Hi,
Due to the ridiculous prices for oil, my husband and I are considering switching over to an outdoor wood heater. I have been doing a bit of internet research and have stumbled upon this site, which has been very helpful. As I’ve been reading, I’ve learned about about the EPA’s OWHH program, and we are at least narrowing down our options to look at. Right now, we’re thinking of learning more about the Central Boiler E-Classic 2300, Greenwood’s Aspen 175, and Heatmor’s SSR 200.
However, by learning more, I mean we’ll be talking to the dealers and getting a somewhat biased perspective. Since this would be a big financial investment, I’d really love to hear from you about some of the “bare bones” pros and cons of moving in this direction and away from oil.
I understand that it will take a few years for the financial aspect to “pay for itself”, and have read on here about the nuisance of needing to keep the thing fired up all winter so the water doesn’t freeze, but I’m really trying to get a sense of other potential reasons these heaters would not be a wise decision. Because, to us right now, it seems so obvious that everyone should be using these for a variety of reasons! So I’d also love to hear from those of you who have purchased either of these models and what you think about them.
And, if anyone has time to kill, I’d love a bit of “Outdoor Wood Heater 101”. As I’ve browsed through some of these threads on this site, I feel that you are all very knowledgeable on this topic and I’m reading about things at a level above my comprehension. For example, what is the difference from the gasification models vs. non-gasification? If we are to purchase one of these models that is EPA-friendly, does that mean we don’t have to worry about them becoming banned by a community in a few years, etc? How can I estimate how many cords of wood we should expect to use in a year? What are some really basic things I should know before talking to a dealer so I sound like I know what I’m talking about?!?!
Just to give you a perspective, (and then I’ll stop rambling)we live in Maine. Winters are pretty cold, but not ridiculous. We are in pretty well insulated house that is 10 years old. Over the past two years, we’ve gone through 1,000 gallons of oil each year. This winter will be the first winter we plan to heat the top level of our house which is a master bedroom/small bathroom, so I’m guessing consumption will go up. We don’t have access to “free wood”, so plan to pay for tree-length dry wood by the truck load (which I think is about 8 cords). We have two very active dogs, chickens and a toddler, so we’re outside all the time whether we like it or not, which means taking trips outdoors to load the furnace isn’t going to turn us off.
That’s about it. Thanks so much for your help!
-Sarah
Due to the ridiculous prices for oil, my husband and I are considering switching over to an outdoor wood heater. I have been doing a bit of internet research and have stumbled upon this site, which has been very helpful. As I’ve been reading, I’ve learned about about the EPA’s OWHH program, and we are at least narrowing down our options to look at. Right now, we’re thinking of learning more about the Central Boiler E-Classic 2300, Greenwood’s Aspen 175, and Heatmor’s SSR 200.
However, by learning more, I mean we’ll be talking to the dealers and getting a somewhat biased perspective. Since this would be a big financial investment, I’d really love to hear from you about some of the “bare bones” pros and cons of moving in this direction and away from oil.
I understand that it will take a few years for the financial aspect to “pay for itself”, and have read on here about the nuisance of needing to keep the thing fired up all winter so the water doesn’t freeze, but I’m really trying to get a sense of other potential reasons these heaters would not be a wise decision. Because, to us right now, it seems so obvious that everyone should be using these for a variety of reasons! So I’d also love to hear from those of you who have purchased either of these models and what you think about them.
And, if anyone has time to kill, I’d love a bit of “Outdoor Wood Heater 101”. As I’ve browsed through some of these threads on this site, I feel that you are all very knowledgeable on this topic and I’m reading about things at a level above my comprehension. For example, what is the difference from the gasification models vs. non-gasification? If we are to purchase one of these models that is EPA-friendly, does that mean we don’t have to worry about them becoming banned by a community in a few years, etc? How can I estimate how many cords of wood we should expect to use in a year? What are some really basic things I should know before talking to a dealer so I sound like I know what I’m talking about?!?!
Just to give you a perspective, (and then I’ll stop rambling)we live in Maine. Winters are pretty cold, but not ridiculous. We are in pretty well insulated house that is 10 years old. Over the past two years, we’ve gone through 1,000 gallons of oil each year. This winter will be the first winter we plan to heat the top level of our house which is a master bedroom/small bathroom, so I’m guessing consumption will go up. We don’t have access to “free wood”, so plan to pay for tree-length dry wood by the truck load (which I think is about 8 cords). We have two very active dogs, chickens and a toddler, so we’re outside all the time whether we like it or not, which means taking trips outdoors to load the furnace isn’t going to turn us off.
That’s about it. Thanks so much for your help!
-Sarah
