What to replace the Harman with?

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
Status
Not open for further replies.

mike van

Feeling the Heat
Apr 24, 2013
369
Kent Ct
Since 1996 or so, my SF260 has been getting it done here, as an add-on to the 1964 boiler we have. Except for some serious creosote issues, it has been almost trouble free. There are three 8 to 10 inch long cracks across the face now, and the auto damper has some missing teeth. I could weld the cracks, but I'd rather just have it gone. 9 cords of wood [good, dry wood] this past winter, full cords, stacked on 4x4x4 pallets. Oak, maple, locust, etc. Another chimney fire back in December, had I not been home, could have been really bad. The 8" flue is so full of that hard glassy creosote, the kind you cant get out. I promised my wife [and myself] no more fire up through the house. On to the future.......3000 sf saltbox, base board hot water. Attached garage where I'd like to instal a gasification type boiler, less wood, a stainless chimney up through the garage, less worry [i hope] about fires. I could use some tips or advise about the gasification units, not something I want to buy without some homework - Any help or thoughts appreciated -
 
I burned a sf 260 for 6 years, 13 cord/year, went to a garn and saved 5 cord the next winter. Basically most any gasification boiler requiring storage will be a huge upgrade. You might start with a heatloss calc to determine the best boiler output and storage volume for your needs. btw I live in warren.
 
I have heated 2 years with my SF260 it has been good not any cresote issue beside the last little bit that sticks out of the chimney that is not insulated. But i only run my boiler at night and old during the winter months i use the triangle tube NG boiler during the other parts of the year.

That said sorry about your bad luck. A gasifcation boiler and storage will be a big improvement to the SF260
 
Mike, you came to the right spot. These guys are gassin guru's. ;lol
I can't tell you how many hours I sat in the Boiler Room studying. I finally pulled the trigger last Dec and started my first fire in Jan. I put my boiler in an attached garage and couldn't be happier. Well, maybe... with some storage I suppose I could be. ;)
I'm currently tied into my forced air furnace, so the boiler is doing tons of idling. Still, even with no storage, I have no creosote issue. Later this summer, I will add storage and some staple up radiant loops. I'm really amazed with the low stack temps I'm getting. It's a good feeling going to bed at night or leaving for the day.
Good advice from TCaldwell. You've got to get your heat loss calculated and then you have a starting point
 
Status
Not open for further replies.