Thinking of moving to Gas/Oil combo with Coal/Wood boiler, which brands/models?

[fuelmiser]

Hi folks,

well, after 18+ years of burning my Alaskan Stoker Stove II coal stove, i am wanting to swap it out with a combo / multi fuel system and go with a boiler type for a few reasons

Also, how efficient is my older stoker to a new stoker in this type furnace stoker, looks like same design, but i think i need more BTU to now connect to my existing heat pump duct work and add a few baseboard loops to two cold concrete rooms and maybe to dog TajMaha heated floor door house? i split my 28x36 garage and made a skinny home office that is 9x28, but that garage floor was never insulated and man, i freeze in the garage and that office and i need some baseboards to heat the garage and office.
A) office heat to 72 degrees
B) garage to 60 or more (would love 72+) when working out there a few times in winter during projects.
C) maybe a tiny loop to dog house (currently heated with an electric Lectro kennel electric mat made for dog kennels for a dogs body temperature)

Reasons:
1. Resell value of the home - most American have no clue, nor care about coal or wood burning :-(
2. Resell value of having a fresh boiler of either Propane or Oil (if we move someday, the new owner should love the option of hands off heating, but optional wood or coal if they decide)
3. now that early 50's, if ever traveling or sick, switch from coal/wood to propane or oil

(BTW, with my stoker i have the optional Furnace shrouding kit, but didn't run it, so took it off and heat basement to 80+ degrees for my 2 story 2500 sq ft home.)

Propane over Oil?
Should i assume a propane furnace is cheaper to run than oil based on the gov fuel BTU output charts?
--I currently run propane to all my appliances: dryer, hot water & stove.

Here is what i found so far,
* Gas or oil with wood & coal
http://store.yukon-eagle.com/yukon-polar-oil-wood-coal-furnace/
$5400 to start, then add the following
$6230 A/C fan relay control board $84 & jump from 1/4hp to 3/4 hp blower motor $146 & coal shaker grate $208

* oil with Coal Stoker but no wood option???
(broken link removed to http://www.keystoker.com/products.php#cfb)
Price $?????????


* Harman Central Heating Wood/Coal/Oil Furnace SF-2600-SS
(broken link removed)

* Newmac Brand oil/wood/coal
(broken link removed to http://www.heatingworldcresson.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=77&Itemid=680)

* Keystoker oil / Coal-Fired Boiler
http://adirondackstoves.com/new_coal_boiler.htm

NTI boilers computer assisted
(broken link removed)


*Here is what looks like an El-Cheap unit, but no propane or oil
Wood/Coal Burning Furnace
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/wood-coal-burning-furnace/prod4850649.ip

Thank you all in advance for your insights and help!

 

[Hydronics]

You might consider this for a combo, it will not burn coal well though: (broken link removed to http://www.newhorizonstore.com/Products/142-biomass-combo-boiler.aspx)
I don't believe anyone here has one though, so no feedback I'm aware of. There are satisfied non combo owners though.

 

[muncybob]

We have a oil/wood Wood Gun but if I was to do it over I would have gone wood only on the boiler and had electric boiler back up. We rarely use the oil...maybe 2 weekends per winter. We don't plan on selling the property in the life of the boiler so we wouldn't be concerned about resale.

 

[canada hydronics]

Check with local codes to see what fuels are compatible. Understand that most duel fuel appliances are not as efficient with both types of fuels. Example: wood/ oil units are usually designed for the larger dia wood chimney flu. This will cause condensation within the chimney if burning primarily oil later. There are oil / propane units available. HTM has a good one. Most wood boilers work best with water storage. Exspecially if you are using a low temp radiant design.

The Newmac BC 160 E is a decent high mass unit. VERY HEAVY! will need stair climbing dollies and or come-alongs to move into basement. Or at least 6-8 good backs. Will take experimentation with the draft controls which are not very effective and lack the quality of an air tight stove design. With that said. If you are using good wood and don't mind feeding the appliance I would recommend the Newmac. I have one. I feed it once a day, you may require more. We have a very effeciant home and do have lots of water storage. Initial charging for use is usually a half face cord. After that, once a day. We use the Tekmar 360 controller from our storage to supply the house. The boiler supplies the storage. and assist in Domestic Hot Water, Put a mixing valve (anti scald) in. The boiler will supply DHW at temperatures in excess of the 140 deg max temp allowed by our codes.

Good luck