The Caddy Advanced is finally on PSG's site...
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trx250r87
Burning Hunk
I'm confused as to why anyone would purchase a Caddy Advanced for $4500 when you could buy the Heat Commander for $2800. Both furnaces have the exact same specs.
Eric
sloeffle
Minister of Fire
I thought the same thing, by the time you add an ECM blower you are pushing 6k with tax. For that kind of money I'd get a Kuuma.
The difference in price is no greater than it used to be. I was quoted 4-5k for a Caddy a year ago, but purchased my HMX2 for 1,899. But yeah, I can't explain it.
I know they are marketed differently with the Caddy line geared more toward professional HVAC installs and the Drolet for DYI installs. However, other than the plenum differences, I haven't read what makes one better than the other for each type of install...
brenndatomu
Minister of Fire
Do they have a better warranty? Other than the (eventual) option for a dual fuel Caddy, I'm also baffled on what you get for the extra money...other than the obvious dealer markup, and then they can install it for you too (for more $)...which some people need, not everybody can do their own installs, and it can be hard in some markets to get anyone to install/service something they didn't sell new...
Perhaps there are structural differences that aren't reflected in the specs? Did the previous Caddy suffer the firebox cracking issues that its sister product did? I'm just spitballing but specs don't always tell the complete story. I hope Nick pops in tomorrow and gives some insight.
brenndatomu
Minister of Fire
No...but they were made differently at the front, where the Caddy and HC look to be about the same now...the previous generation Caddy had the front of the firebox blower cooled, where the Tundra was just bare on the front (air cooled, but not by airflow from the blower)
Again, looks can be deceiving. I'm betting there's more to the difference than the nameplate... but I've been wrong before and will be again... just watch... LOL
There were indeed some differences before. Things like dhw option on the Max caddy, touchscreen control thingy, etc. But real world performance was little difference. I'm just glad they still make the cheaper diy version!
On the other hand, I wish they still made a "Max" version as none of what SBI makes now produces enough heat for my home...
When did this turn into an Arctic Cat discussion.... LOL
SBI_Nick
Member
Hi,
sorry for the late answer, i didn't spend as much time watching the blog lately.
As I previously mention they are pretty similar performance wise. Better waranty, cleaner look, HVAC oriented, ECM blower available. And here in Canada it is certified to be install in serial Add-on.
thanks,
sorry for the late answer, i didn't spend as much time watching the blog lately.
As I previously mention they are pretty similar performance wise. Better waranty, cleaner look, HVAC oriented, ECM blower available. And here in Canada it is certified to be install in serial Add-on.
thanks,
As of 2019 all furnaces (central furnaces) are required to contain an ecm motor. Is this not required for woodfurnaces?
SBI_Nick
Member
SBI_Nick
Member
The CR will have same combustion technology as the Heat Commander and Caddy Advanced but will de ready to be connected to option like the Caddy.
I see the maximum burn time has been reduced from 15 h to 10 h, yet the output is identical. What is the reason? Changes in testing?
SBI_Nick
Member
It has not beem reduced, it is the EPA burned time. In the previous Caddy the burn time was a fully loaded combustion chamber.
Thanks,
I just called PSG to ask a few questions about installation of the new unit as it’s finally available I believe in October. They were very helpful to answer any questions that wasn’t specified in the pdf manual.
I also asked about the Advanced CR. The guy told me exactly what Nick said, that it’ll be their combination furnace available sometime mid to late 2022. It’ll be wood combo with electric, oil, and get this…possibly propane! I guess they are still working out the bugs with it, and said it wasn’t a guarantee. Offering propane would be huge, as propane is very common here in New England. I know several people, including myself with primary wood heat with backup propane. I hope they can make it happen!
I also asked about the Advanced CR. The guy told me exactly what Nick said, that it’ll be their combination furnace available sometime mid to late 2022. It’ll be wood combo with electric, oil, and get this…possibly propane! I guess they are still working out the bugs with it, and said it wasn’t a guarantee. Offering propane would be huge, as propane is very common here in New England. I know several people, including myself with primary wood heat with backup propane. I hope they can make it happen!
That's how I'm set up with LP as a backup. It would be nicer to have a simplified install with just one furnace but I'm guessing that the BTU rating of the Advanced will be the same as the standard which is far under my Max... No new furnace day for me I guess...
You sure it wouldn’t be able to keep up? In reading the threads on the Drolet HC, it’s exceeding the previous gen Caddy, putting it closer to where the Max was. What’s your house set up?
On the coldest days, my Max can just keep up in the main house and the zone over the garage gets a bit chilly. Main house is about 2700 sq/ft and room over garage is about 850 sq/ft. Plus, I have a TON of ductwork when you figure the wood furnace is at one end of the house and the garage is at the other end. The first floor runs are normal but the second floor is long and the garage room is longer.
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