I want a wood boiler... Now what?

I started with research, then heat loss calculation on build it solar site.
Heat loss I posted here and got lots of information.
Sizing boiler and storage and then figure out how you will distribute the heat. pics of your existing boiler and distribution system will be helpful.
decide on placement of wood boiler inside/outside in shed. if going inside type and size of chimney.
I'm sure there is more. lots of steps but will turn out fine.
Oh get your wood pile started for dry wood.

Grab a coffee. now the fun begins.

Bryan, I can't help you with heat loss - etc, but if in your search a Garn becomes an option - You're welcome to come up to Kent and check mine out. Not that far from you.

bryankloos said:

Hey Guys,

I've been reading and researching and it seems a wood boiler is in my future, while keeping the old (still new) oil burner for backup.

Before I get any further into the planning, is there anything I should do like heat loss calculations, energy audit, determining how much storage I would need etc to help me better chose a system?

I live in CT and have about 3150 sq ft. Lots of older single/pane windows and large picture windows. In time I will start upgrading the windows but this is a few years down the road.

Where do I begin?

Thanks,

Bryan

Click to expand...

How many gallons of oil per year?
Is this only for heat, or does it included DHW?

Incorporating storage takes a lot of the critical-ness (is that a word?) away from the sharp-pencil number crunching. It's like a big comfy equalizer. Heck, I didn't do any, at all.

How much room do you have for storage? If you can do between 500 & 1000, that will handle a load of wood from most any boiler between 25kw & 60kw, and coast you for hours without burning - but more is better. I'd shoot for 1000 gallons - and likely a 40kw boiler.

There, done.

Now you stock up on 2+ years of dry firewood and spend all day/night for the next 1-6 months reading The Boiler Room.

Also heat loss calc is a good next step.

bryankloos said:

Hey Guys,

I've been reading and researching and it seems a wood boiler is in my future, while keeping the old (still new) oil burner for backup.

Before I get any further into the planning, is there anything I should do like heat loss calculations, energy audit, determining how much storage I would need etc to help me better chose a system?

I live in CT and have about 3150 sq ft. Lots of older single/pane windows and large picture windows. In time I will start upgrading the windows but this is a few years down the road.

Where do I begin?

Thanks,

Bryan

Click to expand...

I have a Harman SF-360 and I love it. Reasons are many. Its a wood/coal combo unit. I heat with hot water all around. Radiant,baseboard, ect. I spent the first few years splitting a stacking wood and that got old quick. I've been burning premium anthracite for the last 3 yrs. and I am really enjoying it. I built a bin that hold 6 tons of coal. 6'x10'x5'. MUCH longer burn cycles. More even heat. No creosote. I get coal trucked in for $1200.00 for 5 tons. That lasts me from Nov. to March. I save about $2000.00 a winter with coal. Im in NY about an hour south of Albany.