Buying an OWB...need advice.

[Lineman735]

Hi there, my first post on here, but I've been searching the forums since a year or so, very helpful on understanding outdoor furnaces,gasification and everything involved with it. I have my choice narrowed down to the Heatmor SSR 2,the E-Classic 2400 and the Empyre Pro series 200. I currently have oil fired hot water baseboard. My house is 21 years old, single level with finished basement, about 1400 sq feet each level. Windows are all being replaced this summer since they are a bit drafty. All 3 dealers are about 4-5 hours away. From my searching they all seem to be quality setup's, but I'm leaning towards the Heatmor, the guy has been in business since 15 years and has had his regular Heatmor running since the same amount of time. The quote for the Heatmor came in at 16,000 for everything, the Empyre came in at a bit over 19000, but their underground pex...Ecoflex, came in at 31.00 at foot! And I need about 110 feet. I'm still waiting for my Central Boiler quote.I have my own wood, so with some manual labor,gas and oil my heating season should be a lot cheaper next year. Prices are a bit higher here, our tax rate is high, beats oil though. In 2011 I burnt 3500.00 in oil, and thats not keeping the temp where I'd like it, or where my wife likes it I should say. Central Boiler has Thermpex and Heatmor has the Logstor pex. Appreciate any help or advice for when I purchase my boiler.

Blair

 

[stee6043]

Holy smokes those are some very big numbers. $19k for an OWB? Geezeeee. Even your lowest cost option currently has a 4.5 year ROI.

May I ask how you decided on the size boilers you mentioned above? You do see that the E Classic 2400, for example, has an output rating of 120,000-180,000 btu/hr?

If I may make one suggestion - get a heat load calc done on your house before you buy anything. If I were going to make a wild guess it would be that an E Classic 2400 is about 5 times bigger than you will ever need. Unless you have no insulation in your house and run with the windows open year round even the E1400 is probably oversized.

 

[heaterman]

If you are paying $3,500 for oil and the investment required for the OWB's you listed is $19K, you will likely never amortize the cost of the OWB and continuing expense/labor before it fails. I've seen it happen too many time to too many people.

 

[Lineman735]

Thanks, I meant the E-Classic 1400, that quote for 19000 was delivery, pex, heat exchanger,optimizer, 2 pumps and misc fittings/equipment. Out tax rate here is 15% so that added about 2500, might be worth my while going to Maine, haha. I'll probably end up going with the Heatmor Response, all in 16000, still high but there is no other option around here, the odd used one comes up for sale now and then.

 

[BoilerBob]

There are always other options!

Some users here from NS and PEI have nice setups costing less than what you posted, and they can load the boiler in their slippers.

Research, research, research, make sure before buying.

Another $3500 for heat next year is cheaper than spending $15k to 20k on a new boiler that you might have to sell for scrap steel in a few years, as others have found out.

Tons/tonnes of experience on here, listen with an open mind, and don't take it personal if they don't suggest what you think you want.

Glad to see another fellow Scotian on here. Good luck

P

 

[Lineman735]

With proper maintenance should the Heatmor last a good 10- 15 years? I plan to build a small shed around it, which will keep it out of the elements. I plan on getting a quote for a heat pump install also, with new windows and doors, the efficiency will increase on no matter what I put in.

 

[BoilerBob]

I hope you expect more than 10 years, with an investment close to $20k.

I can't comment on the durability of certain brands of OWBs, cause I never had one personally, but I know a few in my area have been welded multiple times before 10 years old.

My boiler is 36 years old, and has never been welded on, yet.
Oh Oh should not have said that. Probably flooding the basement as I type this

 

[pelletdude]

Great New Dealer in Houlton Maine for Pro Fab. Thompson Wood Heat. Chris Thompson. You should look at the Elite XT 100 and 200 His # is 207-694-3000.He may have a line on a left over Pro Series 200.

 

[maple1]

Does it have to be an OWB?

I'm in NS, and the dealer I bought from was in PA - nobody knows about gassification around here.

 

[JP11]

I'm inclined to be a bit more tricky.

Ask all of them if they can burn green wood.

If you get a yes answer.. RUN.

If they explain that you COULD or MIGHT be able to burn green wood.. but you are wasting energy.. Let em keep trying to sell you.

JP

 

[Lineman735]

I've thought about an indoor unit, can they be installed in an attached garage where I park my 2 vehicles?

 

[Ncountry]

For my money, I would not spend $ on an owb. Close to all if not all of them have had questionable selling practices in the past. I am betting you could buy a quality(proven history) indoor gasifier and build a small shed for it and wood storage for not alot more $.

 

[JP11]

I've thought about an indoor unit, can they be installed in an attached garage where I park my 2 vehicles?

To code.. No. You need to not have an entrance direct from where you park cars to the boiler room.

Now, if you could somehow wall it so that you can only enter the boiler room from the house. then you'd be in good shape. I don't get it.. if you put in a big door for wood loading.. who's to say when it becomes a garage, or a wood shed?

Some of us are in towns small enough not to sweat the code man. BUT.. you know if anything happens it'll be a hell of a fight with the insurance man.

JP

 

[Ncountry]

I've thought about an indoor unit, can they be installed in an attached garage where I park my 2 vehicles?

This would be a great option,imho. Often there are local codes or insurance issues to work around ,though. Partitioning the boiler area off is often an option.

 

[Lineman735]

Thanks for the help so far. Now I'm a little reluctant on spending that much money, haha. I've talked to guys locally who have the heatmor's... They really like them, almost 6 years of operating them, no problems so far

 

[Fred61]

You claim in posrt #6 that you plan to build a structure around your OWB so there' the building that could house your remote indoor boiler.

 

[RowCropRenegade]

I've thought about an indoor unit, can they be installed in an attached garage where I park my 2 vehicles?

I talked to my Insurance man about this. He said no problem. So I installed my Garn in attached side of 2 car garage. I guess it depends on where you live and who your insurance provider is.

 

[Lineman735]

I was gonna wait a few years before I get it built, is there much difference price wise between the indoor and outdoor? Sounds like the indoor gasser has been around awhile longer/more proven?

 

[Lineman735]

I'll have to do some more reasearching

 

[BoilerBob]

+1 and your at the right place for it.

These guys are passionate about heating with gassers