radicalRWer
ArboristSite Lurker
Hello,
I would like some advise on choosing a OWB unit. I live in NW LP of MI and I have a 1900sf ranch house heated with a Weil McLain high eff boiler new in 2006. Half is under floor heat and half is base board heat. I also have a 24x24 insulated portion of my pole barn i'd like to heat (50F) with a fan unit. Additionally my front concrete porch has a in-slab heat loop in it too which would be nice to use in the winter (too much $$ now). I would also tie-in to the HW heater.
Questions:
1. I like the gasification aspect - but I am worried about some posts of having to baby sit them (filling 3-4 times/day). I have a very active family and we are not home for 12-14hrs typically during winter.
2. Should I consider up-sizing to a unit that will handle 4-5000sf
3. Will up-sizing result in wasting more wood to keep the unit heating "efficiently"
4. What sort of consumption should I expect using oak/maple/beech hardwood?
5. When talking cords on this site- is that 4'x4'x8' (pulp cord) or 16"x4'x8' (face cord)?
6. Advantages/disadvantages to open and closed systems? Help me understand.
7. Water capacity? Some boast 250-350 gallons while some boast of 75 gallons. I understand more water takes more fuel to raise the temperature, so it seems smaller is better but I am confused.
8. U/G piping: Foam or triple wrapped - whats the real skinny? I am thinking I'll have 75-100'.
I have several dealers within 30min of my house. Central, Empyre, Portage & Main, Hawken, AquaTherm/Econoburn/Eco-One.
Thanks for the advise and feedback. This is a great site.
I would like some advise on choosing a OWB unit. I live in NW LP of MI and I have a 1900sf ranch house heated with a Weil McLain high eff boiler new in 2006. Half is under floor heat and half is base board heat. I also have a 24x24 insulated portion of my pole barn i'd like to heat (50F) with a fan unit. Additionally my front concrete porch has a in-slab heat loop in it too which would be nice to use in the winter (too much $$ now). I would also tie-in to the HW heater.
Questions:
1. I like the gasification aspect - but I am worried about some posts of having to baby sit them (filling 3-4 times/day). I have a very active family and we are not home for 12-14hrs typically during winter.
2. Should I consider up-sizing to a unit that will handle 4-5000sf
3. Will up-sizing result in wasting more wood to keep the unit heating "efficiently"
4. What sort of consumption should I expect using oak/maple/beech hardwood?
5. When talking cords on this site- is that 4'x4'x8' (pulp cord) or 16"x4'x8' (face cord)?
6. Advantages/disadvantages to open and closed systems? Help me understand.
7. Water capacity? Some boast 250-350 gallons while some boast of 75 gallons. I understand more water takes more fuel to raise the temperature, so it seems smaller is better but I am confused.
8. U/G piping: Foam or triple wrapped - whats the real skinny? I am thinking I'll have 75-100'.
I have several dealers within 30min of my house. Central, Empyre, Portage & Main, Hawken, AquaTherm/Econoburn/Eco-One.
Thanks for the advise and feedback. This is a great site.
Last edited: