Old Tarm OT35

[ric5141]

Question on Old Tarm system

I have found a used Tarm OT 35 for a decent price. I currently have an oil fired hot water system and have been using a HI1200 fireplace insert that is just finishing its second season. The insert has cut down on the oil usage but I still use oil for HW and primary heat. I am thinking of picking this Tarm unit up and working with it to heat the house. My goal is to reduce oil usage to a minimal amount. I know this is a 30 year old unit but appears to be in great shape. If I had the money I would prefer an OWB because of the new units efficiency and the ability to use more of the "junk" wood.

Now I am debating would this be worth picking up and using? I can imagine that the oil burner side is less efficient then the one I currently have (early 90's HB Smith). I guess I am just trying to figure out if this would be worth the effort to do.

 

[MaineMike100]

I'm very happy with my "old" OT-35. Certainly isn't as efficient as a gasser, but, much lower up front cost. If you do purchase it I would recommend replacing the tankless coil gasket, as well as the 3 flange gaskets for all of which seem prone to leakage once they dry out.

Overall a good "workhorse" boiler. Of course once the boiler reserve fund is built up I hope to buy a new gassifier Tarm.

Keep us posted on the progress, and pictures are always enjoyed. Good luck if you do make the purchase, anything that minimizes oil use is a plus for me.

 

[ric5141]

Thanks Mike....How long have you had yours? What size of house are you heating and how many cord per season?

 

[MaineMike100]

1200 Sq foot ranch, with the boiler in the basement and keeping the basement heated to 55-60 degrees F. so that's an additional 1200 sq feet. We typically heat the living area to 70-72 degrees F. when we are home.

Typically burn 3 1/2 to 4 cords a year, but if I hit 4 cords it's probably because some of the wood is softwood and/or poor quality. I would expect if I used all "good" hardwood we would be around 3 cords.

I switch over to the oil side only when away for an extended period, such as a weeklong midwinter vacation. This year we used less than 1/4 tank of oil and at about 3 cords right now with still a short time left in the heating season. Looking at the thermometer it's 74 degrees F. right now as I'm typing.

Happy burning!