92utownxh
ArboristSite Operative
So, I figured I'd finally make my first post here. Been around for awhile though.
Back in October I installed a Natures Comfort NCB175 OWB to heat our 1400 sq ft house. An indoor stove wasn't an option. Its plumbed into our existing forced air furnace and duct work. The water to air heat exchanger is the biggest one I could fit in the plenum. It also heats our DHW with a sidearm. The well insulated 1" PEX is buried 3-4 feet. It works well and is good quality, but when the temp gets below the 20s I can only get about a 7-8 hour burn with seasoned oak. I go through at least 2 wheel barrow loads of wood a day.
This OWB has several different adjustments on it. I've experimented and right now the water temp is 140 on 150 off. It seems like the higher the temp it just eats more wood. The house furnace only runs about 7-8 minutes then it's off 7-8 minutes. I don't think that's too bad. I can adjust the setpoint and the temp spread for when the blower kicks on. One of the things I can't figure out is the blower has a selonoid to open and close. It also has a slide damper to control how much air goes into the firebox through the grates. It can be completely closed, completely open, or adjusted infinately in between. Right now I have it set about a quarter of the way open and the fire acts like a normally burning fire. Is it better to have a roaring fire instead and have a short recover time? What is more efficient? Any ideas on how to get a longer burn time or what adjustments to change? Thanks!
Back in October I installed a Natures Comfort NCB175 OWB to heat our 1400 sq ft house. An indoor stove wasn't an option. Its plumbed into our existing forced air furnace and duct work. The water to air heat exchanger is the biggest one I could fit in the plenum. It also heats our DHW with a sidearm. The well insulated 1" PEX is buried 3-4 feet. It works well and is good quality, but when the temp gets below the 20s I can only get about a 7-8 hour burn with seasoned oak. I go through at least 2 wheel barrow loads of wood a day.
This OWB has several different adjustments on it. I've experimented and right now the water temp is 140 on 150 off. It seems like the higher the temp it just eats more wood. The house furnace only runs about 7-8 minutes then it's off 7-8 minutes. I don't think that's too bad. I can adjust the setpoint and the temp spread for when the blower kicks on. One of the things I can't figure out is the blower has a selonoid to open and close. It also has a slide damper to control how much air goes into the firebox through the grates. It can be completely closed, completely open, or adjusted infinately in between. Right now I have it set about a quarter of the way open and the fire acts like a normally burning fire. Is it better to have a roaring fire instead and have a short recover time? What is more efficient? Any ideas on how to get a longer burn time or what adjustments to change? Thanks!