Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: jerkash on October 30, 2011, 06:20:29 PM

Title: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: jerkash on October 30, 2011, 06:20:29 PM
I have done a "search" and found a few comments on water setting temperatures but wanted more info.
Was wondering if you would post your "on and off" settings and why you use these settings.
My Legend was preset at 180/170

Thanks
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: plumb bob on October 30, 2011, 06:26:32 PM
185-175  all radiant with baseboard on two levels.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Ridgekid on October 30, 2011, 06:35:37 PM
185-175. Forced air and dhw. Thermostatic valve 150F not adjustable.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: mgw44 on October 30, 2011, 07:03:11 PM
Manufacturer recommended that I set mine with a stop at 170 and a start at 160.

mgw44
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Bull on October 30, 2011, 08:08:53 PM
Mine is set to 160 on and 170 off, just works good there but I haven't played with it any.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: oldchenowth on October 31, 2011, 04:21:44 AM
165 on - 185 off.  Seems to be the best setting for my gasifier.  Also helps dry any moisture that may be in some of the wood I have.  Keeps the creosote down also, which seemed to be a big problem for me last season.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: mcarter on October 31, 2011, 01:33:20 PM
I set mine at 180 degrees.

Supposedly, for temps greater than 175 degrees, oxygen in the water is diminished and this helps prevent corrosion. 

I think another benefit to running a higher temp is less creosote formation.  Creosote acts as an insulator, so less creosote also allows better thermal transfer to the water jacket, increasing your fuel efficiency.

Michael

Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: mikenc on October 31, 2011, 07:13:11 PM
155 of 140 on seems to burn less wood. Have tried different temps never above 160 though. Operate lower temps during warmer weather.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: willieG on October 31, 2011, 07:28:10 PM
in canada where i live "Health Canada" has a standard that says all rental units must (and home owners are urged) to keep hot water tanks a minimun of 122 degrees F. Any thing below that can be a breeding ground for the bacteria that carries legionaires disease
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Dean186 on November 02, 2011, 07:53:27 PM
The on temperature is 180 degrees and the off temperature is set to 193 degrees.

I use 193 degrees as the maximum temperature because it is the highest set point without some spitting out of the top.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 08, 2011, 11:32:06 AM
Hello....I'm a proud owner of a new owf and I'm mystified by much of the terminology on here.  some of it I can figure out, but most not.

The thermostat on the rear of my wood burner goes from 120 up to 180 and I have no clue as to what temp to set it at.  I left it at 120 the first time in firing it up and it seemed fine, but this being my first wood burner, anything will prolly seem fine.  I will add that I have an "auto damper" on the way, so I've been going back and forth with opening and closing the blower door.

The strap on Aqua-stat that I'm using in the house on the actual furnace is set at 130 degrees.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I will make additional posts on the other pages on this site.  I really do need to get this thing dialed in and yes, I "know" it's a learning experience.

Thank you in advance.

Jerry
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Bull on November 08, 2011, 05:19:43 PM
Welcome to the site Jerry, could you let us know the brand of owb you have? This way someone with the same brand can let you know what they have the best results with.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 08, 2011, 07:28:40 PM
Bull,

First off allow me to say that I've been on most of the pages on this site and that I've learned many things....the furnace I chose after much research is a Shaver.  NOW....before anyone goes and bad mouths this furnace and Shaver, let me tell you that I bought this furnace because of the price.  Total cost so far is under $7,000.00 which is a helluva lot less than what Central Boiler wanted or Royal American.

Yes, there are things that Shaver could have done better, but I am very much satisfied with this 250 unit.  It IS better than the 165 I used to have.  The 165 they dropped at my house last December looked like it was put together by a 2 year old.  I demanded that Shaver send me a BRAND NEW furnace and one that they would be proud to have in their great room and that their wife would display their fine china in.  In the process I also upgraded to the 250.

So Bull, this is what I have, the Shaver 250.  Now only upgrade I have made to this is the strap-on Aqua-stat thermostat on my house furnace and I do have an auto damper on its way from Shaver.

I'm not certain what temperature I should place the thermostat at that is in the rear of the furnace.  I reside in North East Wisconsin and though it's not really cold yet, soon it will be and I don't want to have to keep opening up the rear of the furnace to re-adjust the temp along with opening the cover on the blower.

So my questions would be the following:

1) what temperature should I set the thermostat in the rear of the furnace?

2)  How far do I open the cover on the blower motor?  ( I understand that once the auto damper is connected, I no longer have to concern myself with this).

I've read much about folks installing an Aqua-stat on the rear of the furnaces or even going with the Rancho...if this would be an improvement/upgrade from the existing store bought $6.00 thermostat, how do I go about installing it? 

I'm so happy that I  found this site.  I've read many pages and have lots  more to go yet...and it truly is a learning experience reading everyone's comments.  There is much to be learned here.

I thank whom ever in advance for your suggestions and assistance, BUT please with hold your comments "against" Shaver products....there is a reason for the Shaver furnace and that is for those of us who don't want to spend an arm and a leg on the unit and the installation of said unit.  I figure with what I have in my initial out lay, I'll be able to recoup all my investment in 45 years.

I look forward to all responses. 

Jerry
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Roger2561 on November 10, 2011, 11:13:38 AM
The high setpoint on mine is 185, low setpoint is 180.  Plus, I have it set up to pulse for 30 seconds every 15 minutes, just to keep the coals from going out during this warmer weather when the call for heat can be longer than it takes for the water temp to lower for the blower to turn on.  As some may know, I've had issues trying to keep the fire going during this warm spell and someone recommended that I set the low setpoint 5 degrees lower than the high setpoint.  Plus, someone mentioned that they pulse their OWB.  With these changes, I have not experienced anymore issues with fire going out, yet. 

Roger   
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 10, 2011, 12:27:37 PM
Until you get the air shutoff option added I would not go over 160° Otherwise it might boil over if the weather is warm.
Does the boiler have an aquastat in a well or does it have something strapped to the water jacket?

Does it have a temperature gauge on it?
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: mikenc on November 10, 2011, 06:17:44 PM
After you make your changes try different temps to see what works best for you. I keep my temps set low and still be able to heat house and dhw. Lower temps seem to burn less wood. Mine is set 155-140. Insalled Ranco control on mine last winter,works great. Use honeywell control for high limit. Fan opening is set 1/4 inch when unit calls for heat. Closes when it reaches temp.  You can try that setting when you get fan mod. might work for you.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 10, 2011, 08:58:42 PM
RSI,

Not certain if you are replying to my posting or that of Roger 2561?  If it is me that you  are replying to....My Shaver 250  does not have an Aquastat on it nor is there anything strapped to the water jacket.  I do have an Aquastat set the to the furnace in the house and that operates via a relay the house thermostat.

I've been reading on other pages about guys adding an Aquastat and placing it in a well and then drilling a hole in the water jacket for the well...although I'm not at all certain how one does this, other than picking a spot and drilling a hole.  Where would one wire the Aquastat to?

No, there is no temperature gauge on the unit.

I am open to ALL suggestions and thoughts at this point.  I do realize that this is a learning experience and hey, we ALL have gone through this at one time or another.....unless you were raised on a farm or were/are in the heating/cooling business.

Again I welcome all comments and I thank you in advance.

Lugnut
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 10, 2011, 09:15:11 PM
I was replying to your post.
What do they use to control the water temperature of the boiler?
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 10, 2011, 09:47:09 PM
All that is in the rear of the Shaver is a store bought thermostat and a blower motor with manual cover.  Still waiting on the auto damper.  I have the cover to the blower open about 1/4" and temp is set at 150 degrees.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 10, 2011, 09:54:14 PM
How does it read the water temperature?
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 10, 2011, 10:30:44 PM
well there really is no way for it to read the water temperature.  NO wait, there must be...perhaps it's the thermostat in the rear of the furnace?  I know there are degree settings at which you can place the thermostat.  It begins at 120 and goes up to 180 or 185.  Mine is set at 150.  I suppose when it reaches that temp internally the blower shuts off.  Gee Sir, I have no clue how this thing works.  I can sit and read the owners manual all day long and still walk away scratching my head.

Suggestions?????
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 10, 2011, 10:45:19 PM
The thermostat must have some sort of a sensor that at least reads the temperature of the water jacket if it doesn't have a well.

Anyway, if you see much steam coming out especially on warm days you probably want to set it lower till you get the air shutoff installed.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 10, 2011, 11:10:24 PM

Well Mr. RSI, I can't see any steam coming out of the furnace and where the furnace is located, I can't tell if it is boiling over.  I did today place a bucket below the overflow nipple.  So when I go out to feed the beast, I'll check the bucket.  I did do a mod that other Shavers owners suggested and that was to add a 6-8" piece of clear hose onto the steel nipple coming out of the side and then put a 90 degree elbow on it...this way one can see the water level.

The thermostat is one that can be purchased at Menard's or Fleet Farm; cost maybe $5.97.  Not high tech or priced.   :)  Not too warm here in the evenings now,  going down to 28 tonight....but up to the low 50s this weekend.  I suppose I can reset the thermo once again... :bash:
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Bull on November 11, 2011, 06:20:16 AM
lugnut, does your blower run all the time? If not what kicks it on and off? can you post a picture of the workings of your owb.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 11, 2011, 08:38:12 AM
Bull,

The best I can determine is that the thermostat on the rear panel of the furnace tells the blower when to turn on and when to turn off.  I'm still waiting on an auto damper that I ordered.  I went out this morning and turned the temp back down to 140 from 160 and didn't load up the box.  We'll see.  I'll see about taking some photos of the inside rear of the furnace.  Hopefully I can post them on her as it seems every website is different.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 11, 2011, 06:40:28 PM
Bull,

I just attempted attaching photos to your response, but they are not going through.  This is very frustrating... :bash:  I dunno if the photos are too large or what the deal is.  I'm NOT computer literate and I WILL be the first to admit it.  Anyone have any ideas on how I can get these photos posted?

Lugnut
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: Bull on November 11, 2011, 09:13:08 PM
lugnut, you can get a free account from http://www.imageshack.us/?no_multi=1 (http://www.imageshack.us/?no_multi=1)  and post the link here, or get image resizer from windows (it is easy to use) and resize pictures with it.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 14, 2011, 02:52:14 PM
 I'm really trying to post these images, but I have no clue what in the heck I'm doing incorrectly, other than being on this darn computer.   :bash:

 :pic:   http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 14, 2011, 02:54:30 PM
Next photo...I think these are "supposed" to be in full image on this site right? 

 :pic:  http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/pb100277.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/pb100277.jpg/)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 14, 2011, 02:56:16 PM
Last one.  Would appreciate some assistance in how to get the photos to "appear" on here versus having to go to the imageshack.  Thanks.

 :pic:   http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/215/pb100278.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/215/pb100278.jpg/)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 14, 2011, 11:23:24 PM
Click the box under the one with the B and put the link in the middle of what it puts in the text box.
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 15, 2011, 10:51:09 AM



 :pic:

(http://)

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: lugnut on November 16, 2011, 11:02:32 AM
 :bash: :bash:

I give up...just click on the image shack links on my posts...best I can do.

Lugnut
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 16, 2011, 11:14:45 AM
(http://rsiboilers.com/owfi/postpic1.jpg)

(http://rsiboilers.com/owfi/postpic2.jpg)

(http://rsiboilers.com/owfi/postpic3.jpg)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces? Photos part 67.
Post by: lugnut on November 17, 2011, 09:14:48 AM
(http://)http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/)
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces? Photos part 67.
Post by: lugnut on November 17, 2011, 09:18:37 AM
(http://)http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/pb040256.jpg/)


Okay, as far as I know, the photos are available by clicking on the link.  by the way, does anyone happen to know why the "preview" option does not work?  I've attempted to use it on other non-photo occasions and nothing comes up??

Lugnut
Title: Re: Water temperature settings for Outdoor Wood Furnaces???
Post by: RSI on November 17, 2011, 09:26:33 AM
You have to use the link to the actual picture, not the page with the other stuff on it. If you right click the picture and copy image location it will get the actual link.
Here is what it is for the above post.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/3039/pb040256.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/3039/pb040256.jpg)