Hi
I'm looking at options on the smaller end of wood gasifiers. My house uses only about 25 KBTU/hr presently, with a possible future addition bringing me up to 35K in the future. I spend about $3000 / year on heat and hot water, so if I want a system that has a reasonable payback time of 5-7 years, I need to try to stay around 15K for the install. That seems challenging. But perhaps do-able with a smaller gasser.
Here are some that I have considered so far. Any pros/cons? Any I have missed?
RE the Froling....I have read through the forum regarding lambda controls and at that price it seems like a good deal. However it uses 150-200 watts of power while running. If it runs for 5 hours per day, that's adding about 20% to my daily electricity consumption. I burn propane to make electricity in winter, at a cost of $1500 / winter or so, so I'm a bit concerned about that. On the other hand, if I could have enough storage to make it burn flat out, maybe not such a big deal.
The other thing I worry about is computer boards frying 10 years from now and no available replacement parts. I'd love to think I could get 20 years out of one of these systems.
Thanks!
Richard
I'm looking at options on the smaller end of wood gasifiers. My house uses only about 25 KBTU/hr presently, with a possible future addition bringing me up to 35K in the future. I spend about $3000 / year on heat and hot water, so if I want a system that has a reasonable payback time of 5-7 years, I need to try to stay around 15K for the install. That seems challenging. But perhaps do-able with a smaller gasser.
Here are some that I have considered so far. Any pros/cons? Any I have missed?
- EKO 25
- Purchased in US: $4500 USD
- Purchased in Canada: $7250 CAD
- Vedolux 40 UB
- I think about $5000 USD
- Tarm Solo Bonus 30 -- I missed the sale they were having and they tell me now it is not saleable due to EPA regs
- Froling 20/30
- I have run across a slightly used one for $5,500 USD.
RE the Froling....I have read through the forum regarding lambda controls and at that price it seems like a good deal. However it uses 150-200 watts of power while running. If it runs for 5 hours per day, that's adding about 20% to my daily electricity consumption. I burn propane to make electricity in winter, at a cost of $1500 / winter or so, so I'm a bit concerned about that. On the other hand, if I could have enough storage to make it burn flat out, maybe not such a big deal.
The other thing I worry about is computer boards frying 10 years from now and no available replacement parts. I'd love to think I could get 20 years out of one of these systems.
Thanks!
Richard