs...many are doing great and some(P&M) are built very well, but it's a standard scenario for many others.
IMHO...the consumers are at fault for not investigating the claims and performances of the products, but conversely the dealers are completely immoral and ignorant or worse...and I am not advocating for Government intervention, but if stupidity rules, then what? Darwin may have been right, but the fallout is greater than just individual elimination from the pool. The problem becomes systemic.
Scott