There have been many threads over the years describing problems that people have had with wood boiler installations. Seems like it would be good to have a step-by-step guide of things to get nailed down / figured out. When everything is going wrong at once it's just too much to deal with.
I'm thinking something along these lines:
1) Figure out your peak and average heat loads - Slantfin or other analysis, verified by historical fossil fuel consumption if possible.
2) Choose a boiler other components that are well matched to your needs, including backup and storage if desired.
3) Work out a solid plumbing / controls design that will handle the heat transfer loads.
4) Get two years ahead on firewood. Two year old wood gives at least 50% more usable heat than green wood - what other investment appreciates 50% in two years?
5) Get the boiler dialed in - draft, primary, secondary, fuel size, operating procedures. After that, change only one thing at a time.
6) Develop a process for planning burns, managing firewood, monitoring performance, cleaning / tuning, whatever else is required.
Perhaps each point could have a paragraph or two explaining where to find resources.
Any thoughts / comments?
I'm thinking something along these lines:
1) Figure out your peak and average heat loads - Slantfin or other analysis, verified by historical fossil fuel consumption if possible.
2) Choose a boiler other components that are well matched to your needs, including backup and storage if desired.
3) Work out a solid plumbing / controls design that will handle the heat transfer loads.
4) Get two years ahead on firewood. Two year old wood gives at least 50% more usable heat than green wood - what other investment appreciates 50% in two years?
5) Get the boiler dialed in - draft, primary, secondary, fuel size, operating procedures. After that, change only one thing at a time.
6) Develop a process for planning burns, managing firewood, monitoring performance, cleaning / tuning, whatever else is required.
Perhaps each point could have a paragraph or two explaining where to find resources.
Any thoughts / comments?