Just curious to see what kind of lifespans there are out there on OWB. I want to say I have six or better years on my CB 5036 with no issues (knock on wood).
New to this, only on my 2nd year with a new OWB. I did a bit of research before I decided to go with an OWB, and am curious if the guys that have had them operating for a long time - 10+ years, have run them year round or shut them down for the summer. I have this theory that if you keep them hot year round they'll be less susceptible to rust and failures. Only a theory, but liked to hear from some people that have more experience than me.
New to this, only on my 2nd year with a new OWB. I did a bit of research before I decided to go with an OWB, and am curious if the guys that have had them operating for a long time - 10+ years, have run them year round or shut them down for the summer. I have this theory that if you keep them hot year round they'll be less susceptible to rust and failures. Only a theory, but liked to hear from some people that have more experience than me.
That says it all right there.He had this thing about burning green wood he liked the longer burn time so needless to say the summer burning was out becauce of the smoke. ... He now splits and dries his wood for 2 years so now he cut his wood usage in half.
Kevin,
That's a very nicely plumbed system you have there.
It looks as if you have 7 zones? Your domestic water heater is in the lower LH side of the photo?
I bought my Central Boiler stainless 5648 in March of 2002 and been online since then, close to 12 years now. When I bought it I figured it would take 2 1/2 years to pay for itself based on heating bills for JUST the house. I heat a 36' x 50' garage with radiant floor heat and DHW so that is also a bonus not figured into the payback time.
In all that time I have NEVER added any water to my system. I added conditioner once but it was only borderline then. Still fine at this years start up. Everyone tells bad things about stainless stoves but mine has been great.
Issues: Had a damper door warp to where it wouldn't seal right. They replaced for free
Heatrack system acted up and dealer correctly said it was probably loose wires . Loosened/retightened them all and fixed it.
One zone valve died after 7 years.
Main pump impeller went to pieces after 10 years and replaced cartridge.
That is all!
I run mine in the Winter only and wood and stove are in a building purpose built for it. Do NOT regret that either. A little bigger building would be better though
Mine is not as effiecient as newer versions but till it dies I will keep using it. It does smoke a fair amount but I'm in the country and secluded so it doesn't effect neighbors.
Enter your email address to join: